HC Studio Roselle vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Roselle and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The HC Studio Roselle, a linear switch, is renowned for its incredibly smooth and ethereal feel, offering a unique typing experience with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai, also a linear switch, stands out for its distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance and softer acoustics profile, providing a blend of sophistication and performance. While the Roselle is described as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', and 'Low-pitched', the Xinhai is characterized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', and 'Creamy'. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Roselle and the HMX Xinhai offer distinct differences in sound profiles and material properties. The Roselle's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Xinhai's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, giving it an aesthetic edge over the POM top housing of the Roselle. In contrast, the Roselle's POM bottom housing maintains the same pleasing sound profile as the top housing, while the Xinhai's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer material that absorbs more sound.
Despite their differences, both the Roselle and the Xinhai demonstrate the impact of housing material on sound quality in mechanical switches. The POM top and bottom housings of the Roselle contribute to a consistent and pleasing sound profile that is deeper and more muted, providing a unique typing experience. Similarly, the polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing of the Xinhai offer a contrasting sound profile that is sharper and crisper, or deeper and fuller, respectively. These variations in sound profiles highlight the importance of housing material in achieving the desired typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the HC Studio Roselle and the HMX Xinhai ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. The POM and polycarbonate housing materials of the Roselle and Xinhai, respectively, offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in sound. Whether you prefer a deeper and more muted typing experience with the Roselle, or a sharper and crisper sound profile with the Xinhai, both switches provide unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, understanding the impact of housing materials on sound quality can help you make an informed decision when choosing between these two mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is clear that the Xinhai is the lighter option. The Roselle has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Xinhai has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. This difference in force can impact the typing experience significantly. Some users may prefer the lighter Xinhai switch for typing for longer periods, while others may favor the stronger push feel of the Roselle for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for users looking for faster response times. The Roselle has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying depth to the key press compared to the Xinhai. However, both switches offer similar benefits in terms of travel distance, ensuring that users will experience a comparable typing or gaming experience with either option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of the feel and responsiveness desired.
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 Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $2.99.
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 subtly bassy sound profile, providing a deep and rich tone during key presses. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch offers a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance, giving a sharp and clacky sound when pressed. While the Roselle has a more mellow and neutral sound signature, the Xinhai produces a bright and percussive sound. Both switches offer unique acoustics that can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is noted for its frictionless and mild typing experience, offering an impossibly smooth and effortless sensation with minimal resistance. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai linear switch provides a bouncy and creamy feel, giving a spring-like feedback and a buttery typing experience. While the Roselle falls on the side of a gentle and approachable typing experience, the Xinhai delivers a lively and silky feel that can enhance the typing experience for users seeking a more responsive feedback.
In conclusion, the HC Studio Roselle and HMX Xinhai linear switches both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Roselle delivers a smooth and bassy typing experience with a low-pitched sound signature, while the Xinhai provides a crisp and bouncy feel with a bright and clacky sound profile. Depending on personal preference and typing style, users can choose between the smoother and more neutral Roselle or the bouncier and clacky Xinhai to enhance their mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and feel, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a smooth and low-pitched typing experience with a subtle sound signature, the Roselle may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter bottom out force and appreciate a unique blend of softer acoustics with a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, the Xinhai could be more suited to your preferences. Additionally, if you lean towards a neutral sound profile and a frictionless, mild typing feel, the Roselle might cater to your tastes, whereas if you lean towards a clacky sound and bouncy, creamy typing experience, the Xinhai could be more appealing to you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences in terms of typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force.
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