Kailh Box Navy vs. HC Studio Crabapple
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy 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 Navy and HC Studio Crabapple offer distinct experiences for users. The Box Navy is perfect for those who enjoy a heavy typing experience and appreciate the satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback. Reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards, this switch is best suited for those who prefer a sharp, resonant, invigorating, crunchy, and stiff typing feel. On the other hand, the Crabapple switch, crafted from POM, provides a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a unique dry smoothness that contrasts with traditional lubricated switches. Its sound signature is mild and understated, offering a textured feel with 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
60g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
90g
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 Navy and the HC Studio Crabapple, it is evident that they both offer unique sound profiles. The Box Navy utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the Crabapple features a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. These differences in sound can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users depending on their preferences for sound profiles.
On the other hand, both switches share a similarity in their bottom housing materials. The Box Navy's nylon bottom housing and the Crabapple's POM bottom housing both result in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer properties absorb more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound, while POM creates a similar deep and muted sound. This similarity in the bottom housing material showcases how different switches can still provide comparable sound profiles through their construction.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it becomes clear that each material plays a significant role. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housing materials highlights the importance of carefully selecting housing materials to achieve the desired sound profile for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, it is evident that the Box Navy is heavier in both aspects. The Box Navy has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, making it a more substantial and forceful typing experience. On the other hand, the Crabapple is lighter with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This difference in weight can cater to various preferences, with lighter switches being preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming, while heavier switches providing a more significant tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, the distance the switch travels from the top to bottom will be identical, resulting in a similar tactile experience for the user. In terms of shorter or longer travel distance, neither switch has an advantage over the other as they both offer the same amount of travel. This similarity ensures that users can expect consistent performance and feel when using either the Kailh Box Navy or the HC Studio Crabapple switch.
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 Navy 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, providing a high-pitched sound profile reminiscent of vintage buckling spring keyboards. On the other hand, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch produces a more subdued sound, offering a dampened and subtle sound signature that complements its smooth typing feel. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound, with the Box Navy being more immersive and attention-grabbing while the Crabapple is more understated and mild.
Moving on to feel, the Box Navy clicky switch is characterized by its sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback, offering a satisfying typing experience that requires a higher amount of force to actuate. In contrast, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch provides a frictionless, mild, and textured typing journey, creating a smooth and effortless typing experience with a gentle tactile feel. The Crabapple switch focuses on providing a comfortable and approachable typing experience, in contrast to the more intense and feedback-driven feel of the Box Navy switch.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a clicky switch with a bold sound profile and intense tactile feedback, the Box Navy would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a smooth and gentle typing experience and a subdued sound profile, the Crabapple would be a great option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavy typing experience with a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, as well as sharp tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch would be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a subdued sound profile, a frictionless and mild typing sensation, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel, sound signature, and desired level of tactile feedback. Consider what aspects are most important to you in a keyboard switch and choose accordingly.
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