HC Studio Crabapple vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the HC Studio Crabapple and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, both of which are linear switches. The Crabapple, crafted entirely from POM, offers an effortlessly frictionless typing experience with a distinct dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each keystroke. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon, known for its progressive spring and dry-lube design by KTT, provides a buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound signature. While the Crabapple is categorized as 'Frictionless', 'Mild', 'Subdued', and 'Textured', the Sea Salt Lemon is described as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Mild'. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon differ significantly in terms of sound profile and material composition. The Crabapple features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the Crabapple's POM bottom housing contributes to a similar sound profile as the top housing, while the Sea Salt Lemon's nylon bottom housing adds a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the Sea Salt Lemon's top housing allows for translucency, making it suitable for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the POM housing of the Crabapple does not offer this feature. The nylon bottom housing of the Sea Salt Lemon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile, while the POM bottom housing of the Crabapple creates a more consistent deep and muted sound throughout.
Despite their differences, both switches showcase the unique characteristics of their respective housing materials. The Crabapple's POM housing creates a consistent deep and muted sound profile, while the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate and nylon housings offer a sharper and crisper sound with a touch of translucency for added aesthetics. Whether you prefer a more consistent sound profile or a sharper, clearer sound with RGB lighting options, both switches provide high-quality options for different preferences.
Weight
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch. The Crabapple switch has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. The Crabapple switch is better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a slightly heavier typing feel, offering a more substantial keystroke for users who prefer a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Crabapple offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a slightly deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - opting for the Crabapple for a faster response or the Sea Salt Lemon for a more substantial key press feel. Despite their differences in travel distance, both switches offer solid performance and key feel for a satisfying typing experience.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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 is known for its subdued sound, offering a dampened and subtle sound signature when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch provides a low-pitched and mellow tone, giving off a more bass-heavy sound compared to higher-pitched switches. The Crabapple switch exudes a mild and understated sound, while the Sea Salt Lemon switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for various typing environments. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Crabapple linear switch is praised for its frictionless typing experience, providing an effortlessly smooth journey with minimal resistance or friction. The switch offers a mild and gentle typing experience, suitable for most users due to its approachable qualities. Additionally, the Crabapple switch has a subtle texture that can be felt with each downstroke. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is also described as offering a mild typing experience, falling within a safe middle-ground zone in terms of feel.
Overall, both the HC Studio Crabapple and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Crabapple switch excels in providing a frictionless and mildly textured typing experience with a subdued sound, the Sea Salt Lemon switch stands out for its low-pitched and buttery-smooth feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style, users can expect to get satisfying results from both switches, knowing that they offer similar levels of quality and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, you should consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prioritize a light bottom out force and a frictionless typing experience with a subtle sound profile, then the Crabapple switch crafted from POM material may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a buttery smooth typing feel with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, then the Sea Salt Lemon switch with its progressive spring and dry-lubed design might be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and bottom out force.
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