HC Studio Crabapple vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch to the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it is evident that both offer unique typing experiences. The Crabapple is crafted entirely from POM, providing an effortlessly frictionless journey with a distinct dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switches offer a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, emphasizing subtlety in every keystroke. While the Crabapple is categorized as 'Frictionless', 'Mild', 'Subdued', and 'Textured', the MX Brown is categorized as 'Textured', 'Bassy', and 'Low-pitched'. Choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a linear switch with a unique texture or a tactile switch with gentle feedback. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Cherry MX Brown both play a significant role in determining the sound profile of the switches. The Crabapple uses POM for both the top and bottom housing, while the MX Brown utilizes nylon for both components. POM is noted for creating a pleasing and unique sound that is deep and relatively muted, providing a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, nylon is known for producing a fuller and deeper sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Crabapple and MX Brown switches offer a satisfying typing experience. The POM top and bottom housing of the Crabapple work together to create a consistent sound profile that is deep and muted, enhancing the overall typing feel. Similarly, the nylon housing of the MX Brown contributes to a fuller sound profile that is both deep and satisfying. While the specific characteristics of each housing material may vary, both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing experience for users.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housing on the overall sound and feel of the switches, it is clear that each component plays a crucial role in shaping the typing experience. The bottom housing has a significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a tactile response that is noticeable during typing. On the other hand, the top housing is more prominent when it comes to the sound produced when releasing a key, adding an extra layer of depth to the typing sensation. Despite these differences, both the Crabapple and MX Brown switches offer a well-rounded typing experience that satisfies the needs of users seeking a high-quality mechanical keyboard.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch differ slightly in terms of weight. The Crabapple boasts a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Brown offers a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. Those who enjoy a stronger push when typing may prefer the MX Brown over the Crabapple. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience, but users looking for a lighter touch may find the Crabapple more suitable, while those desiring a bit more resistance may opt for the MX Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distances of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the Crabapple has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the MX Brown's 4 mm. The 0.4 mm may seem like a small difference, but when it comes to typing or gaming, that slight variation can have a noticeable impact on the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers looking for quicker response times may lean towards the Crabapple with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more traditional typing experience may opt for the MX Brown with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences 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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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 HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is known for its subdued and understated sound profile, providing a dampened and subtle auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound, creating a deeper and richer audio feedback compared to the Crabapple. Depending on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard and keycaps, users can choose between a more muted sound with the Crabapple or a more pronounced and bass-heavy sound with the MX Brown.
In terms of feel, the HC Studio Crabapple switches are praised for their frictionless typing journey, offering an effortlessly smooth and fluid travel with minimal resistance or friction. The switches are also described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone for most users. Additionally, the Crabapple switches feature a subtle texture felt with each downstroke, adding a unique tactile element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switches also offer a textured feel, which may appeal to users who prefer a bit of friction when pressing the keys. Whether you opt for the smoothness of the Crabapple or the slight textural feedback of the MX Brown, both switches provide a comfortable and approachable typing experience.
In conclusion, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Crabapple boasts a subdued sound and a frictionless, textured typing experience, the MX Brown provides a bassy sound profile and a slightly textured feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to individual preferences in sound, feel, and typing style, ensuring that newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards can find a switch that best suits their needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when making a decision between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you are looking for a light and frictionless typing journey with a subtle sound signature, the Crabapple switches may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly more tactile feel with a gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown switches could be a better fit. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to ensure the most satisfying typing experience.
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