HC Studio Crabapple vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch to the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Crabapple switch is crafted entirely from POM, offering a unique typing experience with a frictionless journey and subtle textured feel with each downstroke. The sound signature of the Crabapple switch is mild and understated, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green switch doesn't have any specific standout characteristics listed, potentially making it a more neutral option. While the Crabapple switch is all about providing a smooth and textured typing sensation, the Silent Green switch may appeal to those who are looking for a more straightforward mechanical keyboard switch. 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
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Silent Green switches offer different sound profiles due to their use of POM and polycarbonate, respectively. The POM top housing of the Crabapple creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Green produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound with greater clarity. The choice of material not only affects the sound produced but also impacts the aesthetics, especially when considering the use of RGB lighting - the translucent polycarbonate allows for vibrant lighting effects to shine through.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Crabapple and Silent Green switches utilize the same materials as their top housing counterparts. This means that the POM bottom housing of the Crabapple and the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Green will contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches in a similar manner. The stiffness of polycarbonate in the bottom housing of the Silent Green provides a clear and resonant sound profile, while the deeper and more muted sound of the POM bottom housing in the Crabapple enhances the overall typing experience.
When comparing the two switches, it's important to consider how the different housing materials impact the overall typing experience. The split between the bottom and top housings means that each material brings its own unique qualities to the sound and feel of the switch. While the Crabapple and Silent Green switches may have differing sound profiles due to their housing materials, both offer a distinct typing experience that can cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a deeper, more muted sound or a sharper, crisper sound, the choice between POM and polycarbonate housing can greatly influence the overall performance and feel of the switch.
Weight
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. Those who prefer a stronger push when typing may lean towards the Silent Green switch. The actuation and bottom out forces for the Crabapple are both lighter compared to the Silent Green, providing a consistent typing experience for those who prefer a lighter touch. Regardless of the choice between the two switches, users can expect a more comfortable typing experience as they can adjust their typing style accordingly to fit the switches.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, we can see that the Crabapple has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Silent Green's 4 mm. This means that the Crabapple offers a slightly quicker response time, which can be beneficial for gamers looking for a fast-paced typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Green provides a slightly deeper key press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feeling when typing. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, with the Crabapple being on the shorter end and the Silent Green being more traditional. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for typing feel and speed.
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 Silent Green 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
In terms of sound, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch offers a subdued sound that is dampened and subtle, providing a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. When it comes to feel, the Crabapple switch stands out for its frictionless typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless key press with a mild and textured feel that is comfortable for most users. The feel of the Silent Green switch is unknown, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison in this regard.
Overall, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is known for its smoothness, mild sound, and textured feel, providing a pleasant and understated typing experience. In contrast, there is limited information available on the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, making it challenging to make a direct comparison between the two switches. Whether looking for a switch with a specific sound or feel, it is essential to consider personal preferences and factors such as keyboard choice and keycaps to ensure the best typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, material, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a frictionless, smooth typing experience with a mild sound and subtle texture, the Crabapple switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium 60-gram actuation force and a silent typing experience without any specific sound or feel characteristics mentioned, the Silent Green switch may be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and actuation force to ensure an optimal typing experience.
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