HC Studio Crabapple vs. Jerrzi Orange
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Jerrzi Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HC Studio Crabapple and the Jerrzi Orange mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that they offer distinct typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The Crabapple, known for its POM construction, provides a frictionless and dry smoothness that is complemented by a subtle texture felt while typing. In contrast, the Jerrzi Orange switches offer a clacky and lightweight feel with crisp and audible feedback, making them vibrant and responsive. While the Crabapple is categorized as 'Frictionless' and 'Mild', the Orange is described as 'Feathery' and 'Clacky'. Each switch has its unique qualities and considerations, making them suitable for different typing preferences. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Jerrzi Orange differ significantly in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Crabapple features a POM top housing, known for creating a deep and muted sound profile, while the Orange utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound. This distinction in sound can greatly affect the overall typing experience, with the Crabapple offering a more subtle sound and the Orange providing a more vibrant and clear sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding a visual appeal to the Orange that the Crabapple may lack.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Crabapple and the Orange also showcase differences. The Crabapple's POM bottom housing contributes to its deep and muted sound profile, similar to its top housing, whereas the Orange's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to POM. This difference in bottom housing material can impact the overall typing sound and feel of the switches, with the Crabapple offering a more consistent sound profile throughout key presses and the Orange providing a more varied and dynamic typing experience.
Overall, while the housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Jerrzi Orange each have their unique qualities and characteristics, they both play a crucial role in determining the sound profile of the switches. The combination of different materials for the top and bottom housings can result in a more balanced typing experience, with each component contributing its own distinct sound qualities. Whether seeking a deeper and muted sound or a sharper and crisper sound, both switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences and preferences.
Weight
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Jerrzi Orange linear switch have similar actuation forces at 37 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Crabapple requires 45 grams while the Orange force is unknown. The Crabapple is lighter in terms of bottom out force, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming. The Orange switch, with an unknown bottom out force, may provide a different typing experience depending on personal preference. Ultimately, if both switches have the same actuation force, users can expect similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes. The differences in bottom out force may impact the typing feel and overall typing experience for users who prefer a lighter or heavier touch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Jerrzi Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches have a relatively short travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard, making them ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may result in slightly different typing experiences, with the Crabapple offering a slightly shallower press compared to the Orange. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and responsiveness.
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 Jerrzi Orange has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $2.30.
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 offers a subdued and understated typing experience with a mild and subtle sound signature. In contrast, the Jerrzi Orange linear switch delivers a more lively and clacky typing experience, providing a crisp and audible feedback with each keystroke. Both switches fall under the subdued category in terms of sound, but the Orange switch offers a more vibrant and responsive sound profile compared to the more subdued Crabapple switch.
In the realm of feel, the Crabapple linear switch is praised for its frictionless typing journey, providing an effortlessly smooth and fluid travel with a subtle texture felt on each downstroke. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Orange switch is noted for its feathery and easy-to-press feel, offering a lightweight typing experience that reduces finger fatigue and strain during extended typing sessions. While the Crabapple switch focuses on a frictionless and mildly textured feel, the Orange switch prioritizes a light and comfortable typing experience with minimal resistance.
In conclusion, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Jerrzi Orange linear switch offer unique qualities in both sound and feel. While both switches fall under the subdued sound category, the Crabapple switch provides a more subtle and mild sound experience compared to the livelier and clacky sound of the Orange switch. In terms of feel, the Crabapple switch emphasizes a frictionless and textured typing experience, whereas the Orange switch offers a feathery and easy-to-press feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference for sound and feel, with both options providing a reliable and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience with a subtle sound profile, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch crafted from POM material may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky and responsive typing experience with a lightweight feel, the Jerrzi Orange linear switch might be more to your liking. Consider your preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force when deciding between these two switches to ensure you find the perfect fit for your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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