HC Studio Crabapple vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Crabapple and the Outemu Spring Breeze offer unique features that cater to different preferences. 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 keystroke. Its sound signature is mild and understated, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze, a clicky switch, does not have any specific characteristics mentioned but is known for its tactile feedback and audible click sound. If you enjoy the satisfying click sound and tactile feedback while typing, the Spring Breeze 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
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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
When comparing the housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Outemu Spring Breeze, it is evident that both switches utilize unique materials to create a distinct sound profile. The Crabapple's POM top housing and the Spring Breeze's nylon top housing are both known for producing a deep and muted sound. However, the POM material of the Crabapple creates a more pleasing and unique sound compared to the nylon material of the Spring Breeze. Additionally, the POM bottom housing of the Crabapple shares similar characteristics with the nylon bottom housing of the Spring Breeze, both contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile with a relatively muted tone.
Despite the similarities in sound profiles between the two switches, the difference in housing materials can be felt when typing on them. The POM bottom housing of the Crabapple is likely to have a slightly different impact on the bottom-out sound and feel compared to the nylon bottom housing of the Spring Breeze. Similarly, the impact of the top housing materials on the sound when releasing a key may vary between the POM top housing of the Crabapple and the nylon top housing of the Spring Breeze. These subtle differences in housing materials can result in a unique typing experience for each switch.
In conclusion, while both the HC Studio Crabapple and the Outemu Spring Breeze have housing materials that contribute to a deep and muted sound profile, the specific qualities and characteristics of their POM and nylon materials set them apart. The Crabapple's POM housing material is praised for its pleasing and unique sound, while the Spring Breeze's nylon material absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the typing experience that each individual user is seeking.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch offer different typing experiences. The Crabapple has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Spring Breeze has a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. The Crabapple provides a lighter typing feel, which may appeal to those looking for a smoother typing experience that can lead to longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Spring Breeze offers a bit more resistance, giving a more substantial typing feel that some users may prefer for a more tactile feedback. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Crabapple being lighter and the Spring Breeze being medium-light in comparison. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm. In this case, the Crabapple switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Spring Breeze switch. The shorter travel distance of the Crabapple switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Spring Breeze switch might be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile and deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and the feel of 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 Spring Breeze 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 and gentle sound profile, providing a dampened sound when pressed. This contributes to a quieter typing experience compared to most switches, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch's sound description is unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare the two switches in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Crabapple is known for its frictionless and mild typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless journey with minimal resistance. The switch provides a fluid travel and a comfortable middle-ground feel that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the Crabapple switch features a subtle texture felt with each keystroke, adding a tactile element to the typing experience. As for the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, information on its feel description is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare it with the Crabapple switch in this aspect.
Considering the available information, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch excels in providing a subdued and gentle sound profile along with a frictionless and textured typing experience. On the other hand, information on the sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is lacking, making it challenging to make a direct comparison between the two switches. Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch with a quiet sound and smooth feel, the Crabapple would be a suitable choice. However, for those interested in the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, further research or hands-on experience would be required to fully understand its subjective qualities.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a frictionless, smooth typing experience with a mild and subdued sound signature, then the Crabapple switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-light bottom out force and are looking for a clicky switch that provides a more traditional tactile and auditory feedback, then the Spring Breeze switch may be the better choice for you. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and desired level of resistance when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the perfect switch for you will be the one that enhances your typing experience and meets your individual preferences.
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