HC Studio Crabapple vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Crabapple and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Crabapple is crafted entirely from POM, providing an effortlessly frictionless typing experience with a distinct dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear is considered innovative for its whisper-quiet topping-out sound and clacky bottom-out sound, offering a silky smooth type feel without being over-polished. While the Crabapple is categorized as frictionless, mild, subdued, and textured, the Semi-Silent Linear falls into the categories of subdued, neutral, mild, snappy, buttery, and polished. Each switch has its own appeal, but diving deeper into their specific attributes can help you make the best choice for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches offer distinct sound profiles and characteristics. The Crabapple's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, providing a unique auditory experience. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is crisp and resonant. While POM is known for its pleasing sound, polycarbonate offers a more clear and defined sound output, especially when paired with RGB lighting for a visually appealing experience.
On the bottom housing front, the Crabapple's POM housing continues to deliver a deep and pleasing sound profile. However, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear's nylon bottom housing provides a fuller and more round sound due to its softer plastic composition. While POM offers a muted sound, nylon absorbs more sound and creates a duller yet richer sound profile. These differences in bottom housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience and the sound feedback users will receive while using the switches.
When comparing the top and bottom housing materials of these switches, it is evident that they offer unique characteristics that influence the sound profile and feel of typing. The impact of the housing materials is felt differently depending on whether you are pressing down on a key or releasing it. The Crabapple leverages the qualities of POM for both top and bottom housing, providing a consistent sound experience. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear splits these qualities between the top and bottom housings, offering a dynamic typing experience with distinct impacts on both the press and release of a key.
Weight
When comparing the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, we can see some significant differences. The Crabapple has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Semi-Silent Linear's unknown actuation force. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Crabapple's bottom out force is 45 grams. This means that the Crabapple switch would provide a lighter typing experience, which could be preferable for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear switch would offer a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. It is important to consider personal preferences when choosing between the two switches, as some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Crabapple while others may lean towards the heavier bottom out force of the Semi-Silent Linear for a more satisfying typing feel.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0mm distance. Gamers may prefer the Crabapple switch for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times during gameplay. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which some users may find provides a more satisfying key press experience with a bit more depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in regards to travel distance and key press feel.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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, both the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offer subdued profiles, providing a quieter typing experience compared to other switches. The Crabapple switch has a mild and understated sound, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch maintains a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound, making it suitable for various environments. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Crabapple switch is known for its frictionless and mild typing experience, with a subtle texture felt with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a silky smooth feel that is not over-polished, providing a comfortable typing experience that is neither too soft nor too firm. Both switches fall within a safe middle-ground zone in terms of tactile feedback, offering a pleasant typing sensation for a wide range of users.
Overall, both switches provide a quieter and smoother typing experience, with subtle differences in sound and feel. If you enjoy a subdued sound profile and a comfortable typing experience, you can expect similar results from both the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you prioritize a light bottom out force and a frictionless typing experience with a subtle sound signature, the Crabapple might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a semi-silent typing experience with a mix of quiet top-out and clacky bottom-out sounds, and a silky smooth feel, then the Semi-Silent Linear switch could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value a lighter touch with a unique texture and mild sound (Crabapple) or a medium touch with a semi-silent, buttery feel and snappy response (Semi-Silent Linear). Choose wisely based on your typing preferences and environment.
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