HC Studio Crabapple vs. Akko V3 Cream Black Pro
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HC Studio Crabapple and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro stand out as excellent options with their own unique characteristics. The Crabapple, a linear switch crafted entirely from POM, provides an effortlessly frictionless typing experience that is complemented by a subtle texture felt with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro offers budget-minded individuals a high-quality option with a unique poppy and clacky sound, perfectly paired with smoothness right out of the box. the Crabapple is categorized as 'frictionless', 'mild,' 'subdued,' 'textured,' while the V3 Cream Black Pro is categorized as 'creamy,' 'high-pitched,' 'bouncy,' 'snappy,' 'polished.' Both switches have their own appeal; 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
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro offer contrasting sound profiles and aesthetic features. The Crabapple's POM top housing provides a deeper and relatively more muted sound, ideal for those looking for a quieter typing experience. In comparison, the V3 Cream Black Pro's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a more distinct and resonant typing sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the overall design.
On the other hand, the Crabapple's POM bottom housing offers a similar deep and muted sound profile like its top housing, providing consistency throughout the typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Cream Black Pro's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder typing sound. This difference in bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and typing feel of the switch, making it important to consider both top and bottom housing materials when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch.
Overall, while the HC Studio Crabapple and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro have different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, both provide unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials influences the typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer a quieter, more muted sound or a sharper, crisper typing experience, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, it is clear that there is a significant difference in actuation force and bottom out force. The Crabapple switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing feel. The Crabapple switch is ideal for users who enjoy typing for extended periods, while the V3 Cream Black Pro switch is better suited for those who prefer a more pronounced key press. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their different actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular for their faster response times, especially among gamers. The Crabapple switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys compared to the V3 Cream Black Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a quicker response or a more substantial keypress 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 Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
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 HC Studio Crabapple linear switch offers a subdued sound that is dampened and subtle, providing a quiet typing experience without sacrificing feedback. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch produces a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp, offering a more pronounced auditory experience. Depending on personal preference, the Crabapple switch may be preferred for those seeking a quieter typing experience, while the V3 Cream Black Pro switch may be favored by those who enjoy a more distinct and lively sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the HC Studio Crabapple switch is known for its frictionless and mild characteristics, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience with a subtle texture felt during each keystroke. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch is creamy and polished, offering a buttery smooth sensation with a refined finish that minimizes friction and enhances key travel. Those who prefer a gentle and textured typing experience may lean towards the Crabapple switch, while those who appreciate a silky and polished feel may opt for the V3 Cream Black Pro switch.
Overall, both the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Crabapple switch provides a quieter and more frictionless typing experience with a mild texture, the V3 Cream Black Pro switch offers a high-pitched sound and a creamy, polished feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback, either switch can offer a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, both switches are solid options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for different characteristics in their switches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch or the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, it all comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, frictionless typing experience with a mild and subdued sound, the Crabapple switch crafted from POM may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a creamy, bouncy, and snappy typing experience with a high-pitched sound, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch could be the ideal option for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately depends on what characteristics you value most in a keyboard switch.
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