HC Studio Crabapple vs. Bsun Guyu
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Bsun Guyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The HC Studio Crabapple and the Bsun Guyu are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Crabapple is crafted entirely from POM, providing a frictionless typing experience with a dry smoothness and subtle texture, resulting in a mild and understated sound signature. On the other hand, the Guyu boasts all-POM housings that deepen the acoustics, paired with a long pole stem for a brighter, crisper bottom-out sound. The Guyu's medium weight and super-smooth keystrokes make typing effortless, with a distinctive sound signature that combines depth and clarity. While the Crabapple offers a subdued and textured typing experience, the Guyu provides a clacky and creamy feel with polished and silky keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding sound, feel, and typing style. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
21mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Bsun Guyu both feature POM top and bottom housings, which create a unique and pleasing sound profile that is deeper and more muted compared to other materials. This similarity means that users can expect a consistent sound experience from both switches, regardless of the specific brand or model. However, while both switches share these characteristics, the distribution of these qualities may vary between the top and bottom housings for each switch.
In terms of construction, the POM top and bottom housings of the Crabapple and Guyu switches play a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile and feel of the switch. The bottom housing of each switch has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, providing a tactile and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound produced when a key is released, contributing to the overall acoustic feedback of the switch. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings allows for a nuanced typing experience that balances both the actuation and release phases.
While both the Crabapple and Guyu switches feature POM top and bottom housings that create a similar sound profile, the tactile feedback and typing experience may still differ between the two models. Factors such as the shape, design, and material quality of the housings can impact the overall feel and performance of the switch. Therefore, despite the shared characteristics of the housing materials, users may notice subtle differences in typing feel and sound between the HC Studio Crabapple and the Bsun Guyu switches. Ultimately, personal preference and individual typing style will play a significant role in determining which switch is preferred by the user.
Weight
In comparing the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Bsun Guyu linear switch, it is evident that both switches are relatively light in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Crabapple has a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Guyu's 45 grams, while both have similar bottom out forces of 45 grams and 50 grams respectively. Despite the slight difference in actuation force, users can expect a fairly light typing experience from both switches. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel for extended periods of typing or gaming, either switch would be a suitable choice. However, those who prefer a slightly stronger push feel may lean towards the Guyu switch with its slightly heavier actuation force. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively light typing experience, making them ideal choices for users looking for a smoother and gentler typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Bsun Guyu linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The travel distance for both switches is equal, so there is no difference in the key feel in terms of how far the switch travels. This similarity ensures that users will experience consistent typing experiences regardless of which switch they choose.
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 Bsun Guyu has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Guyu for $3.70.
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
When comparing the sound qualities of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Bsun Guyu linear switch, it's evident that they offer distinct auditory experiences. The Crabapple switch provides a subdued sound signature that is mild and understated, creating a dampened sound when pressed. In contrast, the Guyu switch offers a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive, thanks to its unique design elements. The deep acoustics of the Guyu switch, coupled with the long pole stem, result in a brighter and crisper bottom-out sound compared to the Crabapple. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Crabapple is known for providing a frictionless typing experience that minimizes resistance during key presses. The switch offers a mild and textured feel, striking a balance between smoothness and subtle friction that some users may appreciate. On the other hand, the Guyu switch offers a creamy and polished typing experience that is smooth and buttery. With lubrication applied at the factory and high-grade materials used in its construction, the Guyu switch provides a silky sensation that enhances the overall typing feel. Additionally, the Guyu switch is described as snappy, offering a super-responsive typing experience that makes each keystroke feel alive.
In conclusion, while the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Bsun Guyu linear switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics, both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Crabapple provides a subdued sound and a frictionless typing experience with a mild and textured feel, while the Guyu offers a clacky sound and a creamy, polished feel that is silky and snappy. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Bsun Guyu linear switch, consider the key factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force, the Crabapple at 45 grams may suit your typing style better compared to the Guyu at 50 grams. In terms of sound, the Crabapple offers a subdued sound profile, while the Guyu provides a clacky and percussive sound. For feel, the Crabapple offers a frictionless and mild typing experience with a subtle texture, whereas the Guyu provides a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. Ultimately, your preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel will help you decide between the two switches for your ideal typing experience.
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