HC Studio Roselle vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Roselle and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HC Studio Roselle and the KTT Wine Red both offer unique qualities to consider. The Roselle is praised for its incredibly smooth and frictionless typing experience, with a low-pitched sound signature that adds to its appeal. On the other hand, the Wine Red switches are loved for their plush and light typing feel, accompanied by a deep and rich sound profile. While both switches share a 'bassy' sound characteristic, the Roselle is described as 'mild' and 'neutral' in comparison to the Wine Red. 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
44g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Roselle and the KTT Wine Red switches offer different sound profiles and tactile experiences due to their material composition. The Roselle's POM top and bottom housing create a deeper and more muted sound profile overall, while the KTT Wine Red's polycarbonate top and bottom housing produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This difference in sound can be attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate plastic, which leads to a clearer and more resonant sound compared to POM. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, as it allows light to shine through for a visually appealing effect.
Despite their differences, both the Roselle and Wine Red switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The POM housing of the Roselle creates a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper side, whereas the polycarbonate housing of the Wine Red provides a sharper and more vibrant sound experience. While the bottom housing of a switch influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. This split in housing materials allows for a varied tactile experience for users depending on their typing style and preferences.
In conclusion, the choice between POM and polycarbonate housing materials for switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired sound profile. Both the HC Studio Roselle and KTT Wine Red switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. Whether one prefers a deeper and more muted sound profile like that of the POM housing, or a sharper and crisper sound profile from polycarbonate, both switches provide unique typing experiences that can enhance the overall user experience. Ultimately, understanding the impact of housing materials on sound and feel can help individuals make an informed decision when selecting a switch for their keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall under the category of medium-light in terms of force. The Roselle has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Wine Red's 44 grams, while the Roselle's bottom out force of 52 grams is lighter than the Wine Red's 55 grams. The difference in force between the two switches is minimal, making their typing experience quite similar. The weight of a switch is crucial as it impacts the typing experience. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Roselle for longer typing sessions, while others may opt for the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Wine Red for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, both switches offer a balance between actuation and bottom out force, catering to a wide range of preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is 3.6 mm, whereas the KTT Wine Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Roselle being on the shallower end and the Wine Red being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the Roselle for its shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Wine Red with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing 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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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, both the HC Studio Roselle and KTT Wine Red switches are known for their bassy and low-pitched profiles, offering a deep and rich typing experience. The Roselle has a subtle, low-pitched sound signature that adds to its ethereally smooth feel, while the Wine Red provides a satisfyingly deep and rich sound that complements its pillowy light type feel. The choice between the two would largely come down to personal preference, as both switches offer a pleasant auditory experience that can enhance the overall typing feel.
Moving on to the feel, the Roselle is praised for its frictionless nature, providing an impossibly smooth and effortless typing experience without any sense of resistance or friction. This contributes to the switch's ethereal smoothness and light feel. Although the specific feel of the Wine Red switch is unknown, if it aligns with the Roselle's pillowy light type feel, users can expect a gentle and approachable typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. Ultimately, the feel of a switch is a crucial factor in determining overall typing comfort and satisfaction.
In conclusion, both the HC Studio Roselle and KTT Wine Red linear switches offer unique subjective qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Roselle boasts an impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy feel with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature, the Wine Red provides a pillowy light type feel coupled with a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile. Whether you prioritize a frictionless typing experience or a gentle feel, both switches can deliver similar results in terms of sound and feel, making them solid choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a premium typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a smooth and ethereally wispy typing experience with a subtle, low-pitched sound profile, the Roselle switches are the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a pillowy light type feel with a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, the Wine Red switches are the better choice. Both switches offer a medium-light bottom out force, but the Roselle provides a frictionless and mild typing experience, while the Wine Red offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your preference for typing feel and sound characteristics. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences to enhance your overall keyboard experience.
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