Kailh Box Royal vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and HC Studio Roselle stand out for their unique characteristics. The Box Royal is a tactile switch that offers a sharp, binary tactility, making it ideal for those who prefer a more aggressive typing experience. On the other hand, the Roselle is a linear switch known for its incredibly smooth and ethereal feel, providing a unique typing sensation that is hard to find elsewhere. While the Box Royal is categorized as 'Sharp' and 'High-pitched', the Roselle is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. Each switch offers distinct pros and cons, but ultimately the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and typing style. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and HC Studio Roselle switches differ in terms of material composition and resulting sound profiles. The Box Royal features a nylon top and bottom housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. In contrast, the Roselle utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and more muted compared to nylon. While both housing materials aim to enhance the typing experience through sound dampening, they each offer a distinct sound profile that caters to different preferences.
Despite their differences, both the Kailh Box Royal and HC Studio Roselle switches share a common goal of providing a deeper and fuller sound profile for users. The nylon top housing of the Box Royal and the POM top housing of the Roselle both contribute to a sound that is richer and more satisfying to the ear. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Box Royal and the POM bottom housing of the Roselle work to further enhance the typing experience by absorbing sound and creating a more muted overall sound profile. While their materials may vary, both switches deliver a sound profile that is designed to offer a satisfying typing experience for users.
In terms of functionality, the differences in housing materials between the Kailh Box Royal and HC Studio Roselle switches can impact the overall typing experience for users. The split between the top and bottom housing materials means that the qualities of each material are distinctly felt when using the switches. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This division allows for a more nuanced typing experience that takes into account the different impacts of the housing materials on each stage of the typing process.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, we can see a difference in their force requirements. The Box Royal has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams compared to the Roselle's 52 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent force needed to trigger a keystroke. The lighter bottom out force of the Roselle may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, such as during work or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. In comparison to switches with different travel distances, such as shorter or longer ones, both the Box Royal and Roselle offer a consistent experience in terms of key press feel and actuation depth.
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 Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25 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, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is known for its high-pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp noise with each key press. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offers a more bassy and low-pitched sound signature, providing a deeper and richer tone during typing. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference for sound, with the Box Royal catering to those who enjoy a higher-pitched sound and the Roselle appealing to individuals seeking a more mellow and bass-heavy typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Box Royal tactile switch is described as having a sharp tactile feedback, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that is distinctly felt with every key press. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offers a frictionless typing experience, providing an extremely smooth and effortless key press without any sense of resistance or friction. The Roselle switch is also categorized as offering a mild typing experience, making it approachable to most users due to its middle-ground qualities. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a sharp and intense tactile feedback or a smooth and gentle typing experience.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royal is best suited for individuals seeking an aggressive tactility and a higher-pitched sound profile, while the Roselle is ideal for those looking for a smooth and ethereally smooth typing experience with a more bassy and low-pitched sound signature. Both switches have their unique advantages, and choosing between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference for sound and feel. However, it is important to note that individual results may vary based on factors such as typing style, keyboard case material, keycap material, and other contributing factors.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for an incredibly tactile and high-feedback keyboard experience, then the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a sharp tactility and higher-pitched sound profile that can provide a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a more pronounced feedback. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a more subtle typing experience, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch would be more suitable for you. With its frictionless and mild characteristics, the Roselle provides a smooth and effortless typing experience with a subtle low-pitched sound signature. Ultimately, your choice between the Box Royal and Roselle switches will depend on whether you prioritize extreme tactility or smoothness in your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
