HC Studio Crabapple vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Crabapple and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offer two distinctly different typing experiences. The Crabapple boasts a frictionless and textured journey thanks to its POM construction, producing a mild and understated sound signature. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a clacky and high-pitched typing experience with a silky smooth feel, enhanced by its unique light diffuser for added RGB illumination. While the Crabapple is known for its dry smoothness and subtle texture, the Lightning Silver V3 shines with its vibrant RGB lighting and high-pitched sound profile. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HC Studio Crabapple and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. While the Crabapple features a POM top and bottom housing, the Lightning Silver V3 utilizes polycarbonate for both parts. The POM housing of the Crabapple creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the polycarbonate housing of the Lightning Silver V3 produces a sharper and crisper sound. The difference in materials leads to distinct tactile experiences when using each switch.
On the aesthetic front, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Lightning Silver V3 makes it a perfect choice for those looking to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup. The clear housing allows the lighting to shine through, giving a visually appealing look to the keyboard. In contrast, the POM housing of the Crabapple may not offer the same level of transparency for RGB lighting effects. However, the solid and dense nature of POM contributes to its unique sound profile, which some users may prefer over the sharper sound of polycarbonate.
When comparing the top and bottom housing materials of the two switches, it becomes apparent that each material plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing impact the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in housing materials between the Crabapple and the Lightning Silver V3, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch differ in terms of weight. The Crabapple is lighter, with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Lightning Silver V3 is heavier, with an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The Crabapple provides a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended use during work or gaming sessions, while the Lightning Silver V3 offers a more substantial push feel. Both switches provide distinct tactile feedback, with the Crabapple being lighter and the Lightning Silver V3 being medium in force. Typists who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Crabapple, while those who seek a stronger push feel may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3 for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Crabapple. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance of the Lightning Silver V3 to feel more abrupt, while others may appreciate the quicker actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for response speed 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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Crabapple linear switch offers a subdued and understated sound when pressed. This creates a gentle and quiet typing experience compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, giving a more crisp and bright auditory feedback. Depending on your personal preference and setup, the sound of the switches can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Crabapple switch boasts a frictionless and mild typing experience, providing a smooth and effortless journey with each keypress. The subtle texture felt during typing adds a unique touch to the overall feel of the switches. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. This creates a seamless and fluid travel when using the switches.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crabapple switch emphasizes a subdued sound with a frictionless and textured typing feel, while the Lightning Silver V3 switch delivers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique characteristics. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience desired.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter touch with a frictionless and dry smoothness in your typing journey, along with a more subdued sound, then the Crabapple switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium bottom out force, a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, and a silky smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences, so choose the switch that best aligns with your desired typing experience.
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