HC Studio Roselle vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Roselle and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Roselle and the HMX Vintage Citrus both present compelling options for typing enthusiasts and gamers alike, though they cater to different preferences. The Roselle, renowned for its impossibly smooth and ethereal typing experience, offers a unique blend of materials that results in a subtle, low-pitched sound signature, making it feel both bassy and frictionless. This can provide a satisfying and refined experience for those who appreciate a meticulous typing feel. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch is engineered specifically for gamers, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm for rapid-fire inputs. Its bright, clacky sound profile and smooth push feel enhance the gaming experience, giving players the responsiveness they crave. Both switches have their charms—whether it's the Roselle's smoothness and sound or the Vintage Citrus's speed and auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Nylon
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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HC Studio Roselle and HMX Vintage Citrus switches both utilize materials designed to enhance sound and tactile feedback, albeit through different compositions. The Roselle features a POM (polyoxymethylene) top and bottom housing, which is known for producing a unique sound profile that leans towards a deeper and more muted timbre. This uniformity in material across both the top and bottom housings creates a consistent auditory experience, allowing for a cohesive blend of sound when the switches are activated. The smooth surface of POM is also known for its durability, contributing to a pleasant and steady feel while typing, which might appeal to those who prioritize a more understated sound signature.
In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus employs nylon materials for both its top and bottom housing, which inherently produce a different-characteristic sound. Nylon is softer than POM, allowing it to absorb more sound and produce a deeper and fuller acoustic output. This results in a typing experience marked by a duller and rounder sound. Although both switch types aim for a rich sound profile, the Vintage Citrus may feature a somewhat more pronounced impact from the softer material, potentially making it more appealing for users who enjoy a warmer auditory feedback when typing.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Roselle and Vintage Citrus switches can achieve similar acoustic outcomes in terms of a deeper sound profile. Each achieves this through its respective material properties—POM’s unique sound characteristics versus nylon’s sound-absorbing qualities. When you press down on either switch, the bottom housing predominantly influences the sound and feel, while the top housing contributes to the release sound. Consequently, users can expect a satisfying and engaging typing experience from both switches, although the specific acoustic nuances will differ based on the unique properties of POM and nylon.
Weight
When comparing the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, both exhibit relatively close specifications in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, with the Roselle having an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, while the Vintage Citrus requires a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. Although both switches are classified as medium-light, the Roselle is the lighter option, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer key press for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus, with its marginally heavier actuation and bottom out forces, may appeal to those who favor a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, while the differences in force are minimal, users can expect slightly varied tactile experiences based on their preference for actuation and bottoming out forces. If desired, individuals could achieve similar typing results with either switch, given that the differences are within a close range.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, it is evident that the Roselle features a longer travel distance at 3.6 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3.0 mm. The difference of 0.6 mm can significantly influence the typing experience; those who favor a more responsive feel might prefer the Vintage Citrus due to its shallower travel, which can result in faster key actuation—an advantage favored by gamers. Conversely, the Roselle's greater depth may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial keystroke, as it allows for a more pronounced feedback with each key press. Thus, the choice between these switches ultimately hinges on personal preferences for travel distance and tactile experience.
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 HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 presents a subtle, low-pitched sound that’s characterized by a bassy and rich resonance during key presses. This provides a calming auditory experience that many users might find appealing, especially in quiet environments. The sound profile is in the lower frequency range, lending the Roselle a muted and neutral characteristic that makes it versatile for a variety of uses, whether for gaming or typing. In contrast, although the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is primarily designed for gamers, details about its sound profile remain unspecified. This leaves a gap in the understanding of how it would compare acoustically to the Roselle; given that it targets a gaming audience, one could speculate it might favor a more aggressive sound but this cannot be confirmed without further information.
In terms of feel, the Roselle is remarkably smooth and frictionless, delivering an incredibly effortless typing experience. Users will appreciate the mild characteristics of this switch that create a gentle and approachable typing sensation, making it suitable for prolonged usage without fatigue. This is contrasted by the Vintage Citrus, which is engineered for speed and features an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, which suggests a different feeling in the actuation compared to the velvety smoothness of the Roselle. However, the specifics of the tactile sensation for the Vintage Citrus have not been provided, leaving a blanket of uncertainty on how their tactile feedback may measure up to the Roselle.
In conclusion, while the HC Studio Roselle offers a rich and low-pitched sound alongside an ultra-smooth feel, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch remains an enigma in both sound and tactile qualities. The Roselle’s refined auditory feedback and frictionless nature stand in stark contrast to the rapid actuation mechanics envisioned for the Vintage Citrus; however, without additional details on the latter, it’s difficult to fully appreciate how the two switches would function in a real-world scenario. Ultimately, if you're looking for a smooth and rich auditory experience, the Roselle would be your best bet, whereas the Vintage Citrus could potentially offer a lively alternative for gaming, though the specifics remain to be explored.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, consider your primary use case and personal preferences. If you’re someone who thrives on a seamless and smooth typing experience, the Roselle is your go-to option; its frictionless feel and medium-light actuation provide a gentle resistance that’s pleasing for both typing and casual gaming. The low-pitched, bassy sound profile further enhances the overall experience, making it suitable for office environments or late-night gaming sessions where quieter acoustics are a plus. On the other hand, if your gaming style relies heavily on speed and rapid inputs, the Vintage Citrus might serve you better with its 1mm actuation point, allowing you to execute rapid-fire commands efficiently. Coupled with a bright, clacky sound that can add an energetic vibe to your setup, the Vintage Citrus excels in an engaging gaming atmosphere. Therefore, choose the Roselle for smoothness and subtlety, and opt for the Vintage Citrus for speed and auditory flair; your choice will reflect your specific needs and habits.
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