HC Studio Roselle vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Roselle and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HC Studio Roselle linear switch to the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, one can't help but notice the distinct differences in their characteristics. The Roselle is praised for its incredibly smooth and ethereal typing experience, accompanied by a subtle, low-pitched sound signature. On the other hand, the U4 stands out for its sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, coupled with a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation and a whisper-quiet sound profile. While the Roselle offers a frictionless and neutral typing feel, the U4 provides a muted and sharp tactile experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your preference for smoothness and quiet operation (Roselle) or sharp tactility and plush bottom-out feeling (U4). 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HC Studio Roselle and the Gazzew U4, it is clear that both keyboards prioritize creating a unique and pleasing sound profile. The Roselle utilizes a POM top housing, which is known for delivering a deep and muted sound profile. On the other hand, the U4 features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," that also produces a rich and deep sound due to its softness. While the materials are different, both keyboards aim to offer a similar immersive sound experience for users.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Roselle and the Gazzew U4 continue to prioritize the creation of a deep and pleasing sound profile. The Roselle's POM bottom housing mirrors the characteristics of the top housing, providing a deep and muted sound. Similarly, the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, with its "boba plastic" composition, offers a rich and deep sound experience. Even though the materials differ, the bottom housings of both keyboards enhance the overall sound quality, providing users with a satisfying typing experience.
It is important to note that the different housing materials in the Roselle and Gazzew U4 switches influence the overall sound and feel of the keyboards. While the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both keyboards are designed to deliver a unique and immersive typing experience, ensuring that users can enjoy a satisfying sound profile with each keystroke. Ultimately, whether you choose the Roselle or Gazzew U4, you can expect a similar level of attention to detail and commitment to enhancing the overall typing experience through innovative housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, we can see that both switches have a similar actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Roselle has a lighter bottom out force of 52 grams compared to the U4's heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that the Roselle switch provides a smoother typing experience with a lighter touch, making it ideal for those who type for extended periods. On the other hand, the U4 switch offers a more substantial typing feel with a heavier bottom out force, which may appeal to users looking for a firmer key press. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their bottom out force, with the Roselle being lighter and the U4 being heavier, catering to different preferences based on typing style and desired feedback.
Travel distance
Both the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch have a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer a similar typing experience. However, the Roselle is a linear switch, meaning it has a smooth keystroke with no tactile bump, while the U4 is a tactile switch, providing a bump in the keystroke to indicate actuation. So, while the travel distance is the same for both switches, the typing experience will vary based on the switch type.
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 Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50 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
When it comes to sound, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is described as having a subtle, low-pitched sound profile that adds a pleasing bassy undertone to typing. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is known for its whisper-quiet, muted sound that minimizes noise. Both switches have a low-pitched sound, but the Roselle provides a deeper and richer tone compared to the U4, which offers a softer and more mellow sound. Depending on personal preference and the overall keyboard setup, users can choose between the bassy richness of the Roselle or the whisper-quiet profile of the U4.
In terms of feel, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch boasts an impossibly smooth and frictionless typing experience, offering a mild and gentle tactile feedback that appeals to a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is known for its sharp tactile bump that provides a strong and crisp feedback intensity with each keypress. While the Roselle excels in delivering a frictionless and mild typing experience, the U4 stands out for its sharp and distinct tactile bump that can enhance typing accuracy and feedback. Users can choose between the smoothness of the Roselle or the pronounced tactile bump of the U4 based on their typing preferences.
Considering all the available information, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Roselle delivers a bassy sound with a frictionless feel, while the U4 provides a muted sound with a sharp tactile bump. Depending on whether users prefer a deeper sound profile and smooth typing experience or a quieter sound with a pronounced tactile bump, they can choose between the Roselle and the U4 switches to customize their mechanical keyboard setup for an optimal typing experience. While each switch has its unique qualities, users can expect consistent results in sound and feel based on the descriptions provided.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a smooth and frictionless feel with a subtle, low-pitched sound, the Roselle may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump accompanied by a plush bottom-out sensation and a whisper-quiet sound profile, the U4 might be more suited to your liking. Additionally, take into account the slightly lighter bottom-out force of the Roselle compared to the U4, which may also influence your decision based on your typing habits and preferences. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
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