HC Studio Crabapple vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, a popular choice is the linear HC Studio Crabapple and the clicky KTT Purple Click switches. The Crabapple, made entirely from POM, offers a frictionless typing experience with a dry smoothness that's distinct from an oily glide. Its sound signature is mild and understated, providing a textured feel with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch, also known as Purple Sauce, offers a high-pitched, satisfying click with light keystrokes that still maintain a pronounced tactility. Despite these general pointers, it's essential to delve deeper into the specific characteristics of each switch to determine the best fit for your typing preferences.
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
1.90 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the KTT Purple Click offer contrasting sound profiles due to their different compositions. The Crabapple's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Purple Click's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the Crabapple's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound, in contrast to the Purple Click's nylon bottom housing, which elicits a fuller and rounder sound. These differences in housing materials result in distinct auditory experiences for users of each switch.
Despite the differences in sound profiles, both the Crabapple and the Purple Click offer unique benefits based on their housing materials. The use of POM in the Crabapple's housing provides a pleasing and unique sound, while the polycarbonate in the Purple Click's housing creates a clearer and more resonant sound. Similarly, the Crabapple's POM bottom housing and the Purple Click's nylon bottom housing each contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch, with POM offering a deeper tone and nylon providing a fuller sound. While the housing materials may differ, users can expect an enhanced typing experience with both switches due to the unique qualities each material brings to the table.
In terms of design and functionality, the choice between POM and polycarbonate top housings in the Crabapple and the Purple Click can greatly impact the aesthetic and performance of the switches. Polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches utilizing RGB lighting, adding a visual flair to the typing experience. On the other hand, POM's unique sound profile creates a more muted and deep tone, appealing to those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, the housing materials of these switches play a crucial role in determining the overall sound, feel, and aesthetics of the keyboard, providing users with a range of options to suit their preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch are quite different. The Crabapple has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Purple Click has a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. The Crabapple is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Purple Click. Those looking for a switch that requires less force to type may prefer the Crabapple, as it provides a lighter typing experience for prolonged use. Meanwhile, the Purple Click offers a slightly more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing feel for the user.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm, while the KTT Purple Click clicky switch has a travel distance of 4mm. In this case, the Purple Click has a longer travel distance compared to the Crabapple. The 3.6mm travel distance of the Crabapple falls in the range of shorter travel distances, which is preferred by gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, the 4mm travel distance of the Purple Click may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feedback.
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 KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 provides a subdued and understated typing experience, with a mild and smooth sound. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offers a crunchy and resonant clicking noise that adds a satisfying auditory element to typing. Depending on personal preferences, the Crabapple may be preferable for those who prefer a quieter and more subtle typing experience, while the Purple Click may be better suited for those who enjoy a more pronounced and tactile sound feedback.
In terms of feel, the Crabapple switch offers a frictionless and mild typing experience with a subtle texture felt with each keystroke. In contrast, the Purple Click switch provides an invigorating and stepped feel, with pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive sensation while typing. Those who prefer a smoother and effortless typing experience may lean towards the Crabapple switch, while individuals seeking a more tactile and responsive feel may find the Purple Click switch more appealing.
Overall, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel that cater to different preferences. The Crabapple switch provides a quieter and smoother typing experience with subtle texture, while the Purple Click switch delivers a more pronounced and tactile clicking sensation. Depending on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both, each switch offers a unique typing journey that can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, both switches will give you excellent results, but the choice between them will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when looking at the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, your decision should ultimately be based on your personal preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a smooth and frictionless typing journey with a subtle sound signature, then the Crabapple switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a higher-pitched click with light keystrokes that offer a pronounced tactility, the Purple Click switch may be more appealing. Consider the bottom out force, material, sound profile, and feel of each switch to determine which aligns best with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the Crabapple and Purple Click switches comes down to what type of typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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