HC Studio Roselle vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Roselle and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to explore are the HC Studio Roselle and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, both linear switches with distinct characteristics. The Roselle is renowned for its exceptionally smooth and whisper-like feel, with a subtle low-pitched sound when typing. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue offers a deep, thocky sound profile and a bouncy feel due to its lengthened single-stage spring. While the Roselle is described as 'Bassy' and 'Frictionless', the Tourmaline Blue is labeled as 'Buttery' and 'Easy-to-press'. Each switch has its unique appeal, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
The HC Studio Roselle features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and relatively muted sound profile. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The difference in materials directly impacts the auditory experience of typing on each keyboard, with the Roselle offering a more subdued sound and the Tourmaline Blue providing a clearer and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to the key switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the HC Studio Roselle and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue feature POM and polycarbonate housings, respectively. The POM bottom housing of the Roselle contributes to its deep and muted sound profile, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue enhances its sharp and crisp sound. The difference in bottom housing materials affects the overall typing experience, influencing the sound and feel when pressing down on the keys. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue may result in a more impactful bottom-out sound and feel compared to the Roselle's POM bottom housing.
Although the top and bottom housings of the HC Studio Roselle and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue differ in material, they each play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound profile of the keyboard switches. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, the top housing primarily impacts the sound when releasing a key. The contrasting qualities of POM and polycarbonate materials offer users a choice between a deeper, more muted sound with the Roselle, or a sharper, crisper sound with the Tourmaline Blue. Ultimately, the selection of housing materials can significantly influence the auditory and tactile experience of using mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that the Roselle is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, whereas the Tourmaline Blue is heavier with an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Roselle may be the more suitable option. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Tourmaline Blue. Overall, the Roselle provides a medium-light feel, while the Tourmaline Blue offers a medium-heavy touch, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that the Roselle has a shorter travel distance of 3.6mm, while the Tourmaline Blue has a longer travel distance of 4mm. The Roselle offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for speed. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue provides a deeper press, which some may find more satisfying and comfortable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference, with the Roselle being the shorter option for faster responses and the Tourmaline Blue offering a deeper key press for a more tactile feel.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 bassy sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory experience for users. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a neutral sound profile, which is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Depending on personal preference and the keyboard setup, users can choose between the deeper tones of the Roselle or the more versatile sound of the Tourmaline Blue.
In terms of feel, the Roselle switch is known for its frictionless and mild typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless keystroke that minimizes resistance. Conversely, the Tourmaline Blue switch provides a buttery and easy-to-press feel, offering a seamless and responsive typing sensation with minimal force required to activate the keys. Both switches fall into the category of mild switches, making them approachable and comfortable for most users.
Overall, both the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Roselle excels in providing a smooth and low-pitched sound with a frictionless typing feel, the Tourmaline Blue stands out for its deep thocky sound and buttery keystroke experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing feel, users can choose between these two switches to enhance their mechanical keyboard setup and typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a high level of quality and performance, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider your preferences for actuation force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and value a smooth and ethereal typing experience with a subtle low-pitched sound, the Roselle may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a deep and thocky sound profile along with a bouncy feel, the Tourmaline Blue might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what typing experience you find most appealing.
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