HC Studio Crabapple vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Crabapple and Bsun Olive stand out as unique options to consider. The Crabapple, known for its linear design, is crafted entirely from POM, providing a frictionless typing experience with a dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each downstroke. Its sound signature is mild and understated, making it a popular choice for those seeking a quieter option. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive is a tactile switch with all-POM housings, delivering a resonant, deep sound that stands out. These medium-weight switches offer pronounced tactile feedback and a sharp bottom-out, providing a satisfying feel and auditory experience. Each switch has its own characteristics that cater to different preferences - the Crabapple with its smoothness and subtlety, and the Bsun Olive with its tactile feedback and satisfying 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the HC Studio Crabapple and the Bsun Olive switches are both made of POM, which creates a unique and pleasing sound profile with deeper tones and a relatively more muted sound compared to other materials. This similar choice in housing material ensures that users can expect a consistent sound experience across both switches. However, the distribution of the POM material differs in the switches, with the Crabapple featuring POM in both the top and bottom housings, while the Olive also utilizes POM in both top and bottom housings.
Despite the shared use of POM housing material, the HC Studio Crabapple and the Bsun Olive switches may offer slightly different sound profiles due to the distribution of the POM material in the switches. The Crabapple's use of POM in both the top and bottom housings means that users can expect a balanced sound experience with contributions from both parts of the switch. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive's implementation of POM in both the top and bottom housings may result in a more consistent sound profile throughout the keystroke, as both components play a role in the overall sound and feel of the switch.
In terms of feel and sound, the choice of housing material in the HC Studio Crabapple and the Bsun Olive switches plays a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience. The deeper sound profile and muted tones associated with POM housing create a unique auditory experience that can cater to users looking for a more subdued sound while typing. Additionally, the distribution of POM material in both the top and bottom housings of these switches ensures that users can enjoy a consistent sound and feel across the entire keystroke, making for a cohesive typing experience.
Weight
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Crabapple has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Olive has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This makes the Crabapple more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, such as for work or gaming. On the other hand, the Olive provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel due to its heavier forces. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individuals with varying preferences for typing feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, it is clear that the Crabapple has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Olive's 3.4 mm. Both fall within the range of shorter travel distances which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The shorter travel distance of the Olive may offer a slightly quicker key press, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Crabapple may provide a more substantial and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for either a quicker, more responsive feel or a more pronounced typing sensation.
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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 HC Studio Crabapple linear switch offers a subdued and subtle sound profile that is not overpowering. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive tactile switch boasts a resonant and deep sound that is distinctly satisfying during use. The Crabapple provides a quieter typing experience, while the Olive delivers a more pronounced auditory experience, setting them apart in this aspect.
When it comes to feel, the Crabapple switch is known for its frictionless and mild typing experience with a subtle texture felt with each keystroke. This switch offers a smooth and effortless journey while minimizing any resistance. In contrast, the Bsun Olive switch provides an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback with a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming. With its crisp bottom-out and pronounced feedback, the Olive switch creates a more immersive typing sensation compared to the Crabapple.
Taking all of this information into consideration, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and Bsun Olive tactile switch offer very different subjective qualities to the user. The Crabapple excels in providing a quieter and smoother typing experience with a mild feel, while the Olive stands out with its deep, resonant sound and pronounced tactile feedback. Depending on personal preference, one may prefer the subtle and understated qualities of the Crabapple or the invigorating and sharp feedback of the Olive. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, consider the characteristics that align with your typing preferences. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, almost frictionless typing experience with a mild sound, the Crabapple switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force coupled with pronounced tactile feedback, a resonant sound, and an invigorating typing sensation, then the Olive switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences to ensure a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
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