HC Studio Roselle vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Roselle and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the HC Studio Roselle, a linear switch, and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), also a linear switch. The Roselle is renowned for its unique smoothness, achieved through its material blend, giving it a wispy and frictionless feel. Typing on the Roselles also produces a subtle, low-pitched sound signature. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) stands out for its resonant and clacky notes, with an impeccable factory lube job that ensures each keystroke is silky smooth. The Roselle is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Neutral', while the Strawberry Wine (V2) is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Resonant', 'Silky', 'High-pitched'. The choice between these switches may depend on personal preferences for smoothness, sound profile, and typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
Y3
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Ly
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
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Roselle and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and overall typing experience of these switches. Both switches feature POM top housing, which produces a pleasing and unique sound with a deeper and relatively muted profile. This consistency in the top housing material ensures that users can expect a similar sound and feel when typing on either switch. However, the key point of differentiation lies in the bottom housing material. The Roselle utilizes POM for its bottom housing, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) incorporates nylon. The POM bottom housing of the Roselle contributes to the overall sound profile, emphasizing the deep and muted tones, whereas the nylon bottom housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a different typing experience by absorbing more sound and creating a rounder, duller sound profile.
While the POM top housing of both the HC Studio Roselle and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a consistent sound profile with its pleasing and unique characteristics, the bottom housing materials introduce distinct qualities to each switch. The POM bottom housing of the Roselle enhances the deeper and muted sound profile favored by some users, while the nylon bottom housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a fuller sound with a softer touch. When typing on these switches, users may notice that the bottom-out sound and feel are influenced more by the bottom housing material, with the Roselle emphasizing the qualities of POM and the Strawberry Wine (V2) showcasing the benefits of using nylon. The choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience, catering to different preferences for sound and feel.
In summary, the housing materials of the HC Studio Roselle and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of these switches. While both switches share a POM top housing that offers a pleasing and unique sound with deeper tones, their bottom housing materials differentiate the switches' overall characteristics. The Roselle's POM bottom housing emphasizes deep and muted tones, providing a distinct typing experience, whereas the Strawberry Wine (V2)'s nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a fuller and rounder sound profile. Whether users prefer a sharper, muted sound or a softer, fuller sound, the choice of bottom housing material will significantly influence the typing feel and sound signature of these switches.
Weight
The actuation force for both the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is 45 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of initial key press. However, the bottom out force of the Roselle is slightly heavier at 52 grams compared to the Strawberry Wine (V2) at 50 grams, making the Roselle switch feel slightly firmer when fully pressing a key. This difference in bottom out force may result in a more substantial typing experience on the Roselle switch, while the lighter bottom out force of the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a smoother typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is 3.6mm, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm. This means that the Roselle has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Strawberry Wine. In general, the Roselle may provide a slightly deeper press feel compared to the Strawberry Wine. However, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. So, while the Roselle may offer a slightly longer travel distance, both switches will provide similar results in terms of responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for the feel of the key press.
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 Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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 offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, giving a bassy and mellow tone that is suitable for most users. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch provides a clacky and resonant sound, with a higher-pitched and sharp tone that adds a crisp and bright auditory experience to typing. Depending on personal preference and the setup of your keyboard, the Roselle will give a deeper and richer sound, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) will offer a more percussive and immersive sound.
In terms of feel, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch promises a frictionless and mild typing experience, ensuring smooth and effortless key presses with minimal resistance. This makes it a safe choice for those looking for a comfortable and approachable typing feel. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch delivers a silky typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness and minimizing resistance for both pressing and releasing keys. This switch is ideal for users seeking an exceptionally smooth typing feel.
Overall, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch stands out for its smooth and ethereally wispy feel, with a low-pitched and neutral sound that offers a bassy typing experience. Meanwhile, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch impresses with its resonant and clacky sound profile, coupled with a silky and smooth typing feel. Depending on whether you prefer a deeper and richer sound or a sharper and more percussive sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Regardless of your choice, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, as they are designed to provide optimal performance and comfort for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a smooth and low-pitched typing experience, the Roselle switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a resonant and clacky sound profile with impeccable factory lubrication, then the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch would be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound characteristics.
Mentioned in this article
