HC Studio Roselle vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Roselle and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Roselle is celebrated for its incredibly smooth and frictionless typing experience, with a subtle, low-pitched sound that adds an element of sophistication. On the other hand, the White Lotus offers a delicate tactility that is perfect for prolonged typing sessions, along with the added bonus of customizable RGB lighting effects. While the Roselle boasts a more neutral and bassy feel, the White Lotus is noted for being easy-to-press and subtle in its tactile feedback. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Roselle and the Durock White Lotus both offer unique qualities that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Roselle's POM top and bottom housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the White Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing provides a premium feel. Both switches aim to deliver a high-quality typing experience with their distinct housing materials.
While the Roselle and White Lotus differ in their top housing materials, they both aim to enhance the sound profile of the switches. The POM bottom housing of the Roselle and the nylon bottom housing of the White Lotus both contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the softer nature of the nylon material in the White Lotus absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM material of the Roselle.
In terms of feel and sound impact, the choice of housing material for both the top and bottom of the switch plays a crucial role. The bottom housing of a switch has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed down, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Despite the differences in housing materials between the Roselle and White Lotus, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound profiles.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch are relatively similar, both falling into the medium-light category. The Roselle has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, while the White Lotus has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams. This means that both switches offer a relatively light typing experience, making them suitable for extended typing sessions. The slight difference in force between the two switches may not be very noticeable in practical use, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel. Overall, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of the weight of the keystrokes, with the Roselle being slightly lighter and the White Lotus being slightly heavier.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Durock White Lotus tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Roselle offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers or those who desire a more responsive keypress. On the other hand, the White Lotus provides a bit more depth to the keystroke, which some users may find more satisfying or comfortable for typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and typing experience. Both switches offer a different tactile feel due to their varying travel distances, so users can expect distinct results when using each switch.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 best known for its low-pitched and bassy sound signature, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch also has a low-pitched sound profile, ensuring a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is recognized for its frictionless and mild typing experience, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing feel with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers an easy-to-press sensation with gentle resistance and minimal force required to activate the keys. Both switches fall under the mild category, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The White Lotus switch also has a subtle quality, ensuring a gentle resistance for comfortable extended typing sessions without producing a resonant sound, making it suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch stands out for its impossibly smooth and wispy typing sensation with a subtle, low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers a delicate tactility and balance that caters to discerning typists, along with the added feature of vibrant RGB lighting effects. While the Roselle switch excels in providing a frictionless typing experience, the White Lotus switch prioritizes ease of pressing and low-impact typing feel. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users seeking smoothness, tactility, and sound characteristics in their mechanical keyboard switches. Ultimately, whether choosing the HC Studio Roselle or the Durock White Lotus, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of smoothness, tactility, and overall typing satisfaction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize an exceptionally smooth and airy typing sensation with a subtle, low-pitched sound, the Roselle switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a delicate tactility that enhances your typing without overwhelming you, along with the option for vibrant RGB lighting effects, the White Lotus switch would be a great fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value the unique smoothness and sound profile of the Roselle or the gentle tactility and customizable lighting of the White Lotus. Both switches offer excellent quality and performance, so it ultimately comes down to your personal typing preferences.
Mentioned in this article
