HC Studio Crabapple vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Crabapple, a linear switch, and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade), a tactile switch, offer unique typing experiences. The Crabapple switches, crafted entirely from POM, provide a frictionless and subtly textured typing journey with a mild and understated sound signature. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches feature a sharp tactile feel with a strong downstroke bump and an even sharper upstroke bump, creating a distinctive hypertactile sensation. While the Crabapple switches offer a smooth and dry typing experience, the Moyu Blacks provide a premium, impactful typing experience with a satisfyingly sharp and punchy sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preferences 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
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PBT
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
PBT
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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) both offer unique sound profiles, with the Crabapple utilizing POM for both the top and bottom housing while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) utilizes PBT for both. POM housings in the Crabapple create a deeper and more muted sound, providing a pleasing experience for users. In contrast, the PBT housings in the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offer a more neutral sound profile that is neither crisp nor dull. Despite these differences, both housing materials provide their own distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences.
However, if the top and bottom housings are the same within a switch, as seen in the Crabapple, users can expect a consistent sound profile throughout the key press. In this case, the POM material in both the top and bottom housing will create a uniform and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side and relatively muted. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) separates the housing materials between the top and bottom, with the PBT bottom housing having more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the PBT top housing influences the sound when releasing the key. This difference in housing material distribution can cater to different preferences in key press feedback and sound experience.
Overall, the choice between POM and PBT housing materials in switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience. Both the HC Studio Crabapple and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offer unique qualities that cater to different sound profiles and tactile feedback preferences. Whether you prefer the deeper and muted sound of POM or the neutral sound profile of PBT, both housing materials bring their own strengths to the overall typing experience and can enhance the overall satisfaction for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, it is clear that the Crabapple is lighter while the Moyu Black is heavier. The Crabapple has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Moyu Black has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Crabapple providing a lighter touch and the Moyu Black delivering a more tactile and heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Crabapple switch. The 0.4 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and speed of typing or gaming. For those who prefer a more traditional travel distance, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch would be the choice. However, if a shorter travel distance is desired for quicker response times, the Crabapple switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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
When it comes to sound, the Crabapple switch is characterized by a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, offering a subtle and mellow auditory experience. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch provides a resonant and high-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp, creating an immersive typing experience. The choice of board and keycaps will also influence the sound produced by these switches.
Moving on to feel, the Crabapple switch is renowned for its frictionless and mild typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless journey with a subtle texture felt with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch stands out for its accented and sharp tactile feel, providing a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with every keypress. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers a distinctive and impactful typing experience due to its medium-heavy feel and abrupt bottom-out.
In conclusion, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch offer distinctly different typing experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Crabapple switch provides a subdued and frictionless typing journey with a mild feel, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch delivers a resonant and sharp tactile experience. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, whether you choose the Crabapple or the Moyu Black (Dark Jade), you can expect a premium typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a smooth, effortless typing experience with a subtle and mild sound profile, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile and impactful typing experience with a sharp tactile bump and a resonant sound profile, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for key feel and sound, as both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
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