Gateron Oil King vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that delivers a buttery smooth typing experience, two popular options stand out - the Gateron Oil King and the HC Studio Roselle, both of which are linear switches. The Oil King is renowned for its low-pitched, creamy, and silky feel, with a sound profile that resembles the satisfying snap of a dark chocolate bar. On the other hand, the Roselle impresses users with its unique blend of materials that provides an exceptionally smooth and frictionless typing experience, accompanied by a subtle low-pitched sound when typing. While both switches offer a smooth typing experience, the Oil King leans towards a buttery and polished feel, whereas the Roselle provides a more neutral and mild sensation. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Nylon
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
Color coated
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Oil King and HC Studio Roselle both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Oil King's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Roselle's POM top housing creates a more muted and deeper sound, offering a different typing experience for users. Despite their differences, both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing experience with their top housing materials.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Gateron Oil King's proprietary INK blend offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. On the other hand, the Roselle's POM bottom housing creates a unique and pleasing deep sound. While the sound profiles may be different, both switches prioritize sound quality and aim to provide users with a satisfying typing experience. The choice between the two hinges on personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Oil King and HC Studio Roselle play a significant role in the overall typing experience. The differences in sound profiles between the two switches can be attributed to their unique housing materials, whether it's the nylon and INK blend of the Oil King or the POM used in the Roselle. Despite their variations, both switches are designed to deliver a satisfying and pleasurable typing experience for users, making them popular choices among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound or a more muted and unique sound, both switches offer quality housing materials that cater to different preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it is evident that the Oil King is heavier compared to the Roselle. The Oil King has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Roselle has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, falling into the medium-light category. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Roselle, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. In contrast, the Oil King is better suited for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Gateron Oil King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Oil King being on the longer side and the Roselle slightly shorter. Gamers may prefer the Roselle for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while individuals looking for a more substantial key press may opt for the Oil King. Ultimately, the travel distance of a switch comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Gateron Oil King comes in at $6.50 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
In terms of sound, both the Gateron Oil King and the HC Studio Roselle linear switches offer a bassy and low-pitched sound profile during key presses. This means that they provide a deeper and richer acoustics, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the Roselle switch is also described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments and users. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Oil King switch is known for its creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. This translates to a smooth and effortless keystroke that feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle switch provides a frictionless and mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that most users will find approachable. Both switches aim to minimize resistance and provide a fluid travel for an enjoyable typing sensation.
Overall, both the Gateron Oil King and the HC Studio Roselle linear switches offer exceptional smoothness in their operation. While the Oil King switch boasts a slightly creamier and polished feel, the Roselle switch focuses on delivering a frictionless and mild typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to individual preferences and the specific typing experience you are seeking.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Oil King and the HC Studio Roselle linear switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a switch. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a creamy, silky typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, then the Oil King would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a frictionless, mild typing experience with a bassy sound profile, then the Roselle would be the better option. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and desired typing feel when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your individual needs and preferences.
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