HC Studio Crabapple vs. KTT Miaowu
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the KTT Miaowu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Crabapple and the KTT Miaowu both offer unique features and benefits worth exploring. The Crabapple switch, a linear option, is crafted entirely from POM, providing a frictionless typing experience with a dry smoothness and subtle texture. In contrast, the Miaowu switch, also a linear switch, boasts enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action with the use of POK in its stem. The Crabapple switch is categorized as frictionless, mild, subdued, textured, while the Miaowu switch is categorized as bouncy, clacky. Each switch has its own strengths and qualities that may appeal to different preferences in typing feel and sound. However, let's delve deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the KTT Miaowu play a significant role in determining the sound profile of the switches. The Crabapple features a POM top housing, which offers a deep and muted sound profile. In contrast, the Miaowu utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. While both materials create unique sound profiles, the POM housing of the Crabapple provides a more muted experience compared to the polycarbonate used in the Miaowu.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Crabapple once again utilizes POM, contributing to a pleasing and deep sound profile. On the other hand, the Miaowu employs a nylon bottom housing, which creates a fuller and deeper sound when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound compared to the POM used in the Crabapple. Despite the differences in bottom housing materials, both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Crabapple and the Miaowu allows for a varied sound profile depending on the top and bottom housing used. While the Crabapple's POM housing offers a deeper and more muted sound, the Miaowu's polycarbonate housing provides a sharper and crisper sound. Similarly, the Crabapple's POM bottom housing creates a pleasing sound, while the Miaowu's nylon bottom housing delivers a fuller and deeper typing experience. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience with their respective housing materials impacting the sound profile in distinct ways.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, it is evident that both switches are relatively light in terms of force required. The Crabapple has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Miaowu has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience with minimal force needed to press the keys, making them suitable for users who prefer lighter switches that allow for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. However, the Miaowu requires slightly more force compared to the Crabapple, which may appeal to users who prefer a slightly more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, both switches provide a light and responsive typing experience, but the Miaowu offers a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force for those who prefer a bit more resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Miaowu linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking quicker response times, especially gamers. The slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to most users, but could potentially make the Miaowu feel slightly more responsive than the Crabapple. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and the desired feel when typing or gaming.
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 KTT Miaowu has an MSRP of $4.32 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Miaowu for $3.71.
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 is known for its subdued and dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu linear switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Crabapple linear switch is characterized by its frictionless and effortless typing experience, providing a smooth and fluid travel with minimal resistance. Additionally, it offers a mild and approachable typing experience falling into a safe middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel. The Miaowu linear switch, in contrast, is known for its bouncy feedback sensation, giving keys a spring-like and lively feel with a rebound effect upon being pressed.
In conclusion, individuals seeking a linear switch with a subdued and dampened sound, as well as a frictionless and effortless typing experience, may appreciate the HC Studio Crabapple switch. On the other hand, those who prefer a clacky sound and a bouncy feedback sensation may find the KTT Miaowu switch more to their liking. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the overall typing experience desired.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a frictionless, dry smooth typing experience with a mild sound signature, the Crabapple may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force and a switch with enhanced stem stability, smoother keystroke action, and a clacky sound signature, the Miaowu switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, it's all about personal preference and what feels best for your typing style. Choose the switch that aligns with your preferences and typing needs for the ultimate typing experience.
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