HC Studio Crabapple vs. PH Studio Jacaranda
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to explore are the HC Studio Crabapple and the PH Studio Jacaranda. The Crabapple, a linear switch crafted entirely from POM, offers a frictionless typing experience with a dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each downstroke. Its sound signature is mild and understated, appealing to those who prefer a quiet typing environment. On the other hand, the Jacaranda, manufactured by KTT, boasts a gentle bottom-out of 43.5g, making it easy on the fingers for extended typing sessions. With a clacky sound signature and an extended 22mm spring for a bouncy sensation, the Jacaranda provides a unique typing experience. While the Crabapple focuses on a smooth and subdued feel, the Jacaranda offers a more tactile and resonant experience. 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
39g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the PH Studio Jacaranda, we can see distinctive differences in the sound profiles they produce. The Crabapple, with its POM top and bottom housings, creates a deeper and more muted sound overall. On the other hand, the Jacaranda, with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to the polycarbonate's stiffness and the nylon's softer nature offering a deeper and fuller sound. These differences in housing materials result in unique auditory experiences for users of each switch.
However, while the Crabapple and Jacaranda have distinct housing materials that lead to varying sound profiles, they both offer pleasing and unique qualities to users. The POM housings of the Crabapple create a distinct sound that appeals to those who prefer a deeper and more muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Jacaranda provides a crisp and sharp sound that may be preferred by others. Despite the differences, both switches offer a high-quality sound experience that is enjoyable for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
It is important to note that the housing materials of a switch play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch. The qualities brought by the top and bottom housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting both the bottom-out sound and feel as well as the sound when releasing a key. Understanding how each housing material affects the sound profile can help users choose a switch that best suits their preferences, whether they prefer the deep and muted sound of POM or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate and nylon.
Weight
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch both have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces compared to other switches on the market. The Crabapple has an actuation force of 37 grams, while the Jacaranda has an actuation force of 39 grams. Both switches share a bottom out force of 45 grams, making them equally light in that regard. This means that users will experience a similarly smooth and easy typing experience with either switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, both switches would be suitable options. However, for users who prefer a bit more resistance and feedback in their keystrokes, they may want to opt for a switch with a heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and the desired level of force required for typing.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. The Crabapple has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Jacaranda, which may provide a slightly more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. However, the difference of 0.1 mm is minimal and may not be easily noticeable to the average user. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer a similar experience, with the Crabapple being slightly longer than the Jacaranda. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference and how much importance is placed on the slight difference in travel distance.
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 PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.
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 it comes to sound, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is known for its subdued and understated sound signature, creating a dampened and subtle noise when pressed. In contrast, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound that is crisp and percussive, offering a more audible feedback with each keystroke. The Crabapple's sound profile is more mild and textured, while the Jacaranda's sound leans towards being sharp and resonant. Depending on personal preference and setup, the sound of each switch can be further influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Crabapple switch is praised for its frictionless and mild typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless journey with a subtle texture felt during key presses. On the other hand, the Jacaranda switch is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance and enhances overall smoothness. The Crabapple switch falls into a safe middle-ground zone in terms of feel, while the Jacaranda switch focuses on delivering a luxurious and silky typing sensation with its extended 22mm spring.
In conclusion, the Crabapple and Jacaranda linear switches offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. The Crabapple provides a frictionless and mildly textured typing experience with a subdued sound profile, while the Jacaranda offers a silky and easy-on-the-fingers feel with a clacky and high-pitched sound signature. Depending on individual preferences and typing style, both switches can provide satisfying results, albeit with different subjective qualities. Ultimately, the choice between the Crabapple and Jacaranda switches will depend on the user's specific preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HC Studio Crabapple and PH Studio Jacaranda linear switches, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a frictionless typing experience with a subtle texture and mild sound signature, the Crabapple switch crafted from POM would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a gentle bottom-out feel, a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, and an enhanced typing experience due to an extended 22mm spring, then the Jacaranda switch manufactured by KTT would be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel, sound profile, and overall typing experience.
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