HC Studio Roselle vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Roselle and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Roselle and the Gazzew U4T stand out as notable options, each offering unique characteristics to enhance the typing experience. The Roselle is a linear switch renowned for its incredibly smooth and ethereal feel, paired with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature. In contrast, the U4T is a tactile switch that combines a satisfying 'thock' sound profile with assertive tactility, providing both auditory and tactile satisfaction with every keystroke. While the Roselle offers a frictionless and mild typing experience, the U4T boasts a sharp tactility and distinctive thockiness. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
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 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Roselle and the Gazzew U4T both bring unique sound profiles to their respective switches. The POM top housing of the Roselle creates a pleasing and relatively muted sound with a deeper profile, while the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. In terms of bottom housings, the POM bottom housing of the Roselle also contributes to a deeper sound profile, while the Gazzew blend bottom housing of the U4T adds to the switch's overall rich and deep sound.
While both the Roselle and the U4T utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, the qualities of these materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, impacting the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing has more of an influence on the sound produced when a key is released, adding to the auditory experience of using the switch. Despite these differences in housing materials, both switches offer unique and enjoyable sound profiles for users to experience.
Overall, the choice between the HC Studio Roselle and the Gazzew U4T will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. The POM housings of the Roselle provide a pleasing and somewhat muted sound, while the Gazzew blend housings of the U4T deliver a rich and deep sound due to their softness. Both switches offer a unique typing experience with their housing materials contributing to the overall sound profile, making them popular choices among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a specific sound and feel in their switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch differ in weight. The Roselle has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the U4T's unknown actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Roselle requires 52 grams, while the U4T has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. The Roselle provides a medium-light typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the U4T offers a medium-heavy feel, perfect for individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience. Overall, individuals looking for a lighter feel may opt for the Roselle, while those preferring a heavier push may lean towards the U4T.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter than the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Roselle offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster input. On the other hand, the U4T provides a bit more depth and feedback with its longer travel distance, which may be favored by those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, but the Roselle will give a slightly quicker feel, while the U4T will provide a bit more feedback and tactile response. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and speed.
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 U4T 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 provides a low-pitched and bassy typing experience, offering a smooth and ethereal sound profile with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch delivers a deep 'thock' sound coupled with a sharp tactile feedback, creating a more pronounced auditory and tactile sensation. While both switches have a bassy sound profile, the Roselle leans towards a smoother and more mellow tone, while the U4T offers a more assertive and satisfying sound experience.
In terms of feel, the HC Studio Roselle switch is characterized by a frictionless and mild typing experience, providing an effortless and smooth key press with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T switch offers a sharp tactile bump that is distinctly felt with each keypress, providing a high feedback intensity for a more pronounced tactile experience. While the Roselle focuses on a gentle and approachable typing feel, the U4T emphasizes a strong and crisp tactile sensation for users who enjoy a more tactile feedback.
Overall, when comparing the HC Studio Roselle linear switch to the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it's clear that they offer distinct sound and feel profiles catering to different preferences. The Roselle excels in delivering a smooth and low-pitched sound with a frictionless and mild typing feel, ideal for those looking for a subtle and easy typing experience. On the other hand, the U4T stands out with its deep 'thock' sound and sharp tactile feedback, providing a more intense and pronounced auditory and tactile satisfaction for users seeking a more engaging typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance in their respective sound and feel attributes, allowing users to select based on their personal preferences for sound and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize an incredibly smooth and frictionless typing feel with a subtle, low-pitched sound profile, the Roselle may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a satisfyingly tactile typing experience with a bassy 'thock' sound, the U4T is a great option. Additionally, if you lean towards a medium-light bottom out force, the Roselle with 52 grams may suit you better, while a medium-heavy 65 grams bottom out force on the U4T might be more appealing to those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what typing experience you value the most.
Mentioned in this article
