HC Studio Crabapple vs. SP-Star Meteor Orange
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Crabapple and SP-Star Meteor Orange offer distinct experiences to users. The Crabapple is a linear switch crafted entirely from POM, providing an effortlessly frictionless typing journey with a distinct dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each downstroke. Its sound signature is mild and understated, making it ideal for those seeking a subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange is a tactile switch known for its exquisitively gentle tactility and neutral sound profile. With a thocky feel and a polished finish, the Meteor Orange switch offers a different tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style; 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the SP-Star Meteor Orange, we can see that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Crabapple features a POM top and bottom housing, which results in a deep and muted sound profile. In contrast, the Meteor Orange uses a nylon top and bottom housing, creating a fuller and rounder sound due to the softer nature of nylon. While both switches aim to provide a pleasing sound experience, the different materials used in their housings give them distinct characteristics.
The POM top housing of the Crabapple contributes to its deeper sound profile when a key is released, offering a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Meteor Orange enhances the sound when a key is pressed, providing a fuller and more resonant sound. These differences highlight how the choice of housing material can impact the overall sound and feel of a switch. Despite the variation in top housings, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound profiles.
In terms of bottom housings, the POM bottom housing of the Crabapple and the nylon bottom housing of the Meteor Orange contribute to the switches' bottom-out sound and feel. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the POM bottom housing of the Crabapple. While the two switches may differ in their housing materials, both aim to offer a unique sound experience that caters to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch differ significantly. The Crabapple has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a gentle typing experience. In contrast, the Meteor Orange has an unknown actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 57 grams, offering a slightly more substantial typing feel. The lighter actuation force of the Crabapple may appeal to those who prefer typing for extended periods without experiencing fatigue, while the heavier bottom out force of the Meteor Orange could be more suitable for individuals who enjoy a firmer key press sensation. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can achieve their desired typing experience whether they prefer a lighter or heavier force.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Crabapple offers a quicker and more responsive typing experience due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange switch provides a deeper and more substantial keypress feel with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing 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 SP-Star Meteor Orange has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor Orange for $5.00.
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 HC Studio Crabapple linear switch offers a subdued and mild sound profile, providing a dampened and understated typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is known for its neutral sound profile with a touch of thocky richness, giving a satisfying feedback with each key press. Depending on your preference for sound, the Crabapple offers a more subtle and gentle typing experience, while the Meteor Orange provides a more pronounced and satisfying sound.
When it comes to feel, the Crabapple linear switch boasts a frictionless and textured typing experience, with a dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each key press. The Meteor Orange tactile switch, however, offers a mild and polished feel, with a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. Both switches aim to provide a gentle and approachable typing experience, with the Crabapple leaning towards a more frictionless and textured feel, while the Meteor Orange focuses on a polished and refined typing sensation.
Taking into consideration the information provided, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Crabapple provides a subdued and frictionless typing experience with a mild sound profile, the Meteor Orange offers a more neutral sound with a thocky feedback and a polished feel. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience, ensuring that you will achieve satisfactory results with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, consider the factors that matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch. If you prioritize a light bottom out force and a frictionless, mild typing experience with a subdued sound profile, the Crabapple may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, a gentle tactility, and a polished, neutral sound profile with a thocky feel, the Meteor Orange switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you value most.
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