TTC Brother vs. HC Studio Crabapple
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the HC Studio Crabapple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother and HC Studio Crabapple offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The TTC Brother clicky switch is praised for its lightweight actuation of just 37g, providing a tactile experience without feeling burdensome. Clicky switch enthusiasts will appreciate its satisfyingly crunchy sound signature and articulate tactile bump. On the other hand, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is crafted from POM, offering an effortlessly frictionless typing journey with a dry smoothness and subtle texture. Its sound signature is mild and understated, appealing to users who prefer a more subdued typing experience. 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
37g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial 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
17.5mm spring
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the HC Studio Crabapple, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles. The Brother's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, while the Crabapple's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. However, both materials are known for their ability to enhance the overall typing experience by creating distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Despite the difference in sound, both materials offer a high level of quality and durability, making them ideal choices for switch housings.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Brother's nylon material offers a deep and full sound profile, while the Crabapple's POM bottom housing provides a similarly deep and muted sound. Both materials absorb sound effectively, creating a duller and rounder sound that can enhance the typing experience. While the differences in sound may be subtle, each material brings its own unique characteristics to the overall sound profile of the switch. This shows that even with different bottom housing materials, the overall sound experience can still be quite similar.
Overall, the choice between polycarbonate and POM housing materials for the top and bottom of a switch ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired sound profile. The sharp and resonant sound of polycarbonate in the Brother switch may appeal to those looking for a crisper typing experience, while the deeper and more muted sound of POM in the Crabapple switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a more subdued sound profile. Both materials offer unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience, showcasing the versatility and craftsmanship of these housing materials in the world of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch both have an actuation force of 37 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Brother switch does not have a specified value while the Crabapple switch requires 45 grams, making it a lighter option for those who prefer a softer typing feel. For users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Brother switch may be a suitable choice due to the lack of information on its bottom out force. Ultimately, the weight of the switch is a crucial factor to consider based on personal preference and intended usage, as lighter switches are ideal for extended typing sessions, while heavier switches offer a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Brother clicky switch is 3.5 mm, while the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Crabapple has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Brother. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are often favored by gamers for faster response times. However, some users may find the Brother's slightly shorter travel distance to provide a more abrupt feel, while the Crabapple's slightly longer travel distance may offer a more satisfying depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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.
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 TTC Brother clicky switch offers a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature that is characteristic of clicky switches, providing a clear and crisp auditory feedback for each keystroke. On the other hand, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch produces a more subdued sound, offering a mild and understated typing experience. The sound produced by each switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Brother switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for activation, making typing effortless and reducing finger fatigue. It also features a stepped feel, providing a tactile feedback with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages. In contrast, the HC Studio Crabapple switch offers a frictionless typing experience with a fluid travel, contributing to a smooth and effortless keystroke. Additionally, it has a mild feel that falls into a safe middle-ground zone, appealing to a wide range of users. Some users may appreciate the textured feel of the Crabapple switch, adding a subtle tactile sensation to each key press.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch stands out for its lightweight and tactile experience, combined with a crunchy sound signature that appeals to clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch offers a frictionless and mild typing experience with a more subdued sound profile, catering to those seeking a smoother and quieter keyboarding experience. Both switches provide unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Brother clicky switch or the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you are someone who enjoys a lightweight and tactile typing experience with a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, then the Brother switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and frictionless typing journey with a mild and understated sound profile, then the Crabapple switch would cater more to your preferences. Each switch offers unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches have their own merits and excel in different aspects, so choose the one that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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