HC Studio Crabapple vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HC Studio Crabapple, a linear switch, to the TTC Silent Brown, a tactile switch, it is evident that each offers unique characteristics to consider. The Crabapple switches, crafted entirely from POM, boast a frictionless typing journey with a dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each keystroke. In contrast, the Silent Brown tactile switches provide a comfortable typing experience with a satisfying rounded tactile bump and a muted sound profile. While the Crabapple switch offers a mild and subdued typing experience, the Silent Brown switch has a buttery and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and TTC Silent Brown switches offer contrasting sound profiles and physical characteristics. The Crabapple's POM top and bottom housings create a deeper and relatively muted sound, while the Silent Brown's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The difference in stiffness between POM and polycarbonate is the key factor in the distinct sound profiles they generate. POM is softer and absorbs less sound, resulting in a more subdued sound profile, while polycarbonate's rigidity allows for a clearer and resonant sound. In terms of aesthetics, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, offering a visually appealing option compared to the opaque POM housing of the Crabapple.
On the other hand, the Crabapple's POM bottom housing shares the same characteristics as its top housing, providing a consistent sound profile throughout the switch. In contrast, the Silent Brown's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. Nylon absorbs more sound than POM, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon housings. The variation in bottom housing material between the two switches contributes to the overall typing experience, with the Crabapple focusing on a cohesive sound profile and the Silent Brown offering a more dynamic range of tones.
Ultimately, the choice between the housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and TTC Silent Brown switches will depend on the desired sound profile and typing experience. If a user prefers a deeper and muffled sound, the Crabapple's POM housings would be a suitable option. Conversely, those looking for a sharper and crisper sound may prefer the Silent Brown's polycarbonate top housing. The contrasting qualities of POM and polycarbonate, as well as nylon, offer users the flexibility to choose a switch that best suits their preferences in terms of sound and feel. Despite their differences, both switches aim to provide a high-quality typing experience through their unique housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the Crabapple is the lighter of the two. The Crabapple has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a light switch overall. In contrast, the Silent Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, giving it a medium-heavy feel. The lighter actuation force of the Crabapple may appeal to those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, while the heavier bottom out force of the Silent Brown provides a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Crabapple offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Brown. This means that the Crabapple may provide a quicker response time for those who prefer shorter travel distances, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Silent Brown's slightly longer travel distance may offer a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired feel while typing or gaming.
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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 offers a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a muted and softer sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Depending on personal preference and additional factors such as keyboard and keycap choice, both switches provide a quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Crabapple linear switch is known for its frictionless typing journey, offering an extremely smooth and effortless experience with a subtle texture felt with each downstroke. The switch falls into the mild category, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. It also falls into the mild category, offering a comfortable typing experience with polished and refined key travel. Both switches provide a pleasant typing sensation, with the Crabapple emphasizing a frictionless experience while the Silent Brown focuses on a buttery and tactile feel.
In conclusion, the Crabapple linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offer different but equally enjoyable typing experiences. The Crabapple excels in providing a smooth and effortless typing journey with a subdued sound profile, while the Silent Brown offers a buttery and tactile feel with a muted sound profile. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to individual preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you prioritize a frictionless and mild typing experience with a subdued sound profile, the Crabapple switch crafted from POM may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery and polished typing sensation with a muted sound, the Silent Brown switch with a comfortable tactile bump might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should come down to whether you value a smooth and effortless typing journey or a satisfying tactile feedback accompanied by a quieter typing experience. Choose wisely based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
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