Kailh Berry vs. HC Studio Crabapple
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the HC Studio Crabapple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Berry and HC Studio Crabapple both stand out as popular linear options, each offering unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Kailh Berry switch is renowned for its hefty typing experience, characterized by a springy feel and chalk-like texture, along with a deep sound profile categorized as textured, low-pitched, and bassy. On the other hand, the HC Studio Crabapple switch, crafted entirely from POM, boasts an effortlessly frictionless typing journey with a dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each downstroke. Its mild and understated sound signature is categorized as frictionless, mild, subdued, and textured. While these general pointers can help you narrow down your choice, diving deeper into the specifics of each switch will ultimately enable you to make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
Lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Berry and HC Studio Crabapple switches differ in terms of their top and bottom housings. The Berry features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile ideal for RGB lighting, while the Crabapple's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. On the other hand, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This contrast in top housing materials results in distinct auditory experiences between the two switches, with the Berry offering a clear and resonant sound compared to the Crabapple's more mellow tones.
In terms of construction, the Berry and Crabapple switches both prioritize sound quality but achieve this through different housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the Berry emphasizes clarity and brightness, enhancing the overall sound profile for users who prefer a sharper typing experience. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Crabapple offers a richer and more subdued sound, catering to those who prefer a deeper typing sound with less emphasis on sharpness. However, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, ensuring a consistent feel and sound that is deeper and fuller, regardless of the top housing material used.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Berry and HC Studio Crabapple switches comes down to personal preference for sound quality and typing experience. While the Berry's polycarbonate top housing provides a crisper sound and aesthetic appeal with RGB lighting, the Crabapple's POM top housing offers a unique and pleasing sound that leans towards deeper tones. However, the shared nylon bottom housing guarantees a consistent typing experience with a focus on producing a fuller and more rounded sound profile. Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the two switches cater to different user preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, it is evident that they offer different typing experiences. The Berry switch has a unique characteristic of having no actuation force specified, making it unclear how much force is needed to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Crabapple switch has a low actuation force of 37 grams, making it a lighter option for typing. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Berry switch requires a heavier 70 grams of force, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Crabapple switch only requires 45 grams of force to bottom out, making it a lighter option for those who prefer less resistance while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences, with the Berry switch offering a heavier typing experience and the Crabapple switch providing a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch both have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and smooth typing experience due to their identical travel distances. In terms of travel distance, there is no distinguishable difference between the two switches, making them equally suitable for users looking for a consistent typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HC Studio Crabapple has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crabapple for $4.70.
The Kailh Berry 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Berry linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy typing experience, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch produces a more subdued sound, offering a dampened and subtle sound signature. Both switches provide unique auditory feedback, with the Berry emphasizing a mellow tone and the Crabapple focusing on a more understated sound.
Moving on to the feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch is described as textured, providing a springy typing experience with a chalk-like texture. This switch offers noticeable friction when pressed, catering to users who appreciate a subtle texture during typing. Conversely, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch boasts a frictionless and mild typing journey, crafted entirely from POM to offer an effortlessly smooth and fluid key press. The Crabapple switch falls under the category of a mild switch, providing a gentle typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users.
Overall, the Kailh Berry linear switch excels in providing a deep and rich sound profile, complemented by its textured typing experience. On the other hand, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch offers a more subdued sound with a frictionless and gentle typing feel. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the more textured and springy typing experience of the Berry or the smooth and effortless typing journey of the Crabapple. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences and typing styles.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a heavier typing feel with a springy texture and deep sound profile, the Kailh Berry switch may be more suitable for you. However, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a frictionless feel and mild, understated sound profile, the HC Studio Crabapple switch might be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific typing feel and sound profile that aligns with your preferences for a mechanical keyboard switch.
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