HC Studio Crabapple vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the HC Studio Crabapple and the Cherry Nixie mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to the type of typing experience you prefer. The Crabapple, with its POM construction, offers a frictionless and dry smoothness, paired with a subtle textured feel and mild sound. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie is known for its substantial heft, textured typing experience, and low-pitched thocky sound. While the Crabapple provides a subdued and understated typing experience, the Nixie offers a more tactile and satisfying 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Cherry Nixie are both designed to enhance the sound profile of the switches. The Crabapple utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound. Similarly, the Nixie uses nylon for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a fuller and rounder sound profile. While the specific characteristics of POM and nylon differ, the overall goal of creating a unique and pleasing sound is achieved in both cases.
One key difference between the Crabapple and the Nixie is the material used for the top housing. The Crabapple's POM top housing creates a deep and unique sound profile that is relatively muted, whereas the Nixie's nylon top housing elicits a fuller and rounder sound. This variation in top housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience, influencing the sound when a key is released. Despite this difference, both switches aim to provide a satisfying and pleasant typing experience through their housing materials.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Crabapple and the Nixie use the same materials as their respective top housing. This consistency ensures a uniform sound profile throughout the switch, creating a cohesive typing experience. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel is crucial for tactile feedback, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is let go. By utilizing similar materials for both top and bottom housings, the Crabapple and the Nixie achieve a balanced and harmonious typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it is clear that the Crabapple is lighter in both aspects. The Crabapple has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Nixie has an actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. The Crabapple provides a lighter typing experience compared to the Nixie, making it suitable for those who prefer a smoother typing feel for longer periods of time. On the other hand, the Nixie offers a heavier push feel, ideal for those looking for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with weight being a key factor to consider.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, the Crabapple comes in at a slightly shorter 3.6 mm while the Nixie features a 4 mm travel distance. While the difference may seem minimal, it can actually make a noticeable impact on the overall feel of the keyboard. The Nixie's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying keypress for those who prefer a deeper feel, while the Crabapple's shorter travel distance may cater to those seeking a quicker response time, particularly useful for gamers. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the Crabapple offering a slightly shorter travel distance for those seeking a faster response and the Nixie providing a longer travel distance for a more pronounced keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to 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 Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie switch produces a thocky, deep, and satisfying sound with a low-pitched tone that is more bass-heavy and mellow. The choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the Crabapple offering a more understated sound while the Nixie provides a richer and more pronounced typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Crabapple linear switch provides a frictionless and effortless typing experience due to its construction from POM material. The switch offers a mild and approachable typing feel, suitable for a wide range of users. Additionally, the Crabapple switch has a subtle texture that adds a unique sensation with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie switch also offers a textured feel, providing noticeable friction when pressed. This textured feel may be preferred by some users who enjoy a bit of resistance in their typing experience.
Overall, the Crabapple and Cherry Nixie linear switches have their unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Crabapple switch offers a quieter and smoother typing experience with its subdued sound and frictionless feel, the Nixie switch delivers a more pronounced and textured typing experience with a rich, thocky sound. Both switches provide high-quality performance based on their subjective qualities, ensuring a satisfying typing journey for users who appreciate distinct keyboard switches. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to individual preferences in sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch or the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for typing experience. If you prefer a light bottom out force, a frictionless and mild typing experience with a subdued sound, then the Crabapple switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force, a textured typing experience with a thocky, low-pitched sound, then the Cherry Nixie switch may be more suited to your preferences. Consider what qualities matter most to you in a keyboard switch and make your decision based on which one aligns best with your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience in different ways.
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