HC Studio Crabapple vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HC Studio Crabapple and the Cherry MX Red mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Crabapple, known for its POM construction, provides a smooth and textured typing experience with a mild and understated sound profile. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red is a classic switch with a slightly heavier feel and deeper sound profile, offering a robust typing experience with a satisfying auditory depth. While the Crabapple offers a frictionless and subdued typing journey, the MX Red provides a thocky and low-pitched sound with a textured feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and what typing experience you value most. 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
N/A
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HC Studio Crabapple and Cherry MX Red switches both have unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Crabapple's POM top and bottom housings offer a deep and muted sound profile that is pleasing to the ear. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red's nylon top and bottom housings also provide a deep and fuller sound profile, thanks to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. While both switches offer a similar deep sound profile, the materials used in the housings result in slightly different characteristics.
One key difference between the Crabapple and Cherry MX Red switches is the material used in their respective top housings. The POM top housing of the Crabapple creates a unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively muted. In comparison, the nylon top housing of the Cherry MX Red offers a fuller sound profile that is also deep but with a rounder and duller tone. This difference in sound profile can impact the overall typing experience and the feel of the switch when pressed down.
Although the top and bottom housings of the Crabapple and Cherry MX Red switches contribute to the overall sound profile, they each play a distinct role in the typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is fully pressed down, while the top housing affects the sound when the key is released. This means that the POM and nylon materials used in the housings of these switches will influence how each keypress is perceived by the user, creating a unique typing experience for both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, one can see some noticeable differences. The Crabapple has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the MX Red's 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with a lighter touch. Additionally, the Crabapple also has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a consistent and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Red's bottom out force is unknown, but it is likely to be heavier than the Crabapple. The choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding typing feel and force requirements. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Crabapple, while those who prefer a more substantial feel may lean towards the MX Red. Ultimately, selecting the right switch weight is crucial for achieving the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it is evident that the Crabapple has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the MX Red's 4 mm. The difference may seem minimal, but in terms of key feel and response, it can make a significant impact. The Crabapple's shorter travel distance may be more appealing to gamers looking for quick response times, while the MX Red's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red 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 and mild sound signature that is dampened and understated, providing a more subtle auditory experience compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red linear switch produces a thocky and low-pitched sound profile that is deep, rich, and satisfying, offering a robust typing experience with a more pronounced auditory depth. The sound of both switches will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, but overall, the Crabapple switch will provide a quieter and more relaxed typing sound, while the MX Red switch will offer a more resonant and impactful typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Crabapple linear switch is lauded for its frictionless and mild typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless journey with a subtle texture felt during each downstroke. This switch provides a fluid and gentle typing feel that falls in the middle ground between overly pronounced characteristics. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red linear switch is also described as textured, suggesting a noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may enjoy the subtle texture for added tactile feedback, but others may prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience like that offered by the Crabapple switch.
In conclusion, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crabapple switch provides a quieter and smoother typing experience with a subdued sound profile and a frictionless feel. On the other hand, the MX Red switch delivers a more pronounced and satisfying typing sound with a textured feel that some users may find appealing for added tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience, but both switches will offer a reliable and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience with unique qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a light bottom out force and a effortlessly frictionless typing experience, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch would be the way to go. The Crabapple offers a mild and understated sound profile with a subtle texture felt with each downstroke, giving you a smooth and fluid typing journey. However, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel with a deeper sound profile and a classic Cherry switch experience, then the Cherry MX Red linear switch would be more suited to your preferences. The MX Red provides a robust typing experience with a thocky and low-pitched sound profile that some users find satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the HC Studio Crabapple and the Cherry MX Red will depend on whether you prioritize a frictionless, light typing experience or a slightly heavier, classic switch feel.
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