HC Studio Crabapple vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HC Studio Crabapple and the PH Studio Milk Tea both offer unique advantages for different typing experiences. The Crabapple, with its POM construction, provides a frictionless typing journey that is complemented by a subtle texture felt with each keystroke. It exudes a distinct dry smoothness and produces a mild and understated sound. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch, manufactured by BSUN, offers a unique auditory blend with a high-pitched yet muted sound. It has a low bottom-out force of just 43.5g, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions. While the Crabapple is categorized as 'Frictionless', 'Mild', 'Subdued', and 'Textured', the Milk Tea is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant'. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for typing feel and sound. 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
37.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the PH Studio Milk Tea are both made of POM, which is known for creating a pleasing and unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted. This means that users can expect a similar auditory experience from both switches in terms of the sound they produce. The POM material used for the housing of these switches helps in creating a distinct typing experience that is preferred by many enthusiasts in the mechanical keyboard community.
While both switches feature POM housing for their top and bottom components, the impact of these materials may differ depending on the specific design of each switch. The Crabapple and Milk Tea switches may have slight variations in their housing structures that could affect the overall sound and feel of typing on them. The bottom housing of a switch typically influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when a key is released. This means that despite both switches using POM materials, users may notice subtle differences in the typing experience between the two models.
Overall, the choice of housing material in the Crabapple and Milk Tea switches showcases the importance of material selection in creating a unique typing experience. Both switches utilize POM housing to enhance the sound profile and feel of typing on them, providing users with a satisfying and immersive typing experience. Whether users opt for the Crabapple or Milk Tea switches, they can expect a similar level of quality and performance in terms of the housing material used, with slight differences in how each component may impact the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, both switches have a relatively light actuation force. The Crabapple has an actuation force of 37 grams, while the Milk Tea has an actuation force of 37.5 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Crabapple requires 45 grams to fully press down, whereas the Milk Tea needs 43.5 grams. Both switches provide a light typing experience, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing. The slight difference in bottom out force between the two switches may not be very noticeable in practical use, so users can expect similar results when typing on either switch. Overall, the Crabapple and Milk Tea switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of actuation and bottom out force, making them both suitable options for users who prefer a lighter keypress.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 3.6 mm. When pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from top to bottom. This ensures a consistent feel and response from both switches, making them ideal choices for those who prefer a shorter travel distance in their keyboard switches. With the same travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and typing experience when using either the Crabapple or Milk Tea switches.
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 PH Studio Milk Tea has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milk Tea for $4.00.
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 Crabapple linear switch offers a subdued sound that is dampened and subtle, providing a mild and understated auditory experience. On the other hand, the Milk Tea linear switch produces a unique high-pitched yet muted sound, creating a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. If you prefer a quieter and more understated sound profile, the Crabapple switch may be the better choice. However, if you enjoy a sharper and more distinct sound, the Milk Tea switch could be more to your liking.
When it comes to feel, the Crabapple switch boasts a frictionless typing experience with a dry smoothness that minimizes resistance and provides a fluid travel. Additionally, it offers a subtle texture felt with each keystroke, enhancing the overall tactile experience. In contrast, the Milk Tea switch is designed with a polished finish, offering a silky smooth typing feel that reduces friction and ensures effortless key travel. With an accessible bottom-out force, the Milk Tea switch is tailored for prolonged typing sessions and guarantees a comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Crabapple switch provides a subdued sound and a frictionless typing experience with subtle texture, the Milk Tea switch delivers a unique high-pitched sound and a polished, silky smooth feel designed for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for sound and typing feel. Whether you prefer a quieter and more subtle typing experience or a sharper and smoother feel, both switches offer excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, your choice should be based on your preference for typing experience. If you value a smooth and effortless typing journey with a mild and understated sound, then the Crabapple switch crafted from POM would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a unique auditory blend featuring a high-pitched yet muted sound, designed for prolonged typing sessions with a polished and silky finish, then the Milk Tea switch manufactured by BSUN would be the perfect fit. Consider your sound and feel preferences carefully when selecting between these two switches to ensure the best typing experience tailored to your needs. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the frictionless and subtle Crabapple or the polished and balanced Milk Tea, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Choose accordingly based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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