HC Studio Roselle vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Roselle and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HC Studio Roselle and the Bsun Tomcat both offer linear experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Roselle is celebrated for its impossibly smooth feel, thanks to its unique material blend that provides a frictionless typing sensation. Additionally, it emits a subtle, low-pitched sound, creating a calming auditory backdrop that many users find appealing. In contrast, the Tomcat switches boast Ly stems, promoting a super smooth typing experience as well, but they come with a resonant sound profile that adds a distinctive character to each keystroke. While the Roselle emphasizes a mild and neutral tone, the Tomcat likely introduces more of a dynamic acoustic element. Each switch carries its own unique advantages depending on what aspects of the typing experience you prioritize – whether it be the airy smoothness and subtle sound of the Roselle or the resonant feedback from the Tomcat. 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
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 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
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
Extended spring
Housing materials
The HC Studio Roselle and Bsun Tomcat utilize different materials for their top housings, resulting in distinct auditory experiences. The Roselle features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is known for producing a sound profile that leans toward the deeper and more muted side. In contrast, the Tomcat boasts a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate allows it to resonate clearly due to its structural properties, providing a more pronounced sound. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate's translucency enhances compatibility with RGB lighting, giving it a distinct visual appeal, while the muted tones of POM contribute to its unique auditory charm.
When examining the bottom housing components, the Roselle’s POM material again aims to create a muted and pleasant sound experience, similar to its top housing qualities. In contrast, the Tomcat utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, a material known for its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper and fuller auditory profile. This difference is particularly important as the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. While both housing types focus on enhancing the typing experience, the Roselle’s POM may provide a more cohesive sound across the board, whereas the nylon in the Tomcat is likely to offer a richer resonance upon pressing down.
Ultimately, the disparities in housing materials for the Roselle and Tomcat suggest varied but complementary experiences. Although both switches aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience, the Roselle’s harmonious integration of POM in both top and bottom housings contributes to a distinct sound profile that emphasizes the muted, pleasing qualities of POM. The Tomcat, with its combination of polycarbonate and nylon, strategically leverages the strengths of each material to achieve a more pronounced sound, blending clarity with the richness of sound absorption. In essence, each switch embodies its own character, yet users will find satisfaction in the unique results produced by the diverse materials used in their respective designs.
Weight
The HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch present an interesting comparison when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means users can expect a similar keystroke trigger experience, making them both suitable for prolonged use during typing or gaming sessions. However, when looking at the bottom out forces, the Roselle has a bottom out force of 52 grams, while the Tomcat's bottom out force is slightly heavier at 54 grams. This difference means that while both switches are medium-light, the Roselle will likely feel a bit lighter at the bottom of the keystroke, providing a softer overall experience compared to the Tomcat. Consequently, those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Roselle more appealing, while users desiring a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Tomcat due to its heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch share identical travel distances of 3.6 mm, meaning that both switches offer the same keypress experience in terms of the distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that users will achieve comparable results when pressing down on either switch, providing a consistent feel regardless of the choice. Therefore, for those who prioritize a switch with a defined travel distance, both the Roselle and Tomcat are equally suited, delivering the same tactile response.
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 Bsun Tomcat comes in at $2.99 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
The HC Studio Roselle linear switch is characterized by its low-pitched and bassy sound profile, which creates a deep and rich audio experience when typing. The inherent material blend contributes to this subtle sound signature, offering a warm and mellow tone that is less intrusive, making it suitable for office environments or shared spaces. The sound is further complemented by a neutral aspect that ensures it doesn't overwhelm users, regardless of their skill level. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch is known for its resonant sound profile, though specifics on its tone and characteristics are less detailed. This resonance might affect the overall auditory experience differently, but like the Roselle, the sound will also be dependent on the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Roselle switches provide an impressively frictionless typing experience, allowing for effortless key presses with minimal resistance. This contributes to a fluid travel that many users find appealing, especially when typing for extended periods. Additionally, the mild nature of the switch offers a gentle approachability, suitable for users who prefer a balanced experience that doesn't lean too heavily into either end of the tactile spectrum. The Tomcat switch, equipped with Ly stems, is also designed for a super smooth typing experience, but without specific descriptors available, it's challenging to compare the precise sensations they offer. However, it can be inferred that both switches aim to deliver a comfortable feel, albeit the uniqueness of each may resonate differently with individual users.
In conclusion, while the HC Studio Roselle linear switch excels in providing a buttery smooth, low-pitched auditory and tactile experience, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch promises its own level of smoothness with a resonant sound profile, though specific details are sparse. Those who choose either switch can expect to enjoy a satisfying typing experience; however, the unique qualities of the Roselle, such as its subtle bass and frictionless feel, may appeal more to users seeking a softer and warmer sound along with an effortless action. Ultimately, both switches cater to the smooth typing experience, yet their differing sound profiles and feel characteristics will suit different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HC Studio Roselle and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using them. If you prefer a super smooth and effortlessly frictionless typing experience, the Roselle switches are an excellent choice. Their medium-light bottom out force of 52 grams, combined with a unique material blend, ensures not only an exceptionally smooth feel but also a subtle, low-pitched sound that lends a deeper richness to your keystrokes. This makes them ideal for both casual and more focused typing situations, whether at home or in the office. On the other hand, if you lean towards a slightly firmer feel with a resonant sound profile, the Tomcat switches, with a bottom out force of 54 grams, might suit you better. Their Ly stems provide a smooth action, making them a good choice for gamers and typists who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. Ultimately, assess your own typing style, sound preference, and usage environment to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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