HC Studio Crabapple vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Crabapple and the Outemu Ocean offer unique qualities to consider. The Crabapple, a linear switch, is crafted entirely from POM, providing an effortlessly frictionless typing experience. With a distinct dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each downstroke, this switch offers a mild and understated sound signature. On the other hand, the Ocean, a tactile switch, lacks specific standout features but promises a different typing experience altogether. If you prefer a smooth and textured feel with a mild sound signature, the Crabapple might be the switch for you. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Ocean exhibit distinct characteristics that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Crabapple features POM top and bottom housings, which create a deep and muted sound profile. In contrast, the Ocean utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound. The difference in stiffness between POM and polycarbonate leads to contrasting sound qualities, with POM offering a more subdued tone and polycarbonate providing a more resonant and clear sound. While both materials enhance the overall sound of the switches, they cater to different preferences in sound profile.
Additionally, the bottom housings of the Crabapple and the Ocean further distinguish their sound profiles. The Crabapple's POM bottom housing contributes to a deep and pleasing sound, matching the characteristics of its top housing. On the other hand, the Ocean's nylon bottom housing brings a fuller and deeper sound profile to the switches. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Crabapple. These differences in bottom housing materials add another layer of uniqueness to the sound profiles of the switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch plays a significant role in shaping its sound characteristics. While the Crabapple and the Ocean differ in their housing materials, they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The split between top and bottom housings allows each material to influence different aspects of the switch's sound and feel. Whether you prefer the deeper and more muted sound of POM or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, both switches offer distinct qualities that enhance the typing experience.
Weight
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Ocean tactile switch. The Crabapple has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Ocean has an actuation force of 55 grams. The bottom out force for the Ocean switch is unknown. This means that the Crabapple switch is lighter to press and requires less force to activate a keystroke, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Ocean switch offers a heavier actuation force, which may appeal to users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. In conclusion, the choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch have different travel distances, with the Crabapple measuring at 3.6mm and the Ocean at 4mm. In this case, the Crabapple has the shorter travel distance compared to the Ocean. The 0.4mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. For those who prefer a quicker and more responsive typing experience, the Crabapple may be the better option. On the other hand, the Ocean's longer travel distance could provide a more satisfying and deliberate typing experience for those who enjoy a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on 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 Outemu Ocean 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
When it comes to sound, the Crabapple linear switch offers a subdued and understated sound when pressed, providing a dampened sound that is not completely silent but certainly more subtle compared to most switches. On the other hand, information about the sound of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is currently unknown. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Crabapple linear switch is praised for its frictionless nature, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience due to being crafted entirely from POM. It provides a dry smoothness that minimizes any sense of resistance or friction, creating a fluid travel with each keystroke. Additionally, the Crabapple switch offers a mild typing experience with a subtle texture felt on each key press. Conversely, information about the tactile feel of the Outemu Ocean switch is currently unavailable.
In conclusion, based on the available information, the Crabapple linear switch stands out for its frictionless and smooth typing experience, accompanied by a mild sound signature that is subtle and understated. While the tactile qualities of the Outemu Ocean switch are unknown, it is important to consider personal preferences and typing style when choosing between the two switches. Overall, both switches may provide a comparable typing experience in terms of smoothness and overall feel, but individual preferences and typing habits should ultimately dictate the choice between the two.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when making the decision between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a light and frictionless typing journey with a subtle sound signature, then the Crabapple switch crafted from POM material may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a bottom out force of None and are indifferent to the material or sound, the Ocean tactile switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound. Consider these factors carefully when choosing the switch that best fits your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
