Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the HC Studio Roselle are both popular options, each with unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Ink Box Pink is known for its smooth and light typing feel, along with a higher-pitched clack, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a polished and clacky typing experience. On the other hand, the Roselle offers an incredibly smooth and frictionless typing sensation, with a subtle low-pitched sound signature that adds a touch of elegance to each keystroke. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Pink and HC Studio Roselle both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Ink Box Pink utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. On the other hand, the Roselle features POM top and bottom housings, creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both switches offer satisfying sound profiles, the difference in materials leads to distinct typing experiences.
In terms of the top housing material, the Ink Box Pink's INK blend produces a thinner and higher-pitched sound when a key is released, adding to the overall clacky feel of the switch. In comparison, the Roselle's POM top housing brings a more muffled and subdued sound when a key is released, resulting in a smoother typing experience that may be preferred by some users. The contrasting sound profiles of these top housings highlight the impact that housing materials can have on the overall feel of a keyboard switch.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, the characteristics of the INK blend in the Ink Box Pink and the POM material in the Roselle play a role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The INK blend contributes to a pointed and higher-pitched sound upon bottoming out a key, while the POM material creates a deeper and more substantial bottom-out sound. This difference in bottom housing materials showcases how the choice of housing material can affect the tactile feedback and overall typing experience of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the HC Studio Roselle linear switch with 45 grams. Both switches have a medium level bottom out force, with the Ink Box Pink requiring 60 grams and the Roselle needing 52 grams. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Roselle switch, as it has lower actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, users who enjoy a bit more resistance in their keystrokes may opt for the Ink Box Pink switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a smooth and linear typing experience with a moderate key travel distance, making them ideal choices for those who prefer a shorter travel distance compared to other switches on the market. Overall, the travel distance of these switches is equal, ensuring a similar result in key press feel and performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Pink has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Pink for $7.65.
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.
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 Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is known for its high-pitched and clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound that is characterized by a deeper and richer tone during key presses. While the Ink Box Pink delivers a more bright and percussive sound, the Roselle provides a more mellow and bass-heavy sound signature. Ultimately, if you prefer a higher-pitched and clacky sound, the Ink Box Pink would be the better choice, whereas if you lean towards a deeper and bassy sound, the Roselle would be more ideal.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch offers a silky and polished typing experience, emphasizing smoothness and reducing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Conversely, the HC Studio Roselle switch provides a frictionless and mild typing feel, offering an effortlessly smooth experience with minimal resistance or friction. Both switches aim to deliver a refined and smooth typing experience, with the Ink Box Pink focusing on enhancing overall smoothness and the Roselle emphasizing a gentle and approachable typing feel. Ultimately, if you prefer a smoother and more refined typing experience, the Ink Box Pink would be a suitable choice, while the Roselle would cater to those who prefer an effortless and mild typing feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and HC Studio Roselle switches offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. The Ink Box Pink provides a higher-pitched and clacky sound with a silky and polished typing feel, while the Roselle delivers a lower-pitched and bassy sound with a frictionless and mild typing experience. Choosing between the two would depend on whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound with a smoother typing feel (Ink Box Pink) or a richer and deeper sound with an effortless typing experience (Roselle). It's important to consider personal preferences and typing style when selecting the appropriate switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch or the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in typing experience. If you prefer a medium-bottom out force with a lighter typing feel and enjoy a higher-pitched, clacky sound profile, then the Ink Box Pink may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force with an impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy typing sensation, along with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature, then the Roselle switch may be more suitable for your typing needs. Consider the sound and feel preferences described for each switch to make the best decision that aligns with your typing style. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best suits your typing preferences and needs.
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