HC Studio Roselle vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Roselle and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the HC Studio Roselle and the HMX Sunset Gleam both stand out as exceptional linear options, yet they offer distinct tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Roselle is celebrated for its remarkably smooth feel, which stems from a unique material blend—creating a typing sensation that's not only ethereal but also accompanied by a subtle low-pitched sound that many users find appealing. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, known colloquially as the Duck Duck switch, excels with its polished feel and bouncy action, delivering a satisfying clack at the top-out, thanks in part to HMX's renowned factory lube. While the Roselle offers a more muted and bassy auditory profile that may suit those seeking a tranquil typing experience, the Sunset Gleam beckons to enthusiasts who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback with each keystroke. Both switches present compelling reasons to choose one over the other, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HC Studio Roselle and HMX Sunset Gleam switches showcase distinct differences in their housing materials, which significantly affect their sound profiles. The Roselle employs a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is recognized for its ability to produce a uniquely pleasing sound. This POM material tends to create a deeper, more muted audio experience, lending an overall softer character to the switch's auditory feedback. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharper and crisper sound production. Polycarbonate's characteristics, combined with its recognizable translucency, enhance the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it a popular choice for enhancing RGB lighting effects in switches. Thus, while both switches aim to provide high-quality audio feedback, they achieve differing sound profiles through their choice of materials.
When analyzing the bottom housings, the differences between the Roselle and Sunset Gleam switch materials remain significant. The Roselle features a POM bottom housing, which mirrors the attributes of the top housing, contributing to the switch's fuller and muted audio profile. Conversely, the HMX Sunset Gleam employs a nylon bottom housing, a classic choice noted for its softer composition. This softness allows the nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a deeper and rounder acoustic experience that contrasts with the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate top. While the Roselle delivers a more uniform sound throughout, the Sunset Gleam's variation between the top and bottom housings showcases the interplay between the materials, influencing not just the tonal quality but also the tactile experience when typing.
In summary, while both the HC Studio Roselle and HMX Sunset Gleam switches utilize a dual-material approach for their top and bottom housings, they are rooted in distinct characteristics that create contrasting auditory experiences. If both switches were to share the same housing materials, the resulting sound profiles might converge into a singular quality, providing a balanced and potentially harmonized audio output. However, with the current configurations, users can expect a richer palette of sound from the Roselle, focusing on depth and warmth, while the Sunset Gleam offers a bright and lively sound, ideal for those looking to enhance their typing experience with noticeable auditory feedback.
Weight
The HC Studio Roselle and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Roselle has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it a medium-light option, while the Sunset Gleam features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Sunset Gleam requires less force to actuate, providing a softer typing experience that may be preferred during longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, the Roselle's heavier actuation and bottom out forces offer a more substantial tactile feedback, which some typists might favor for a more robust feeling under their fingers. Overall, if you prefer a lighter switch, the Sunset Gleam is the clear choice, while those who like a bit more resistance may gravitate towards the Roselle.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, there is a slight difference to note. The Roselle has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sunset Gleam measures at 3.5 mm. This makes the Sunset Gleam the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that might appeal to gamers seeking quicker actuation for faster response times. On the other hand, the Roselle's longer travel distance of 3.6 mm offers a bit more depth, which can be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial keypress experience. Thus, while both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances for modern switches, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference for either responsiveness or a more tactile depth.
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 HMX Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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 considering the sound signatures of the HC Studio Roselle and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches, there are notable differences. The Roselle produces a low-pitched, subtle sound that can be characterized as bassy and mellow, resulting in a deeper auditory experience. This low-frequency resonance creates a calming typing ambiance, suitable for both home and work environments. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam introduces a resonant, higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp, offering a more immersive typing audio experience. This distinct auditory effect is largely influenced by the board and keycaps used, meaning that while each switch has its unique sound character, both can be tailored to fit different acoustic preferences depending on the overall setup.
In terms of tactile feel, the Roselle offers a mild typing experience that aligns closely with a gentle touch, making it approachable for both beginners and seasoned users alike. Its qualities create a balanced typing sensation without any extreme feedback, which can be comforting for prolonged use. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam boasts a polished, silky feel complemented by a bouncy characteristic. This combination provides a lively typing experience with reduced friction and a pleasant, elastic feedback sensation reminiscent of a spring. The differences in feel indicate that while the Roselle is more about smoothness and a laid-back experience, the Sunset Gleam prioritizes an engaging and dynamic typing interaction.
In summary, both the HC Studio Roselle and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches present unique offerings in terms of sound and feel. The Roselle's low-pitched, mellow audio paired with its mild feel caters to those who prefer a serene typing environment, while the Sunset Gleam’s resonant highs and bouncy tactile feedback appeal to users seeking a more active and expressive experience. Together, these switches provide diverse options that can satisfy a range of preferences, ensuring that newcomers to mechanical keyboards can find their ideal match based on the characteristics that matter most to them.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the HC Studio Roselle and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches depends largely on your typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you prefer a typing experience that is ethereally smooth, with a higher actuation force that delivers a medium-light push—ideal for those who type with a bit more force—you might favor the Roselle. Its low-pitched, bassy sound signature makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise control is important, whilst still providing a satisfying auditory feedback that doesn’t distract. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a lighter touch with a delightful bounce and a polished, silky feel, then the Sunset Gleam would be more suitable for you. Its lighter 48-gram bottom out force makes it perfect for a quicker typing response, and the resonant sound profile adds a crisp clarity that some may find more engaging and lively. Ultimately, your choice should reflect not just how it feels and sounds while typing, but also how well it complements your personal style and the atmosphere in which you’ll be using your keyboard.
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