HC Studio Crabapple vs. Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options come to mind: the HC Studio Crabapple and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro. The Crabapple, a linear switch, is crafted entirely from POM, offering a frictionless typing experience with a dry smoothness and subtle texture on each keystroke. Its mild and understated sound signature sets it apart, making it a favorite among those seeking a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, also a linear switch, is known for its budget-friendly appeal, providing a satisfying combination of a poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel right out of the box. Ideal for enthusiasts who prefer a vibrant auditory experience and a creamy tactile feel, the Cream Yellow Pro is easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished. While these general pointers give an overview of each switch's characteristics, diving deeper into their specific features will help you make the best decision for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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 spring
Housing materials
The key difference between the housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro lies in the top housing material used. The Crabapple's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This difference in sound quality can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users depending on their preference for sound profile.
On the other hand, both switches share a similarity in their bottom housing materials. The Crabapple's POM bottom housing and the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's nylon bottom housing both contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. However, the materials differ in their properties, with POM being a stiffer plastic leading to a more muted sound, while nylon being a softer plastic absorbs more sound creating a duller sound. This highlights the importance of housing materials in determining the overall acoustics of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Additionally, the different housing materials in the top and bottom of the switches can impact the sound and feel of the keypress. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing the key. This means that the choice of housing materials can have a significant influence on the typing experience, with each material offering unique qualities that cater to different preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a more delicate typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a more substantial and tactile typing feel. The Crabapple is better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer sessions, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is ideal for users who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more pronounced typing feedback. Both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable options for different typing preferences.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter end of the spectrum in terms of travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial depth to their key presses may lean towards the HC Studio Crabapple. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing experience desired.
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 Yellow Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Yellow Pro for $2.00.
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 Crabapple linear switch offers a subdued and mild sound experience, with a distinct dry smoothness that produces a subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch provides a poppy, clacky sound right out of the box, offering a vibrant auditory experience. Each switch has its unique sound profile that can be further influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is known for its frictionless and mild typing experience, providing a smooth and effortless journey with a subtle texture felt during each keystroke. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch offers an easy-to-press and feathery feel, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro also provides a bouncy and snappy sensation, giving a lively rebound when pressed.
Overall, the HC Studio Crabapple and Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switches offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Crabapple switch provides a subdued sound and frictionless typing experience, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch delivers a poppy sound with an easy-to-press and bouncy feel. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, users can choose between the dry smoothness of the Crabapple switch or the poppy feel of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch to enhance their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience with a light bottom out force, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch would be a great choice. The POM material and dry smoothness of the Crabapple switches provide a unique tactile feel and sound signature that is gentle and understated. On the other hand, if you prefer a more budget-friendly option with a slightly higher bottom out force and a poppy, clacky sound, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch might be the better fit for you. The Cream Yellow Pro switches offer easy-to-press keys with a creamy tactile feel and a satisfying auditory experience out of the box. Ultimately, your decision should come down to whether you prioritize a frictionless typing experience with a lighter touch, or a budget-friendly option with a slightly more robust feel and sound.
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