HC Studio Crabapple vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Crabapple and SP-Star Polaris Gray both offer unique typing experiences. The crabapple, a linear switch crafted entirely from POM, boasts a frictionless typing journey with a dry smoothness that's complemented by a subtle texture felt with each downstroke. Its sound signature is mild and understated, making it categorized as smooth, mild, subdued, and textured. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray is a linear switch known for its bouncy typing experience and clean, clacky sound profile. Categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, and polished, it offers a different tactile and auditory experience compared to the Crabapple. While general pointers can help guide your choice, diving deeper into the specifics of each switch will allow you to make the best decision for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
Both the HC Studio Crabapple and the SP-Star Polaris Gray feature unique housing materials that impact the sound profile of the switches. The Crabapple utilizes a POM top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound. In contrast, the Polaris Gray features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in housing materials leads to distinct auditory experiences when typing on these keyboards.
In terms of aesthetics, the Crabapple's POM housing and the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate housing offer different visual appeals. The translucent nature of polycarbonate lends itself well to RGB lighting, making the Polaris Gray a visually striking option for those looking to customize their keyboard with colorful lighting effects. On the other hand, the opaque POM housing of the Crabapple provides a sleek and understated look that may appeal to users seeking a more minimalist design.
While both the Crabapple and the Polaris Gray offer unique sound profiles and visual aesthetics due to their housing materials, they share similar qualities in terms of functionality. Both POM and polycarbonate are durable plastics that provide a solid structure for the switches, ensuring longevity and reliability. Additionally, the distinct sound profiles created by these housing materials offer users a variety of options to choose from based on their preferences for typing sound and feel. Ultimately, whether you prefer the deeper, muted sound of POM or the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate, both the Crabapple and the Polaris Gray offer high-quality housing materials that enhance the typing experience.
Weight
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Crabapple is 45 grams, while the Polaris Gray has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. The Crabapple provides a lighter typing experience ideal for long periods of use, while the Polaris Gray offers a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Both switches have their own advantages depending on individual preferences, with the Crabapple being lighter and the Polaris Gray being medium-heavy. Ultimately, those looking for a more responsive typing experience may lean towards the Crabapple, while those seeking a more robust feel may prefer the Polaris Gray.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Polaris Gray has a longer travel distance compared to the Crabapple. The difference may not seem significant, but it can result in a slightly different typing experience. For those who prefer a shallower feel and faster response times, the Crabapple with its shorter travel distance may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial keypress and a deeper feel may opt for the Polaris Gray with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch offers a subdued and mild sound signature that is dampened and understated. This provides a subtle typing experience that is not too loud or distracting. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is described as having a low-pitched, neutral, and thocky sound profile. This means that it produces a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a satisfying deep sound when pressed and released. Depending on personal preference, some users may prefer the quieter and more subdued sound of the Crabapple, while others may enjoy the deeper and more pronounced sound of the Polaris Gray.
In terms of feel, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is known for its frictionless and mild typing experience with a subtle texture felt with each downstroke. This offers a smooth and effortless typing journey with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This results in a sleek and refined typing experience that is comfortable for prolonged use. Both switches provide a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users, but the Crabapple may appeal more to those who prefer a completely frictionless feel, while the Polaris Gray may be preferred by those who appreciate a more polished and refined key feel.
In conclusion, the HC Studio Crabapple and SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switches offer different sound profiles and typing experiences to suit various preferences. The Crabapple excels in providing a quieter and smoother typing experience with a subdued sound, while the Polaris Gray offers a deeper and more bouncy typing feel with a low-pitched and thocky sound. Depending on whether you prioritize a frictionless feel and mild sound or a polished feel and deep sound, you can choose between these two switches to enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, both switches promise an enjoyable and satisfying typing journey for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch or the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize a light and frictionless typing journey with a subtle texture and mild sound, the Crabapple switch crafted from POM is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a bouncy feel and clean, clacky sound profile, the Polaris Gray switch is the better choice for you. Both switches have their unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it ultimately depends on what type of typing experience you are looking for.
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