HC Studio Crabapple vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch both offer unique features and benefits. The Crabapple stands out for its completely POM-crafted construction, delivering a frictionless typing experience with a dry smoothness and subtle texture in each keystroke. Its sound signature is mild and understated, making it ideal for those seeking a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown switches are known for blending tradition with innovation, offering a tactile feedback that is reminiscent of classic switches with a medium-heavy weight. With enhanced softer backlight effects and high-precision molds, these switches provide a reliable performance with aesthetic appeal. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Spring steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron Jupiter Brown offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Crabapple features a POM top and bottom housing, known for creating a deep and muted sound profile. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The POM bottom housing of the Crabapple maintains its deep and muted sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Jupiter Brown provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition.
While both the Crabapple and the Jupiter Brown offer distinct sound profiles with their housing materials, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The POM housing of the Crabapple creates a more subdued typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a quieter and more muted sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate housing of the Jupiter Brown delivers a sharper and crisper sound, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced and higher-pitched typing experience. Both switches provide unique typing experiences based on the material used in their housing construction.
In terms of functionality, the housing materials of the Crabapple and the Jupiter Brown impact the overall sound and feel of the switch in different ways. The qualities of the bottom housing are felt more when pressing down on the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the keypress. The top housing, on the other hand, plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. While the Crabapple and Jupiter Brown may offer contrasting sound profiles due to their different housing materials, both switches ultimately provide a satisfying typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch have noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Crabapple is lighter, with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a smoother and more effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown is heavier, requiring an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, offering a more significant and tactile typing feedback. The Crabapple is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the Jupiter Brown is better suited for users who enjoy a more substantial push feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and force requirements.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Crabapple has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Jupiter Brown. The Crabapple's 3.6 mm provides a quicker response time which may be preferred by gamers looking for fast reactions. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown's 4 mm offers a slightly deeper press, which some may find more comfortable for typing or general use. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Crabapple being on the shorter end and the Jupiter Brown being slightly longer. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on individual preference for travel distance and desired typing experience.
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 Gateron Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 Crabapple linear switch offers a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch is unknown. 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.
In terms of feel, the Crabapple switch is known for its frictionless and textured typing experience, offering an effortlessly smooth journey with a subtle texture felt with each keystroke. This switch falls under the mild category, providing a gentle typing experience that appeals to most users. Conversely, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch is also described as mild, offering a safe middle-ground typing experience with a polished and stepped feel. This means the Jupiter Brown switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, both the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Crabapple switch provides a more subdued sound and a frictionless typing experience with subtle texture, the Jupiter Brown switch offers a medium-heavy weight keystroke feel with a polished and stepped sensation. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with minimal friction, the Crabapple switch may be the way to go. If you enjoy a classic tactile feel with a smooth finish, the Jupiter Brown switch is a great option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch or the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a light bottom out force, a frictionless and textured typing experience, along with a mild and subdued sound, then the Crabapple switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a polished and stepped tactile feel, and a medium and versatile sound, then the Jupiter Brown switch could be the ideal choice for you. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what features are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your individual typing style and preferences.
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