Kailh Box Royal vs. HC Studio Crabapple
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal 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 Royal and HC Studio Crabapple offer distinct typing experiences. The Box Royal is a tactile switch known for its sharp and aggressive tactility, perfect for those seeking a pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Crabapple linear switch crafted from POM provides a smooth and frictionless typing experience, with a subtle texture felt with each keystroke. The sound profile of the Box Royal is higher pitched, while the Crabapple offers a mild and understated sound. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Nylon
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 Box Royal and the HC Studio Crabapple switches both offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. While the Box Royal features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its absorbing properties, the Crabapple's POM top housing provides a more muted and pleasing sound experience. In terms of the bottom housing, both switches utilize similar materials, with nylon offering a duller and rounder sound in the Box Royal and POM contributing to a deeper and more muted sound in the Crabapple.
Despite the differences in materials used for the top and bottom housings of the switches, both the Kailh Box Royal and HC Studio Crabapple switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The nylon top housing of the Box Royal and the POM top housing of the Crabapple each contribute to a unique typing experience, emphasizing either a fuller sound or a more muted sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Box Royal and the POM bottom housing of the Crabapple play a role in influencing the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the HC Studio Crabapple switches differ in terms of nylon and POM compositions, they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The softer nature of nylon in the Box Royal creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the POM housing in the Crabapple produces a more muted and pleasing sound experience. Whether it's the bottom or top housing, each material contributes to the overall typing experience, making both switches popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, it is clear that the Crabapple has a lighter touch compared to the Box Royal. The Box Royal has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Crabapple has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option. This means that the Box Royal will provide a more substantial typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Crabapple will be ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. If the actuation and bottom out forces are both lighter or heavier, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and HC Studio Crabapple linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the keys travel from the top to the bottom when pressed. Users can expect consistent feedback and performance from both switches due to their identical travel distances. Whether choosing the Kailh Box Royal or the HC Studio Crabapple switch, typists can enjoy a satisfying typing experience with keys that travel 3.6 mm.
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 Royal 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 Box Royal switch offers a high-pitched and sharp sound profile, providing a crisp auditory feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the HC Studio Crabapple switch produces a more subdued and dampened sound, offering a quieter and more understated typing experience. Depending on personal preference, the Box Royal switch may cater to those who enjoy a more distinct and vibrant typing sound, while the Crabapple switch may appeal to individuals who prefer a more subtle and mellow audio feedback.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box Royal is characterized by a sharp and intense tactile feedback, with a prominent and distinctly felt tactile bump with each keystroke. In contrast, the HC Studio Crabapple provides a frictionless and smooth typing experience, minimizing any resistance or friction during key presses. Additionally, the Crabapple switch also exhibits a mild and approachable typing feel, making it suitable for a wider range of users who may prefer a softer and gentler typing sensation. The added texture felt with each downstroke further enhances the typing journey for Crabapple users.
Overall, the Kailh Box Royal switch offers a high-pitched and sharp sound profile with an aggressive tactile feel, catering to those seeking a more intense and distinct typing experience. In contrast, the HC Studio Crabapple switch provides a subdued and mild sound signature with a frictionless and effortless feel, suitable for users who prefer a smoother and gentler typing sensation. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience and provide a satisfying feedback for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, it all comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a heavier key feel with sharp, aggressive tactility and a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a smooth, frictionless typing experience and a subdued sound profile, the Crabapple could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, it's all about what feels best to you as you type away on your mechanical keyboard. So, consider your typing preferences and choose the switch that aligns best with your personal taste and typing habits.
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