HC Studio Crabapple vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Crabapple and SP-Star Meteor White linear switches offer distinct characteristics for different typing preferences. The Crabapple, crafted entirely from POM, provides a frictionless typing experience with a dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each keystroke. Its mild and understated sound signature sets it apart as a unique option for those seeking a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Meteor White linear switch boasts a subdued and gentle typing feel, with an easy push and soft sound profile described as "pitter-patter." This switch offers a neutral and polished typing experience. 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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The HC Studio Crabapple uses POM for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a deep and muted sound profile. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, creating a fuller and rounder sound. The difference in housing materials between the two keyboards leads to distinct typing experiences. Typing on the Crabapple will provide a unique sound due to the POM material, while typing on the Meteor White will offer a deeper sound profile thanks to the nylon housing.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Crabapple and Meteor White keyboards share similarities in terms of creating a pleasing typing experience. The Crabapple's POM top housing and bottom housing both contribute to the deeper sound profile and unique typing feel. Similarly, the Meteor White's nylon top and bottom housings work together to produce a fuller sound while maintaining a softer typing experience. Both keyboards offer users a distinct sound and feel, albeit through different means.
Overall, the choice between the HC Studio Crabapple and the SP-Star Meteor White ultimately comes down to personal preference in typing feel and sound. The POM housing in the Crabapple provides a muted and deeper sound, while the nylon housing in the Meteor White offers a fuller and rounder sound profile. Whether one prefers a unique and deeper typing experience or a fuller and softer one, both keyboards offer high-quality housing materials that enhance the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offer different experiences for users. The Crabapple switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Meteor White switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force for the Crabapple switch is also lighter at 45 grams, while the Meteor White switch has a heavier bottom out force of 57 grams. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Crabapple switch, which allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Meteor White switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Meteor White switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Crabapple switch. In general, a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying tactile feel, while a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers looking for quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience. Both switches offer a different feel and response due to their slight difference in travel distance.
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 White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White 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 is known for its subdued and understated sound profile, offering a dampened sound when pressed that is not completely silent but more subtle compared to most switches. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch provides a soft and gentle pitter-patter sound that is easy on the ears. Both switches offer a quieter typing experience, with the Crabapple being slightly more subdued in its sound signature compared to the Meteor White.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is praised for its frictionless typing journey, providing an effortlessly smooth and fluid travel with minimal resistance. Additionally, the Crabapple switch offers a mild and textured feel with a subtle tactile feedback felt with each downstroke. In comparison, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch also offers a mild typing experience with a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. With a polished finish, the Meteor White switch provides a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel.
Overall, both the HC Studio Crabapple and SP-Star Meteor White linear switches offer a quiet typing experience with gentle and approachable sound profiles and feel. While the Crabapple switch excels in providing a frictionless and textured typing journey, the Meteor White switch stands out with its polished finish and smooth key travel. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches offer similar qualities in terms of quietness and softness in typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a frictionless typing experience with a subtle texture and mild sound signature, the Crabapple switch crafted from POM would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a soft, gentle typing experience with a pitter-patter sound profile, the Meteor White switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for bottom out force, typing feel, and sound profile.
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