HC Studio Crabapple vs. Outemu Peach
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Outemu Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Crabapple and the Outemu Peach are two options that stand out in the linear switch category. The Crabapple switch is crafted entirely from POM, providing an effortlessly frictionless typing experience with a distinct dry smoothness and a subtle texture felt with each downstroke. Its sound signature is mild and understated, making it ideal for those seeking a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switch offers a feathery light typing experience, thanks to its lightweight design and silenced operation. Perfect for linear switch enthusiasts, the Peach switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its unique characteristics that may appeal to different users based on their preferences. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
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 Peach switches have unique characteristics that affect the sound profile and typing experience. The Crabapple features POM top and bottom housings, which produce a deep and relatively muted sound when typing. In contrast, the Peach utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a fuller and rounder sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. While both switches aim to create pleasing typing experiences, their housing materials contribute to distinct auditory outcomes.
Despite their different housing materials, both the Crabapple and the Peach prioritize creating a deep and satisfying typing sound. The POM top housing of the Crabapple and the nylon top housing of the Peach both contribute to a deeper sound profile during keypresses, providing a unique auditory experience for users. However, the Crabapple's POM bottom housing and the Peach's nylon bottom housing each play a role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switches, with the POM housing offering a relatively muted sound contrasted by the fuller sound produced by the nylon housing.
When comparing the housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Outemu Peach switches, it is evident that they both utilize different materials to achieve similar satisfying sound profiles. The Crabapple's POM housings create a unique sound that is deep and pleasing, while the Peach's nylon housings offer a fuller and rounder sound experience. Whether it be the bottom housings impacting the bottom-out sound or the top housings affecting the sound release, both switches aim to provide a tactile and auditory typing experience that caters to different preferences and styles of typing.
Weight
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch both offer a relatively light typing experience, with the Crabapple being slightly lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Peach. The Crabapple has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Peach has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches are on the lighter side, making them ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch when typing for extended periods. However, if someone prefers a slightly stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, they may lean towards the Peach due to its slightly heavier force requirements. Overall, both switches offer a smooth and responsive typing experience, with the Crabapple being the lighter option and the Peach being slightly heavier.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Peach linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those seeking a faster response time, particularly gamers. The Crabapple switch has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly more substantial feel when pressed compared to the Peach switch. However, for most users, the difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable in day-to-day use. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of how the switch feels when typing or gaming.
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 Peach comes in at $3.40 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
The sound profile of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is best described as subdued, offering a dampened sound when pressed that is not completely silent but more understated compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach linear switch is known for its neutral sound with a muted quality that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Both switches provide a quieter typing experience, with the Crabapple being more subtle and the Peach being more muted, depending on personal preference and other factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Crabapple linear switch offers a frictionless typing journey with a dry smoothness that minimizes resistance and provides a fluid travel experience. Additionally, they have a mild and textured feel that adds a subtle tactile element to each keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Peach linear switch provides a mild and subtle typing experience with a polished finish that ensures smooth key travel and reduced friction. Both switches offer a gentle typing feel that is suitable for most users, with the Crabapple having a slightly more pronounced texture and the Peach having a more refined and polished feel.
In conclusion, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. While the Crabapple excels in providing a frictionless and textured typing experience with a subdued sound, the Peach stands out for its lightweight and polished feel with a neutral and muted sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preference for sound, feel, and typing experience desired for an optimal mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In summary, when it comes to choosing between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, it really comes down to personal preference. If you value a completely smooth and frictionless typing experience with a dry smoothness and mild sound signature, the Crabapple may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lightweight and silenced switch with a feathery light typing experience, the Peach could be the ideal option. Both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, so ultimately, it's about what characteristics resonate with you the most. Consider your typing style and preferences when making your decision.
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