HC Studio Crabapple vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the HC Studio Crabapple and the Cherry MX Silent Red mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a switch. The Crabapple offers a unique typing experience with its POM construction, providing a frictionless journey with a dry smoothness and subtle texture. Its mild and understated sound signature may appeal to those looking for a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red maintains the classic characteristics of the MX Red but with the added benefit of silent operation, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. Both switches offer a textured feel, but the Crabapple is categorized as 'Frictionless' and 'Mild', while the MX Silent Red is 'Muted' and 'Thocky'. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Cherry MX Silent Red both offer unique sound profiles, with the Crabapple using POM for its top and bottom housing while the MX Silent Red uses nylon for both. The POM housing of the Crabapple creates a deeper and more muted sound compared to the fuller sound profile produced by the nylon housing of the MX Silent Red. This difference in sound can impact the overall typing experience for users, with the Crabapple offering a quieter typing experience while the MX Silent Red provides a more pronounced sound feedback.
While both switches utilize different housing materials for the top and bottom, the qualities of each material are split between the two housings. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the key press, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing the key. In this case, the POM bottom housing of the Crabapple would contribute to a deeper sound profile upon pressing a key, while the nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red would create a softer and duller sound when the key is released. This distinction in sound profile can cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, the choice between the Crabapple and the MX Silent Red housing materials ultimately depends on the user's preference for sound and feel while typing. The POM housing of the Crabapple offers a more muted and deeper sound profile, ideal for those looking for a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon housing of the MX Silent Red provides a fuller and rounder sound, catering to users who prefer a more pronounced sound feedback. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches offer high-quality typing experiences that can enhance productivity and enjoyment for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is clear that the Crabapple is the lighter option. The Crabapple has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the MX Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, with the bottom out force being unavailable. This means that the Crabapple requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out compared to the MX Silent Red. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Crabapple, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the MX Silent Red, which offers a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Silent Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the HC Studio Crabapple. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for quick response times. If you prefer a switch with a shorter travel distance for faster typing or gaming, both options would provide similar results. However, if you prefer a switch with a slightly longer travel distance for a more substantial keypress feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red would be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 switch is known for its subdued and mild sound profile, providing a pleasant typing experience without being too loud. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch offers a muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound that minimizes noise, making it ideal for quieter environments. Both switches provide a quieter typing experience, but the MX Silent Red may have a slight edge in noise reduction due to its specific design for silent operation. Ultimately, your choice of keycaps and keyboard build will also play a role in the final sound produced by either switch.
In terms of feel, the HC Studio Crabapple switch is praised for its frictionless and mild typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless journey with a subtle texture felt with each keypress. Conversely, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as textured, which could indicate a slight friction when pressed compared to the Crabapple. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Crabapple leaning towards a smoother feel and the MX Silent Red potentially offering a bit more tactile feedback. Ultimately, personal preference will dictate which switch feels more comfortable for individual users.
In conclusion, both the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Crabapple provides a subtle sound with a frictionless typing experience, the MX Silent Red excels in offering a muted sound profile with potentially slightly more tactile feedback. Depending on your preference for typing experience and noise level, either switch could be a great choice for your mechanical keyboard setup. Experimenting with different switches on various boards and keycaps can help determine the best fit for your typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, you should consider the following factors. If you are looking for a light switch with a unique dry smoothness and a mild, understated sound profile, then the Crabapple may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel with a significantly quieter sound profile, ideal for noise-sensitive environments, then the MX Silent Red is worth considering. Ultimately, the decision will come down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound, so choose the switch that best suits your needs and preferences.
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