HC Studio Crabapple vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Crabapple and the TTC Speed Silver both offer distinct advantages for different typing preferences. The Crabapple, a linear switch, boasts a unique POM construction that delivers a frictionless typing experience with a dry smoothness and subtle texture. Its mild and understated sound signature sets it apart as a tactile choice. On the other hand, the Speed Silver, also a linear switch, prioritizes speed and precision, providing a light-medium resistance with a pristine sound profile. With reduced travel distance for quick actuation, it is ideal for those seeking a polished typing experience. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HC Studio Crabapple and TTC Speed Silver both offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The Crabapple features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound. In contrast, the Speed Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for RGB lighting effects. While both materials offer distinct qualities, the POM top housing of the Crabapple provides a softer and more subdued sound compared to the stiffer and clearer sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing of the Speed Silver.
The housing materials of the Crabapple and Speed Silver also differ when it comes to their bottom housings. The Crabapple's POM bottom housing contributes to a deep and muted sound profile, similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the Speed Silver features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a fuller and deeper sound due to the softer nature of nylon absorbing more sound. This contrast highlights how the bottom housing material can greatly influence the overall sound and feel of a switch. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their housing materials, with the Crabapple emphasizing a muted sound and the Speed Silver providing a deeper and fuller sound profile.
Overall, the choice between the Crabapple and Speed Silver will come down to personal preference in sound and feel. The POM and polycarbonate top housings offer contrasting sound profiles, with the POM top housing of the Crabapple giving a softer sound compared to the crisper sound of the polycarbonate top housing of the Speed Silver. Similarly, the POM and nylon bottom housings contribute to different sound profiles, with the POM bottom housing of the Crabapple offering a deeper sound compared to the fuller sound of the nylon bottom housing of the Speed Silver. In the end, both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their housing materials, giving users the opportunity to choose the sound profile that best suits their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Crabapple is the lighter option. The Crabapple has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Speed Silver is slightly heavier, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, giving it a medium-light feel. For those who prioritize typing comfort and longer typing sessions, the Crabapple may be the better choice due to its lighter forces. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and prefer a stronger push feel, the Speed Silver could be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing habits.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Crabapple has a longer travel distance of 3.6mm compared to the Speed Silver's travel distance of 3.4mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The shorter travel distance of the Speed Silver may appeal to those who prioritize quick key presses, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Crabapple may provide a more satisfying depth to the keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired 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 TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch offers a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, creating a mild and understated sound signature. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch provides a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. Depending on personal preference and other factors such as keyboard and keycap choice, the sound produced by each switch may vary slightly. Moving on to feel, both switches offer a mild typing experience, with the Crabapple providing a frictionless and textured feel that minimizes resistance, while the Speed Silver offers a polished and smooth typing experience with reduced friction. The Crabapple switch stands out for its dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each keystroke, while the Speed Silver is known for its fast and precise typing experience with a reduced travel distance for quick actuation. Overall, while the Crabapple and Speed Silver switches have some differences in sound and feel, both offer a comfortable and approachable typing experience that caters to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing speed.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are 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. The Crabapple's dry smoothness and subtle texture provide a unique typing journey with a mild and understated sound profile. On the other hand, if you prioritize a fast and precise typing experience with a slightly higher bottom out force, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch would be more suitable for you. The Speed Silver offers a pristine sound profile and reduced travel distance for quick and effortless actuation. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your preference for typing feel and sound.
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