HC Studio Roselle vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Roselle and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HC Studio Roselle and the TKC Tangerine mechanical keyboard switches, one immediately notices their shared attribute of smoothness. The Roselle is admired for its unique material blend that offers an impossibly smooth and wispy typing experience, coupled with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature. In contrast, the Tangerine stands out for its incredibly smooth feel, attributed in part to the UHWMPE housings, providing a pleasurable typing experience with a high-pitched clack. While both switches boast a frictionless feel, the Roselle leans towards a neutral and bassy profile, whereas the Tangerine exudes a polished and buttery quality. Ultimately, when choosing between these switches, consider the specific attributes that align with your typing preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The HC Studio Roselle and TKC Tangerine both offer unique housing materials for switches that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Roselle's POM housing creates a deep and muted sound profile, providing a pleasant typing experience. In contrast, the Tangerine's UHWMPE housing offers a bright and resonant sound signature, resulting in distinct clacks while typing. These differences in sound profiles highlight the impact that housing materials can have on the overall feel and sound of a switch.
While the top housing materials of the Roselle and Tangerine switches differ with POM and UHWMPE respectively, both bottom housings are made of the same material. This means that the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches will be influenced by the POM and UHWMPE materials in a similar manner. However, the top housing material will play a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite these differences in housing materials, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences in typing experiences.
Overall, the Roselle and Tangerine switches showcase how housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of a switch. The deep and muted characteristics of the POM housing in the Roselle provide a relaxing typing experience, while the bright and resonant qualities of the UHWMPE housing in the Tangerine offer a more energetic typing feel. Whether one prefers a more subdued typing sound or a louder, more vibrant sound profile, both switches offer distinct options for those looking to customize their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it is evident that there are some notable differences. The Roselle switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Tangerine's unknown actuation force. However, the Tangerine switch has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams compared to the Roselle's 52 grams. This means that the Roselle switch would provide a lighter typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out, while the Tangerine switch offers a heavier typing feel overall. For those who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing sessions, the Roselle may be the better option. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier feel, the Tangerine switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TKC Tangerine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Tangerine switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Roselle switch. The Roselle switch falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which can be preferred by gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch provides a slightly deeper feel with its longer travel distance, which may be more appealing to those who prefer a more substantial keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel. Both options offer different experiences, but regardless of the choice, you will get a satisfying typing experience with either switch.
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 TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30 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, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is best known for its low-pitched and bassy sound signature, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses, while the TKC Tangerine linear switch offers a high-pitched clack when typing, creating a sharp and crisp sound. The Roselle's sound profile tends to be more mellow and bass-heavy, suitable for those who prefer a deeper tone, whereas the Tangerine's sound is sharper and more pronounced, catering to those who enjoy a crisper sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference and how the sound interacts with the chosen keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, both the Roselle and Tangerine linear switches are described as providing a frictionless typing experience. The Roselle offers an impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy sensation during keystrokes, giving a mild and approachable feel that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch is known for its incredibly smooth and buttery feel, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation thanks to the UHWMPE housings and polished finish. Both switches prioritize a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, but the Tangerine may appeal more to those seeking an even more refined and polished typing feel.
In conclusion, while the HC Studio Roselle linear switch excels in providing a low-pitched, bassy sound profile and a mild, frictionless typing experience, the TKC Tangerine linear switch stands out with its high-pitched clack sound and buttery, polished feel. Both switches offer incredibly smooth and enjoyable typing experiences, making them excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the decision between the Roselle and Tangerine switches will come down to personal sound and feel preferences, as well as how these qualities complement the overall typing setup. Regardless of choice, both switches are sure to deliver a top-tier typing experience for newcomers and experienced users alike.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a subtle, low-pitched sound signature, the Roselle may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium bottom out force and a high-pitched clack sound, the Tangerine could be the ideal option. Both switches offer a frictionless typing experience, but the Roselle is described as mild while the Tangerine is described as buttery and polished. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force.
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