HC Studio Crabapple vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Crabapple and TTC Silent Red both offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Crabapple, crafted entirely from POM, provides a frictionless typing journey with a distinct dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each keystroke. Its sound signature is mild and understated, making it a great choice for those who prefer a subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Red is perfect for those looking for a switch that offers a smooth and seamless typing experience without the noise. With a muted sound profile and a smooth, consistent feel from top to bottom, the Silent Red switches are ideal for office or shared living spaces. Each switch is categorized differently - the Crabapple as 'Frictionless', 'Mild', 'Subdued', 'Textured' and the Silent Red as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Polished'. 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
1.90 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the TTC Silent Red, it is evident that both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their top and bottom housing materials. The POM top housing of the Crabapple creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Red produces a sharper and crisper sound. The Crabapple's POM bottom housing leads to a similarly deep and muted sound, contrasting with the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Red, which results in a fuller and rounder sound profile. Overall, both switches prioritize sound quality, but achieve it through different material compositions in their housings.
Aesthetically, the choice of housing materials in the Crabapple and Silent Red switches also plays a significant role. The clear polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Red allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. In contrast, the solid POM top housing of the Crabapple lacks this translucency but offers a more subdued and sleek appearance. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Red provides a classic look and feel, while the POM bottom housing of the Crabapple maintains a consistent design with its top housing. Ultimately, the housing materials of each switch contribute not only to sound quality but also to the overall design and aesthetics.
When it comes to the feel of pressing the switches, the housing materials further differentiate the Crabapple and Silent Red. The bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, with the softer nylon of the Silent Red providing a more cushioned typing experience compared to the stiffer POM of the Crabapple. On the other hand, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key, with the polycarbonate of the Silent Red delivering a crisper sound upon key release compared to the more muted sound of the Crabapple's POM top housing. Overall, while both switches offer high-quality typing experiences, their housing materials contribute to distinct tactile and auditory sensations.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are notable differences in weight. The Crabapple has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Red has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. Those who favor longer typing sessions may lean towards the Crabapple for its lighter touch, while users seeking a stronger push feel may opt for the Silent Red. Despite their varying forces, both switches offer unique typing experiences tailored to individual preferences.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Silent Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Crabapple. The small difference of 0.1 mm may not be noticeable to everyone, but for those who are sensitive to such details, it could impact their typing experience. Gamers who prefer faster response times might lean towards the Crabapple with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more deliberate key press might opt for the Silent Red. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively similar travel distance, so users can expect comparable results in terms of keypress feedback and performance.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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, providing a dampened and subtle sound signature when pressed. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch features a muted sound profile, creating a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular switches. Both switches are designed to minimize noise, making them suitable for environments where noise level is a concern. Please note that the actual sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the HC Studio Crabapple switch is known for its frictionless typing journey, offering an effortlessly smooth and fluid key press with minimal resistance. Additionally, users can experience a mild and subtle texture with each downstroke, providing a unique tactile sensation. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and uniform typing experience from top to bottom. The switch also offers a mild typing feel and a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and pleasant typing experience for users.
Overall, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Crabapple switch emphasizes a frictionless and subtly textured typing experience with a subdued sound, the Silent Red switch prioritizes a buttery and polished feel with a muted sound profile. Depending on personal preferences in sound and feel, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch option. Ultimately, both switches are designed to provide a smooth and enjoyable typing journey for users, ensuring maximum comfort and efficiency in their daily usage.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a light bottom out force, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its POM construction and subtle sound signature, it offers a unique and comfortable feel for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the TTC Silent Red linear switch would be more suitable. Its muted sound profile and padded bottom-out feel make it a great option for office or shared living spaces. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches will depend on your preferences for typing comfort, sound level, and typing force.
Mentioned in this article
