HC Studio Crabapple vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the HC Studio Crabapple and the Everglide Sakura Pink mechanical keyboard switches, there are distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Crabapple, a linear switch crafted entirely from POM, offers an effortlessly frictionless typing experience with a dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each keypress. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switch is known for its super light 35g actuation force, making it ideal for delicate typists who prefer a lighter touch. While the Crabapple emits a mild and understated sound, the Sakura Pink produces a delightfully poppy noise, adding a playful touch to your typing sessions. Ultimately, both switches have their unique advantages, but diving deeper into their specifics will help you determine the best fit for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Everglide Sakura Pink both offer unique sound profiles based on the properties of the materials used. The Crabapple features POM top and bottom housings, which create a deeper and relatively more muted sound. In contrast, the Sakura Pink utilizes polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially suitable for RGB lighting effects, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the switch.
While both switches offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials, they also share similarities in terms of their impact on key press feel. The POM housings of the Crabapple and the polycarbonate housings of the Sakura Pink both contribute to the overall tactile feedback and sound when typing. However, the Crabapple's POM housings create a more muted sound overall, while the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate housings produce a clearer and more resonant sound. This difference in sound quality can significantly impact the overall typing experience for users who prefer either a softer or crisper sound profile.
In terms of overall performance, the choice between POM and polycarbonate housing materials may come down to personal preference. The POM housings of the Crabapple offer a unique and pleasing sound profile that is on the deeper side, while the polycarbonate housings of the Sakura Pink provide a sharper and crisper sound. Whether you prioritize a softer, more muted typing experience or a clearer, more resonant sound, both housing materials offer their own unique characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch are quite similar. The Crabapple has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Sakura Pink has an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Both switches have a relatively light actuation force, which is ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. When it comes to bottoming out, both switches require the same amount of force, ensuring consistency in typing feel. Overall, if you prefer a lighter typing experience, both the Crabapple and Sakura Pink switches would provide similar results due to their comparable actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Sakura Pink switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Crabapple switch. The 3.6 mm travel distance of the Crabapple switch falls on the shorter side of the spectrum, making it a preferred choice for those seeking faster response times, especially gamers. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Sakura Pink switch provides a bit more depth and may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and the tactile experience desired.
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 Everglide Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crabapple switch provides a subdued sound, offering a dampened and subtle typing experience. Its frictionless nature and mild texture make each keystroke smooth and effortless. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switch produces a muted sound, quieter and softer compared to regular switches, with a playful poppy sound reminiscent of bubble wrap. The switch is described as buttery and creamy, providing a seamless and easy-to-press typing experience with minimal resistance. Overall, both switches offer a smooth and frictionless typing journey, with the Crabapple leaning towards a more subdued and textured feel, while the Sakura Pink brings a more poppy and creamy sensation to your keyboarding sessions. Ultimately, your preference between the two switches will depend on your personal typing style and the overall sound and feel you are seeking in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, consider your typing preferences. If you enjoy a frictionless and subtly textured typing experience with a mild and understated sound, the Crabapple may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery and creamy typing feel with a playful poppy sound, along with an easy-to-press and frictionless operation, the Sakura Pink switch might be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, both switches offer a light actuation force of 45 grams, making them ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch when typing. Consider these factors carefully to choose the switch that best aligns with your typing preferences and enhances your overall typing experience.
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