HC Studio Roselle vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Roselle and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Roselle and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Roselle is praised for its incredibly smooth feel that is achieved through the material blend, giving it a wispy sensation while typing. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch impresses with its use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, providing a creamy and smooth typing experience reminiscent of its dessert namesake. Additionally, the Roselle presents a subtle, low-pitched sound while typing, while the Vanilla Ice Cream produces a distinct high-pitched and clacky sound. Both switches have their own characteristics that make them appealing to different users, whether you prefer a bassy and frictionless feel or a buttery and creamy touch. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
POK
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Roselle and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The Roselle's POM top housing provides a pleasing and unique sound that is deeper and more muted, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top housing offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. In contrast, the Roselle's POM bottom housing shares similar sound characteristics with the top housing, creating a consistent overall sound profile. However, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing stands out for its exceptional durability and smoothness, enhancing the overall feel of the switch.
The differences between the housing materials of the Roselle and the Vanilla Ice Cream extend beyond just the sound profile. While both switches utilize POM in their top housing, the Vanilla Ice Cream's KTT blend offers a unique blend of materials that contribute to its high-pitched and clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Roselle's POM bottom housing is relatively similar to its top housing, providing a consistent sound profile throughout. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing stands out for its exceptional durability and smoothness, offering a different tactile experience compared to the Roselle.
Overall, the choice between the HC Studio Roselle and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and feel. The Roselle provides a consistent and pleasing sound profile with its POM housing materials, while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a more unique and clacky sound signature with its proprietary KTT blend. Additionally, the durability and smoothness of the POK bottom housing in the Vanilla Ice Cream enhance the overall feel of the switch, making it a standout choice for those seeking a more robust tactile experience. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience, with slight variations in sound and feel to cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that the Roselle requires slightly more force for both actuation and bottom out compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream. The Roselle has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, which is considered light. This means that the Vanilla Ice Cream switch will provide a lighter typing experience, ideal for prolonged typing sessions, while the Roselle switch offers a slightly more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirement.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter range of travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, but if you prefer a slightly longer travel distance, the Roselle would be the better choice. However, if you're looking for a slightly shorter and potentially more responsive feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and what feels more comfortable to the individual user.
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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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
In terms of sound, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is known for its subtle, low-pitched sound signature, giving typists a quiet and mellow auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch stands out with its high-pitched and clacky sound profile, offering a more crisp and sharp typing sound. Depending on personal preferences, those who enjoy a richer and deeper bass tone may lean towards the Roselle, while individuals preferring a cleaner and more resonant sound may opt for the Vanilla Ice Cream.
When it comes to feel, the HC Studio Roselle switch is praised for its frictionless and mild typing experience, providing a smooth and effortless key press without any resistance. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a luxurious and silky typing sensation reminiscent of its dessert namesake. Whether you prefer a gentle and approachable typing experience or a more indulgent and fluid keystroke, both switches cater to different tactile preferences.
In conclusion, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, appealing to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Roselle provides a smooth and mellow typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream delivers a crisp and clacky feel with a high-pitched sound signature. Depending on whether you prioritize tactile feedback or auditory experience, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing enjoyment. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it ultimately boils down to personal preference based on key factors like bottom out force, sound signature, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and enjoy a smooth and wispy typing sensation with a low-pitched sound profile, the HC Studio Roselle might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter bottom out force and appreciate a creamy and buttery typing experience with a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream could be the perfect fit for your typing style. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you as you embark on your journey into the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
Mentioned in this article
