HC Studio Crabapple vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Crabapple and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade stand out for their unique features. The Crabapple, a linear switch, is crafted entirely from POM, offering an effortlessly frictionless typing journey with a distinct dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each downstroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, a tactile switch, provides a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, thanks to its factory-lubed unique translucent jade yellow housing and punchy tactile bump. While the Crabapple is categorized as ['Frictionless', 'Mild', 'Subdued', 'Textured'], the Silent Yellow Jade falls into a different category. If you're looking for a switch with a smooth and mild typing experience, the Crabapple may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a tactile switch with a quiet operation and a punchy tactile bump, the Silent Yellow Jade could be the ideal choice. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
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 Silent Yellow Jade switches have some similarities and differences. Both switches use POM and nylon materials for their top and bottom housings. POM housings are known for creating a pleasing and unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted. Similarly, nylon housings also produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the material. However, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to POM.
In terms of the top housings, both the Crabapple and the Silent Yellow Jade switches feature unique sound profiles. The POM top housing of the Crabapple creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the nylon top housing of the Silent Yellow Jade elicits a fuller and rounder sound. The differences in sound can be attributed to the different properties of POM and nylon materials. POM is known for its unique sound characteristics, while nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a different sound profile.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both switches exhibit similar characteristics in terms of sound and feel. POM bottom housings create a pleasing and unique sound that is deeper and more muted, while nylon bottom housings elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. The impact of the bottom housing material is felt when pressing down on a key, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing material has more influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Overall, while there are differences in the materials used for the top and bottom housings of the switches, they both contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switch.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch differ noticeably. The Crabapple has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Silent Yellow Jade has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The Crabapple is ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, perfect for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a more substantial typing feel with its heavier forces, which some users may find more satisfying. Both switches have their own advantages, depending on the user's preference for light or heavy actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for quicker response times, especially gamers. The Crabapple switches have a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Yellow Jade switches. Some users may find the difference in distance noticeable when it comes to keypress feel and actuation point. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 Yellow Jade 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 understated sound profile, providing a quiet typing experience that is not completely silent but is more subtle compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is known for its "thocky" sound, offering a satisfying tactile feedback with a unique translucent jade yellow housing. The choice between these two switches would depend on your preference for a quieter, more muted sound (Crabapple) or a more pronounced, tactile sound (Silent Yellow Jade).
When it comes to feel, the Crabapple linear switch is praised for its frictionless and mild typing experience, presenting an effortless and smooth journey with a subtle texture felt with each keystroke. This switch falls in a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of feel, making it approachable to most users. On the other hand, information about the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is not available. If the Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a similar smooth and frictionless feel as the Crabapple, then users can expect a comfortable typing experience that minimizes resistance and provides a fluid travel.
Overall, both the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crabapple provides a quieter and smoother typing experience with a subtle sound profile, while the Silent Yellow Jade delivers a more tactile and pronounced typing experience with a "thocky" sound. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose between the understated elegance of the Crabapple or the punchy tactile feedback of the Silent Yellow Jade. Ultimately, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, depending on your individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a highly smooth and frictionless typing experience with a light bottom out force, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet, tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a satisfying "thocky" sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch might be more suited to your preferences. Consider your desired typing feel and sound profile when selecting between these two switches to ensure you're getting the best keyboard switch for your needs. Happy typing!
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