HC Studio Crabapple vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Crabapple and the Outemu Silent Ocean both fall under the category of linear switches. The Crabapple, crafted entirely from POM, offers an effortlessly frictionless typing experience with a unique dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each key press. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean by Outemu is known for its silence during typing sessions. The Crabapple is categorized as 'frictionless', 'mild', 'subdued', 'textured', while the Silent Ocean is not categorized with any specific attributes. Deciding between these switches may come down to personal preference, such as whether you prioritize a smooth, textured typing experience or a quiet workspace. 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
1.60 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Outemu Silent Ocean, it is clear that the top housing plays a significant role in the overall sound profile of the switch. The POM top housing of the Crabapple creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Ocean produces a sharper and crisper sound. The translucency of the polycarbonate top housing also makes it ideal for RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to the switch. Despite these differences, both housing materials excel in creating a unique and pleasing sound experience for users.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the POM bottom housing of the Crabapple and the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Ocean offer contrasting sound profiles. The POM material in the Crabapple contributes to a deeper and more muted sound, while the softer nylon material in the Silent Ocean elicits a fuller and rounder sound. The absorption properties of nylon enhance the sound experience by creating a duller sound compared to the more resonant sound produced by the POM material. These differences highlight how the choice of bottom housing material can impact the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in the top and bottom of a switch can greatly influence the sound and feel of typing on it. The bottom housing typically affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Both the Crabapple and Silent Ocean showcase how varying housing materials can create distinct sound profiles, with the POM and polycarbonate materials each bringing their own unique characteristics to the switches. Whether you prefer a deeper, muted sound or a sharper, crisper sound, these switches offer a range of options to cater to different preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch differ in weight. The Crabapple has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Silent Ocean has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The Crabapple provides a lighter typing experience, which may be preferred by those looking for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. In contrast, the Silent Ocean offers a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push, appealing to users who prefer a heavier force for a more tactile experience. When considering a switch's actuation and bottom out forces, it is essential to determine whether a lighter or heavier weight is preferable for one's typing preferences and needs.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch's 4 mm travel distance. The Crabapple offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking fast reactions. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean provides a deeper keystroke feel with its longer travel distance, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial key press. Both switches offer a different feel in terms of travel distance, catering to varying preferences among typists and gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
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 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
In terms of sound, the Crabapple linear switch offers a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle and understated sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare in this aspect. It's important to consider that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of typing, the Crabapple linear switch is praised for its frictionless nature, offering an effortless and smooth typing experience with minimal resistance or friction during key presses. Additionally, it provides a mild and gentle typing sensation that falls into a safe middle-ground zone, appealing to a wide range of users. The switch also features a subtle texture felt with each keystroke, adding a unique tactile element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the tactile characteristics of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch are not disclosed, making it challenging to directly compare its feel with the Crabapple switch.
Overall, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch stands out for its frictionless feel, subdued sound signature, and mild typing experience complemented by a subtle texture. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch are less known, it's important to consider personal preferences and factors such as typing speed and typing style when choosing a mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, both switches may offer similar results in terms of typing experience and sound, depending on individual preferences and setup configurations.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a keyboard switch crafted entirely from POM for a frictionless and textured typing experience with a mild sound signature, then the Crabapple switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a silent typing experience, the Silent Ocean switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force. So, weigh these factors carefully before making your decision.
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