HC Studio Crabapple vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Crabapple and the Jwick Splash Brothers stand out. The Crabapple switch, made entirely from POM, offers a frictionless typing experience with a distinct dry smoothness and subtle texture. Its sound signature is mild and understated, appealing to those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switch boasts a shorter activation and long pole stem, providing a great typing feel reminiscent of the dynamic duo—Steph and Klay. With a creamy sound signature and categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Bouncy', 'Subtle', and 'Polished', it caters to those who enjoy a more tactile feedback. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Extended long spring
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, the HC Studio Crabapple utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housings, which results in a deeper and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers features polycarbonate for its top housing and nylon for its bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Splash Brothers creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. This difference in materials gives each keyboard a unique acoustic profile.
While the Crabapple and Splash Brothers both offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials, they also share some similarities. Both keyboards prioritize creating a pleasing sound experience for the user, with the Crabapple's POM housing and the Splash Brothers' nylon bottom housing contributing to deeper and fuller sound profiles. Additionally, both keyboards are designed with the user in mind, utilizing premium materials to enhance the overall typing experience. Despite these similarities, the choice between POM and polycarbonate for the top housing can significantly impact the overall sound profile of each keyboard.
Ultimately, the choice between the HC Studio Crabapple and the Jwick Splash Brothers comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. The Crabapple's POM housing creates a more muted and deeper sound, while the Splash Brothers' polycarbonate and nylon housing combination offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Whether you prefer a softer, more muted typing experience or a sharper and crisper sound profile, both keyboards provide unique acoustic qualities based on their housing materials. No matter which option you choose, both the Crabapple and Splash Brothers are designed to enhance the overall typing experience through premium housing materials that prioritize sound quality.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it is clear that both switches are relatively light in terms of force required. The Crabapple has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Splash Brothers has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Crabapple requires a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Splash Brothers, but both switches are still considered light when it comes to force. This makes them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. Ultimately, individuals who enjoy a lighter actuation force may find the Crabapple more to their liking, while those who prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force might lean towards the Splash Brothers.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The Crabapple's slightly longer travel distance may provide a slightly more substantial keypress depth compared to the Splash Brothers. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for either a slightly shorter or longer travel distance.
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 Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 per 10 switches.
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 mild sound signature, providing a dampened yet subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch produces a creamy and neutral sound profile, suitable for various purposes. Depending on the keyboard and keycaps used, the sound of these switches can vary, but both offer pleasant auditory feedback for typing enthusiasts.
When it comes to feel, the Crabapple linear switch is known for its frictionless and mild typing experience, with a textured feel that adds a unique sensation to each keystroke. In comparison, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch provides a mild and snappy feel, giving a responsive and bouncy typing experience with a polished finish for smooth key travel. Both switches offer a comfortable and approachable typing feel, catering to different preferences in terms of resistance and responsiveness.
Overall, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch each bring their own unique qualities to the table. While the Crabapple switch excels in providing a frictionless and textured typing journey with a subdued sound signature, the Splash Brothers switch stands out for its snappy and bouncy feel, accompanied by a creamy sound profile. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience that is sure to enhance your keyboarding adventures. Whether you choose the Crabapple or the Splash Brothers, you can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance in each stroke.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a frictionless and subtle typing journey with a mild and understated sound, the Crabapple switch crafted from POM would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a snappy and bouncy feel with a creamy sound signature, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch would be more suitable. Both switches have a light bottom out force, but the Crabapple provides a frictionless and mild typing experience, while the Splash Brothers offers a snappier and bouncier feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of sound and feel you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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