HC Studio Crabapple vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Crabapple and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro offer unique experiences for users. The Crabapple, a linear switch crafted entirely from POM, provides an effortlessly frictionless typing journey with a distinct dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each downstroke. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro, a tactile switch, offers a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, contributing to a delightful typing experience. While the Crabapple is categorized as 'Frictionless', 'Mild', 'Subdued', and 'Textured', the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is categorized as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeals, but ultimately, 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
20mm
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, it is evident that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their respective materials. The Crabapple's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This contrast in sound profiles showcases the different characteristics that POM and polycarbonate materials bring to the table, catering to different preferences of keyboard enthusiasts.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Crabapple continues with its POM material, offering a deep and pleasing sound profile. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder sound profile that differs from the POM bottom housing of the Crabapple. These differences highlight how the choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound of a keyboard.
Although the Crabapple and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro feature different housing materials for both the top and bottom, they each provide a unique typing experience based on the qualities of their respective materials. The impact of the bottom housing is felt during the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. While the Crabapple offers a more muted and deep sound profile with its POM housing, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro delivers a crisper and more resonant sound with its polycarbonate and nylon materials. Ultimately, the choice between these keyboards comes down to individual preferences for sound and typing feel.
Weight
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch both provide unique options in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Crabapple is on the lighter side with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a smooth and easy typing experience. In comparison, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, giving a bit more resistance and feedback while typing. This difference in force levels means that the Crabapple is lighter overall, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a bit more tactile feedback for those who prefer a slightly heavier typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distances of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, the Crabapple has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This slight difference may not be noticeable to some users, but for those who are more sensitive to keypress feedback, it could make a difference in the typing experience. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preference for typing or gaming 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 Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
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 produces a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound profile compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch is known for its higher-pitched sound profile, contributing to a delightful typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Crabapple linear switch provides a frictionless typing experience, with an effortlessly smooth travel that minimizes any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. It also offers a mild and textured feel that appeals to a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch is accented and bouncy, providing a medium level of tactility with a spring-like feedback sensation. The switch is also described as snappy and polished, offering a responsive and refined typing experience.
Overall, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a more subdued sound and a frictionless typing experience, the Crabapple switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a higher-pitched sound profile and a tactile typing experience with bouncy feedback, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch would be a perfect fit. Both switches provide unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a frictionless typing experience with a subtle sound profile, the Crabapple switches crafted entirely from POM might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force and appreciate a tactile bump with a higher-pitched sound profile, the Lavender Purple V3 switches would offer a delightful typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
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