HC Studio Crabapple vs. Jerrzi Seashell
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Jerrzi Seashell switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The HC Studio Crabapple and Jerrzi Seashell are two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Crabapple, crafted entirely from POM, provides an effortlessly frictionless typing journey with a distinct dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each downstroke. Its mild and understated sound signature makes for a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Seashell switches captivate with their stunning purple hue and offer a light and clacky typing experience that is both comfortable and enjoyable over long sessions. While the Crabapple is categorized as 'Frictionless', 'Mild', 'Subdued', and 'Textured', the Seashell is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Feathery', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own unique appeal, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HC Studio Crabapple and Jerrzi Seashell differ in their housing materials, with the Crabapple featuring a POM top housing and a POM bottom housing, while the Seashell utilizes a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The POM top housing of the Crabapple creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, whereas the polycarbonate top housing of the Seashell produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Seashell contributes to a fuller and rounder sound profile compared to the deeper sound of the POM bottom housing in the Crabapple. Overall, these differences in housing materials result in distinct sound profiles for each keyboard.
In terms of aesthetics, the housing materials of the Crabapple and Seashell also differ. The translucent nature of polycarbonate used in the Seashell's top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing aspect to the keyboard. Meanwhile, the POM housing in the Crabapple does not offer this feature. Additionally, the use of nylon in the Seashell's bottom housing gives it a classic look and feel, while the POM bottom housing of the Crabapple maintains a more modern and sleek appearance. These aesthetic differences may influence the preferences of users based on their design preferences.
Although the housing materials of the Crabapple and Seashell are different, they both contribute to creating pleasing and unique sound profiles. The POM material in the Crabapple's housing leads to a sound that is deep and muted, while the polycarbonate and nylon materials in the Seashell result in sharper and fuller sound profiles. While the specifics may vary, both keyboards offer a distinct typing experience based on the housing materials used. Whether one prefers a deeper, softer sound or a sharper, crisper sound, both the Crabapple and Seashell provide quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, we see some similarities and differences. The Crabapple has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Seashell's 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. However, the Crabapple also has a heavier bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience when fully pressing down. In contrast, the Seashell's bottom out force is unknown, so it's unclear how it compares in terms of typing feel. Overall, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may gravitate towards the Crabapple, while those who enjoy a slightly heavier key press may opt for the Seashell if its bottom out force aligns with their preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm, while the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm. This means that the Crabapple has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Seashell. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may be noticeable to some users. If you prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Crabapple may be the better option for you, while the Seashell offers a slightly shorter travel distance for those who prefer a quicker, more responsive feel. 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 Jerrzi Seashell has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Seashell for $2.30.
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 sound, characterized by a dampened and subtle sound signature when pressed. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch boasts a clacky and high-pitched sound, providing a sharp and snappy experience when typing. Depending on your preference for sound profiles, the Crabapple switch may be more appealing to those who prefer a quieter typing experience, while the Seashell switch caters to individuals who enjoy a more crisp and percussive sound.
When it comes to feel, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch stands out for its frictionless typing journey, offering an effortlessly smooth and fluid travel with a mild and approachable typing experience. Additionally, the subtle texture felt with each downstroke adds a unique tactile element to the switch. Conversely, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch is described as feathery and easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The polished finish of the Seashell switch contributes to a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch provides a quiet and frictionless typing experience with a subtle texture felt during each keystroke, appealing to those who enjoy a more subdued sound and a smooth typing journey. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a feathery and easy-to-press feel, catering to individuals who prefer a sharper and more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, allowing users to tailor their mechanical keyboard experience to their liking.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch or the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a light bottom out force and a frictionless, textured typing experience with a subdued sound, then the Crabapple switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a switch with a stunning purple hue, light bottom out force, and a feathery, easy-to-press feel with a clacky, high-pitched sound, then the Seashell switch could be more suited to your taste. Whichever switch you decide on, both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience overall.
Mentioned in this article
