HC Studio Crabapple vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the HC Studio Crabapple, a linear switch, and the Outemu Cream Yellow, a tactile switch. The Crabapple is crafted entirely from POM, providing a frictionless typing experience that is dry and smooth, with a subtle texture felt with each key press. Its sound signature is mild and understated, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switch from Outemu is known for its tactile feedback, offering a satisfying bump with each keystroke. While the Crabapple switch is categorized as 'Frictionless', 'Mild', 'Subdued', 'Textured', the Cream Yellow switch does not have any specific categorizations. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and typing style. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 Outemu Cream Yellow switches offer different characteristics in terms of sound profile and feel. The Crabapple's POM top and bottom housing creates a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. In contrast, the Cream Yellow's nylon top and bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both materials offer deeper sound profiles, the POM housing of the Crabapple may provide a slightly more muted sound compared to the nylon housing of the Cream Yellow.
In terms of typing experience, the housing materials of the switches play a significant role. The Crabapple's POM top and bottom housing contribute to a unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted, while the Cream Yellow's nylon top and bottom housing create a deeper and fuller sound profile. The impact of the bottom housing is felt more during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences, both housing materials contribute to a distinctive typing experience with their individual sound profiles and characteristics.
Overall, the choice between the HC Studio Crabapple and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches will depend on preferences for sound profile and typing feel. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, the POM housing of the Crabapple may provide a slightly more muted sound compared to the fuller sound produced by the nylon housing of the Cream Yellow. Whether one prefers a deeper and more muted sound or a fuller and rounder sound, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their distinct housing materials. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for sound profile and feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch demonstrate a noticeable difference in weight. The Crabapple has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a light typing experience. In comparison, the Cream Yellow features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a more substantial typing feel. The lighter weight of the Crabapple is ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, while the heavier weight of the Cream Yellow may appeal to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal typing preferences, with the Crabapple being lighter and the Cream Yellow being heavier for those seeking a different typing experience.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for individuals who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. The Crabapple offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Cream Yellow, which may appeal to those who prefer a more tactile and satisfying keypress. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the level of responsiveness 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 Outemu Cream Yellow comes in at $3.10 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
Overall, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is known for its subdued sound profile and frictionless, mild feel, providing a smooth typing experience with a subtle texture felt with each press. On the other hand, information on the sound and feel of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch is currently unavailable. Based on the available information, if you enjoy a switch with a dampened sound and a smooth, effortless typing experience, the Crabapple linear switch would be a great choice. However, without information on the Cream Yellow switch, it is difficult to directly compare the two. Remember that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by your choice of keyboard and keycaps. For a similar typing experience to the Crabapple switch, you may want to explore switches with similar descriptors such as "subdued" for sound and "frictionless" for feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you value a light, frictionless, and subtly textured typing journey with a bottom out force of 45 grams, the Crabapple switch crafted entirely from POM would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and are looking for a switch that offers a more gentle typing experience in a safe, middle-ground zone, the Cream Yellow switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing feel, sound, and the specific characteristics that each switch offers.
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