HC Studio Roselle vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Roselle and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence the typing experience. The HC Studio Roselle linear switch stands out for its exceptionally smooth feel, attributed to its unique material blend that provides a frictionless and ethereally soft sensation with each keystroke. Its subtle, low-pitched sound signature creates a calming typing environment, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more subdued auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch offers its own brand of smoothness, utilizing the latest mold technology from Huano to deliver a balanced sound profile that strikes a notable harmony between being not too quiet and not overly resonant—ideal for users who appreciate a bit more feedback without the noise. While both switches share the common trait of smooth linear action, each brings unique auditory and tactile characteristics to the table. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Roselle and the Huano Strawberry Latte exhibit both similarities and differences that significantly affect their sound profiles and overall performance. The Roselle uses POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, which creates a sound that is deep and muted. POM's characteristics contribute to a pleasing auditory experience, particularly emphasizing a deeper tonal quality that favors users looking for a more subdued typing sound. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte features a POK (polyketone) top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The POK material, with its slightly higher coefficient of friction, provides a smoother feel, leading to a more responsive switching action, while its durability outpaces POM. The nylon in the bottom housing, known for its sound-absorbing qualities, further enhances the deeper and fuller sound profile typical of nylon materials.
When considering their sound profiles, the Roselle's consistent use of POM across both housings gives it a uniform deepness in sound, creating an experience that prioritizes a darker auditory signature. The Huano Strawberry Latte, by incorporating nylon for the bottom housing, is able to blend the distinct characteristics of the two materials. The POK top housing contributes to a sharper and more articulate release sound, resulting in a sound profile that can be described as ‘clacky’ in nature, while the nylon bottom dampens these sounds, providing a balance between richness and clarity. The unique inclusion of different materials in the Strawberry Latte allows it to create a hybrid sound experience that some may prefer over the more consistent muted tones of the Roselle.
In terms of durability, the Huano Strawberry Latte may present an advantage with its use of POK in the top housing, which boasts remarkable strength and wear resistance. This is significantly superior to POM, which, while still durable, doesn't offer the same degree of robustness. However, both switches can produce similar results in terms of sound quality, albeit with different characteristics. Users looking for a deeper sound will still find satisfaction in either switch, as each material contributes its own unique properties to the auditory experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will be influenced by personal preference for sound profiles and the tactile feel each switch provides during use.
Weight
The HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Roselle has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorized as medium-light, while the Strawberry Latte features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This difference in actuation force suggests that the Roselle requires a slightly firmer push to register a keystroke, making it preferable for those who favor a more substantial typing experience. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte's lighter forces are well-suited for extended typing or gaming sessions, as they allow for less strain over time. Ultimately, due to its overall lighter specifications, including weight and bottom out force, the Huano Strawberry Latte would be more appealing for users seeking a softer touch, while the HC Studio Roselle might cater to those who enjoy a more pronounced resistance.
Travel distance
Both the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on keys featuring either switch, resulting in comparable responsiveness and key feel. Since both switches have the same travel distance, they will deliver similar results in terms of travel and actuation point, ensuring that typists and gamers alike can enjoy a consistent performance regardless of the switch chosen.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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
When it comes to sound, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch delivers a subtle, low-pitched sound that is characterized as bassy and neutral, making it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in the office. The deeper and richer audio quality enhances the typing experience without being overly resonant. In contrast, while specific sound descriptors for the Huano Strawberry Latte have not been detailed, it is noted that it offers a balanced sound profile that avoids extremes. Consequently, both switches provide a sound experience that is neither overwhelmingly loud nor too quiet, appealing to users who desire a moderate auditory feedback during their typing.
In terms of feel, the Roselle switch boasts exceptional smoothness due to its unique material blend that results in an effortless, frictionless typing experience. This switch allows for fluid key travel, making it a joy to type on, especially for prolonged sessions. Its mild characteristics mean that even those new to mechanical keyboards will find it approachable and comfortable. As for the Strawberry Latte, while specific tactile feedback has not been described, its mention of utilizing the latest available molds suggests a refinement in feel that could mirror the smoothness found in the Roselle. This creates an expectation that the Latte will also provide a satisfying typing experience, although the exact nature of its tactile response remains unspecified.
In summary, both the HC Studio Roselle and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches offer appealing qualities in sound and feel, though they differ in explicit characteristics. The Roselle presents a smooth and bassy typing experience, while the Strawberry Latte promises balanced sound and likely a smooth feel thanks to its modern manufacturing techniques. Ultimately, users can expect a comfortable and enjoyable experience with either switch, especially since they are aligned in terms of delivering a good auditory and tactile experience, making them both compelling options for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the HC Studio Roselle and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a medium-light force that emphasizes a smooth, frictionless experience with a deeper, bassy sound, the Roselle is the better option for you. Its unique material blend not only provides an incredibly smooth keystroke but also an ethereal low-pitched sound that can enhance your typing pleasure, making it especially appealing for those who enjoy a more sensory typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a force of only 45 grams, the Strawberry Latte may be your ideal choice. Known for its super smooth action and balanced sound profile, this switch is excellent for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, where less resistance can lead to quicker key presses. Ultimately, consider your typing habits, sound preferences, and how you want your keyboard experience to feel—whether you lean towards the rich audio signature of the Roselle or the effortless touch of the Strawberry Latte, either switch can cater to your needs in a distinct way.
Mentioned in this article
