HC Studio Crabapple vs. TTC Gold Silver
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the TTC Gold Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Crabapple and TTC Gold Silver both offer unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Crabapple, crafted entirely from POM, provides a frictionless journey with a dry smoothness and subtle texture, resulting in a mild and understated sound signature. On the other hand, the Gold Silver excels in rapid responsiveness with shortened travel, solid bottom-outs, and a resonant sound that emphasizes swift action. While the Crabapple is described as 'Frictionless', 'Mild', 'Subdued', 'Textured', the Gold Silver is categorized as 'Polished', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Silky', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Subtle'. Each switch offers its own strengths and nuances, catering 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
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 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
NPI
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
In comparing the housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the TTC Gold Silver, it is evident that they offer contrasting sound profiles based on their materials. The Crabapple's POM top and bottom housing create a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Gold Silver's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The POM housing of the Crabapple provides a unique sound experience, whereas the polycarbonate housing of the Gold Silver is better suited for RGB lighting due to its translucency.
However, despite their differences, both the Crabapple and the Gold Silver offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the POM housing of the Crabapple produces a more muted and deeper sound, the polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Silver creates a crisper and sharper sound. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Gold Silver offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the POM bottom housing of the Crabapple. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound and feel.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the Crabapple and the Gold Silver contributes to their distinct sound profiles. The split qualities of the top and bottom housing materials provide a unique typing experience for each switch. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel is influenced by the material used, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite their differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, catering to different preferences based on sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Crabapple is the lighter option with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. In contrast, the Gold Silver has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. The actuation force of a switch determines how much force is needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the amount of force needed to press the key all the way down. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Crabapple switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Gold Silver switch with its slightly heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience one desires.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Crabapple has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gold Silver. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance could be noticeable to some users. If you prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Crabapple may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly shallower press, the Gold Silver could be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results due to their close travel distances, but the choice between them may come down to personal preference for the feel of the key press.
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 TTC Gold Silver has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Silver for $2.90.
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 is known for its subtle and subdued sound profile, offering a quiet typing experience that is not completely silent but more understated. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch produces a thocky and low-pitched sound that is rich, deep, and satisfying, with a more pronounced resonance. While the Crabapple switch provides a dampened sound, the Gold Silver switch delivers a more impactful and resounding auditory feedback.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the HC Studio Crabapple is praised for its frictionless and mild typing experience, offering a smooth and effortlessly fluid journey with each keystroke. The TTC Gold Silver, on the other hand, boasts a polished and silky feel, providing a refined and sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches are described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
In conclusion, while the HC Studio Crabapple and TTC Gold Silver linear switches differ in sound and feel, they both aim to provide a pleasant and smooth typing experience. If you prefer a quieter and more subdued sound, along with a frictionless feel, the Crabapple switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more resonant and thocky sound with a polished and silky feel, the Gold Silver switch might be more appealing to you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring an enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a frictionless and mild typing journey with a subdued sound, opt for the Crabapple switch. On the other hand, if you prefer rapid responsiveness, a thocky and low-pitched sound, and silky smooth key travel, the Gold Silver switch could be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value a smooth and gentle typing feel or a swift and decisive keystroke experience. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in your typing experience.
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