Kailh Box Jade vs. HC Studio Crabapple
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the HC Studio Crabapple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and HC Studio Crabapple offer unique typing experiences. The Box Jade is perfect for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing on them a satisfying experience. On the other hand, the Crabapple switches, crafted entirely from POM, provide a frictionless typing journey with a dry smoothness that is complemented by a subtle texture felt with each keystroke. Their sound signature is mild and understated, offering a different typing feel compared to the Box Jade. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on 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
50g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the HC Studio Crabapple, it is clear that they both prioritize creating a unique sound profile for the user. The Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those looking for a high-pitched typing experience. On the other hand, the Crabapple's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, catering to individuals who prefer a softer typing experience. Despite their differences, both materials are chosen for their ability to enhance the overall sound quality of the switch.
The differentiation of housing materials extends to the bottom housings of the switches as well. The Box Jade's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience. Similarly, the Crabapple's POM bottom housing contributes to the unique sound profile of the switch by adding to the deeper and more muted tones of the typing experience. While the materials may vary, the focus remains on providing users with a satisfying and distinct sound while typing.
Overall, whether you choose the Kailh Box Jade or the HC Studio Crabapple, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with attention to sound profile. While the top and bottom housing materials differ, both switches prioritize creating a unique and pleasing sound for the user. The polycarbonate and POM materials each bring their own characteristics to the table, enhancing the overall typing experience and catering to different preferences in sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches offer a well-rounded typing experience with a focus on sound quality.
Weight
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch. The Box Jade requires 50 grams of force to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, while the Crabapple only requires 37 grams to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out. This makes the Crabapple lighter in terms of force needed to type, which may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. However, some may prefer the stronger push feel of the Box Jade for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this aspect. With both switches having the same travel distance, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of how far the keys travel from top to bottom. This means that whether you choose the Box Jade clicky switch or the Crabapple linear switch, you will get consistent results in terms of the distance the keys travel when pressed. Overall, both switches offer a standard travel distance that can cater to different preferences for typing and gaming.
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 Box Jade comes in at $5.50 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, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch offers a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp audio feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch presents a more subdued sound signature, offering a quieter and more understated typing experience. Depending on personal preference, the Box Jade would be ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced and audible typing feedback, while the Crabapple would suit individuals looking for a more subtle and gentle sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box Jade is characterized by its accented and invigorating tactile feedback, providing a medium level of tactility and a satisfying typing sensation. Conversely, the HC Studio Crabapple switch offers a frictionless and mild typing experience, with a smooth and effortless key travel that minimizes resistance. The Crabapple also features a subtle texture with each keystroke, adding a unique tactile feel to the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the Box Jade would be preferable for those seeking a more tactile and responsive typing experience, while the Crabapple would cater to individuals looking for a smooth and easy keystroke without much tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Box Jade provides a louder and more tactile typing experience, ideal for those who enjoy a clicky sound and pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Crabapple offers a quieter and smoother typing experience with less tactile feedback, suiting individuals looking for a more subdued and frictionless key press. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and pronounced tactile feedback, the Box Jade is the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a smooth and frictionless feel, the Crabapple switch crafted from POM material is the ideal option. Additionally, if you prefer a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, the Box Jade is a great fit, while the Crabapple offers a more subdued sound. Ultimately, the decision boils down to your personal preferences in typing experience, sound profile, and tactile feedback.
Mentioned in this article
