HC Studio Crabapple vs. TTC Light Cloud V2
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the TTC Light Cloud V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the HC Studio Crabapple and the TTC Light Cloud V2 mechanical keyboard switches, there are distinct characteristics to consider. The Crabapple, a linear switch, is crafted entirely from POM, providing a frictionless typing journey with a dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each downstroke. On the other hand, the Light Cloud V2, also a linear switch, stands out as a preferred silent option with a refined typing feel and a lightweight nature for a delicate and nuanced experience. While the Crabapple offers a mild and subdued typing experience, the Light Cloud V2 provides a muted and easy-to-press feeling. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Housing materials
The HC Studio Crabapple and TTC Light Cloud V2 both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Crabapple features POM top and bottom housings, which create a pleasing and deeper sound profile that is relatively more muted. In contrast, the Light Cloud V2 utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the nylon material absorbs more sound than POM, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Crabapple and Light Cloud V2 offer switches that produce a deeper sound profile. The POM and nylon materials each contribute to this characteristic in their own distinct ways. The Crabapple's POM housing creates a unique sound with a deeper tone, while the Light Cloud V2's nylon housing absorbs more sound to create a fuller and rounder overall sound. This similarity in sound profile showcases how different materials can achieve similar results in switch design.
When comparing the top and bottom housings of the Crabapple and Light Cloud V2, it is evident that each material has a different impact on the overall typing experience. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. The unique properties of POM and nylon contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches, with the Crabapple offering a more muted tone with its POM housing and the Light Cloud V2 providing a fuller sound with its nylon housing.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch are quite different. The Crabapple has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Light Cloud V2's 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. However, the Crabapple's bottom out force of 45 grams is still lighter than the Light Cloud V2's 58 grams, which means it requires less force to press all the way down. This makes the Crabapple ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. On the other hand, the Light Cloud V2 offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, making it a better choice for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In terms of weight, the Crabapple is the lighter option, while the Light Cloud V2 is the heavier option. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The difference between the two is minimal, with the Crabapple being slightly longer than the Light Cloud V2. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, some may find the shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, while others may appreciate the quicker actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
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 TTC Light Cloud V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Cloud V2 for $5.49.
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 described as having a subdued sound, which means it produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch is noted for its muted sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience. Both switches aim to minimize noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, with the Crabapple being more subdued and the Light Cloud V2 being more muted. However, the choice of board and keycaps can also impact the overall sound produced.
In terms of feel, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is characterized as being frictionless, offering an effortless and smooth typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. It also has a mild and textured feel, providing a gentler typing experience with a subtle texture felt during key presses. On the other hand, the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch offers a mild and easy-to-press feel, with gentle resistance during key presses and a light actuation force for comfortable typing. It is also described as feathery, requiring little exertion from the fingers and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches aim to provide a refined and nuanced typing experience, with the Crabapple focusing on smoothness and texture, while the Light Cloud V2 emphasizes ease of use and comfort.
In conclusion, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crabapple provides a subtle and textured typing journey with a dry smoothness, while the Light Cloud V2 offers a refined and easy-to-press typing experience. Both switches aim to cater to different preferences, with the Crabapple focusing on a frictionless and mild feel, and the Light Cloud V2 emphasizing a gentle and easy-to-press typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch would provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Crabapple offering a unique dry smoothness and the Light Cloud V2 providing a delicate and nuanced feel. Ultimately, both switches can deliver similar results in terms of providing a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, with differences in sound and feel catering to individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize a frictionless and subtly textured typing journey with a mild and understated sound, the Crabapple switch would be ideal for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lightweight and nuanced typing feel with a muted sound profile, the Light Cloud V2 switch would be a great choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value a dry smoothness with gentle friction or a refined and delicate typing feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that best aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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