HC Studio Crabapple vs. KTT Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the KTT Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch to the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, it's clear that they each have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Crabapple switch, crafted entirely from POM, offers an effortlessly frictionless typing experience with a dry smoothness that is complemented by a subtle texture felt with each downstroke. In contrast, the Cream Yellow switch is designed to provide a distinctively clacky sound with a shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem for resonant audio feedback. While the Crabapple switch is categorized as 'Frictionless', 'Mild', 'Subdued', and 'Textured', the Cream Yellow switch is categorized as 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you best decide on the switch that suits your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the KTT Cream Yellow both contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches, but they offer contrasting characteristics. The Crabapple's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound profile compared to the Cream Yellow's polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound. The use of POM in the Crabapple provides a unique sound experience, while the polycarbonate in the Cream Yellow allows for a clearer and more resonant sound quality, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Crabapple's POM housing offers a deeper and more muted sound profile, similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller and deeper sound experience. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the POM material. These differences in bottom housing materials further showcase the unique sound profiles of each switch and cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, while the housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the KTT Cream Yellow offer distinct sound profiles, both switches excel in providing a pleasing typing experience. The POM and polycarbonate materials in the Crabapple and Cream Yellow, respectively, showcase the versatility of switch housing materials in creating unique sound profiles. Whether you prefer a deeper and more muted sound or a sharper and crisper sound, both switches deliver exceptional performance thanks to their carefully chosen housing materials. Ultimately, the choice between the Crabapple and Cream Yellow will come down to individual preferences in sound and typing experience.
Weight
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is lighter than the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Crabapple has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which are both lower than the Cream Yellow, which has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams. The Crabapple provides a light typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Cream Yellow offers a medium typing experience with a stronger push feel, suitable for those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches cater to individuals with varying preferences in typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a slightly shorter distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Crabapple being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the Cream Yellow for its faster response time due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Crabapple with its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, both switches provide a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, offering a more responsive typing 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 KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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 and understated experience, producing a dampened sound when pressed. This results in a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches, creating a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is known for its distinctively clacky sound, providing a sharp and snappy feedback that is crisp, bright, and percussive. These auditory differences can greatly impact the overall typing experience, depending on personal preferences and the surrounding environment.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch boasts a frictionless typing journey that is effortlessly smooth and devoid of any noticeable resistance. The switch offers a mild typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of tactile feedback. Additionally, a subtle texture can be felt with each downstroke, adding a unique dimension to the typing feel. Meanwhile, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is designed to be bouncy, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation that gives keys a lively and responsive feel. This bounciness can enhance typing speed and accuracy for some users who enjoy a more tactile typing experience.
In conclusion, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of both sound and feel. The Crabapple switch provides a more subdued and frictionless typing experience with a mild tactile feedback, while the Cream Yellow switch delivers a clacky and bouncy typing experience with a resonant sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. It is worth noting that each switch can be enhanced or altered further by the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and personal typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference in typing experience. If you prefer a light bottom out force and a smooth, frictionless typing journey with a subtle sound signature, the Crabapple switch crafted from POM might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium bottom out force and are looking for a switch that delivers a distinctively clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, the Cream Yellow switch with its unique design features may suit your preferences better. Consider your typing style, desired sound profile, and tactile feedback when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing needs and preferences.
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