HC Studio Roselle vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Roselle and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Roselle and KTT Strawberry are worth exploring. The Roselle, a linear switch, stands out for its incredibly smooth and wispy feel that is inherent to its material blend, creating a unique typing experience with a subtle, low-pitched sound. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry, also a linear switch, is favored for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, housed in an aesthetically pleasing pink and clear casing. Both switches offer low-pitched and frictionless characteristics, but the Roselle leans towards a more neutral and mild sensation, while the Strawberry boasts a silky, buttery, and polished touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Both the HC Studio Roselle and the KTT Strawberry utilize different materials for their top and bottom housing components, with the Roselle featuring POM housings while the Strawberry incorporates polycarbonate housings. The Roselle's POM top and bottom housing create a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Strawberry's polycarbonate housings produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile, making it ideal for switches that use RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Despite their different housing materials, both the HC Studio Roselle and the KTT Strawberry aim to provide users with a unique and pleasing sound experience. The POM bottom housing in the Roselle impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Strawberry contributes to the overall sound profile. Similarly, the POM top housing in the Roselle affects the sound when a key is released, while the polycarbonate top housing in the Strawberry plays a crucial role in creating a sharp and crisp sound profile.
In terms of functionality, the choice between POM and polycarbonate housing materials may come down to personal preference. While the POM housing in the Roselle offers a more muted sound profile, the polycarbonate housing in the Strawberry produces a sharper and crisper sound. Both materials have their own unique qualities that impact the overall sound experience of the switch, making them suitable options for users looking for different sound profiles in their mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, the decision between the HC Studio Roselle and the KTT Strawberry may depend on the user's preference for sound characteristics and aesthetical considerations.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it is evident that the Roselle is lighter in both aspects. The Roselle has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Strawberry has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, placing it in the medium category. The Roselle provides a slightly lighter typing experience overall compared to the Strawberry. Those who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Roselle, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the slightly heavier Strawberry. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience desired.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it is clear that the Roselle has a shorter travel distance of 3.6mm compared to the 4mm travel distance of the Strawberry. The Roselle's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Strawberry's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether a shorter or longer travel distance is desired for a particular typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HC Studio Roselle has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Roselle for $4.70.
The KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is best described as having a bassy and low-pitched sound signature, offering a deeper and richer tone with a lower frequency range. This sound profile adds a unique depth to the typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is known for its low-pitched sound, contributing to a more mellow and bass-heavy tone during key presses. Both switches provide a satisfying auditory experience, with the Roselle offering a slightly more bass-rich sound compared to the Strawberry.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is praised for its frictionless and mild typing experience. The switch provides an impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy sensation, offering minimal resistance and a fluid travel. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is known for its frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel. These characteristics result in an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, with reduced friction and a sleek key travel. Both switches excel in providing a comfortable and enjoyable feel while typing, with the Roselle leaning towards a more mild experience and the Strawberry offering a silkier and buttery sensation.
Overall, both the HC Studio Roselle and KTT Strawberry linear switches offer exceptional qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Roselle provides a bassy sound and a mild feel with a unique smoothness, the Strawberry excels in delivering a low-pitched sound and a silkier, buttery feel. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between the deeper tone of the Roselle or the mellow sound of the Strawberry, while also considering the differences in typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will result in a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience, with each switch offering its own distinctive qualities to enhance your typing journey.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, consider the following guidelines: Choose the Roselle if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, a subtle low-pitched sound signature, and a frictionless and mild typing experience. The Roselle is ideal for those who value an impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy typing sensation. On the other hand, opt for the Strawberry if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a low-pitched sound profile, and a switch known for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. The Strawberry offers a silky, buttery, and polished typing experience, making it a great choice for those who prioritize smoothness and overall typing comfort. Ultimately, your decision should align with your preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force to ensure a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
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