HC Studio Crabapple vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Crabapple and KTT Strawberry both offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience. The Crabapple, a linear switch crafted entirely from POM, provides an effortlessly frictionless journey with a distinct dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each keystroke. Its mild and understated sound signature sets it apart, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry, also a linear switch, is known for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. With attractive pink and clear housings, the Strawberry offers a low-pitched and silky typing experience that some may find buttery and polished. Each switch caters to different preferences and needs, so it ultimately depends on what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the KTT Strawberry offer distinct sound profiles and characteristics. The Crabapple features a POM top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Strawberry utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of POM in the Crabapple provides a unique sound experience, while the polycarbonate in the Strawberry offers a clearer and more resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
While both switches offer top and bottom housings made of different materials, they each provide a unique tactile experience. The POM housing in the Crabapple influences the sound profile when pressing down on a key, creating a deeper bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate housing in the Strawberry impacts the sound when releasing a key, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound. These differences in housing materials demonstrate how the tactile experience of a switch can be tailored to preference based on the material used in its construction.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Crabapple and the Strawberry, they both showcase the importance of material selection in creating a desired sound profile. Whether it be the pleasing and unique sound of POM in the Crabapple or the sharp and clear sound of polycarbonate in the Strawberry, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate used in the Strawberry's housing allows for customizable RGB lighting effects, adding a visual element to the overall experience of using the switch. Ultimately, the housing materials of these switches play a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of typing, offering users a variety of options to suit their preferences.
Weight
In comparing the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it is evident that the Crabapple has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Strawberry has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams. Additionally, the Crabapple has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is also lighter compared to the Strawberry's bottom out force of 62 grams. The Crabapple switch provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel. Both switches have their own strengths and cater to different preferences, with the Crabapple being lighter and the Strawberry being heavier in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the KTT Strawberry linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Crabapple offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Strawberry provides a deeper keypress feel with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to individual preferences, so the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference for 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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch provides a subdued sound when pressed, offering a dampened and subtle sound signature. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry linear switch produces a low-pitched, bass-heavy tone that is mellow in comparison. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can be further influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Crabapple switch is characterized by its frictionless typing experience, providing a smooth and effortless journey with minimal resistance. It also offers a mild and approachable typing experience, with a subtle texture felt with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch also boasts a frictionless feel, but adds a silky and buttery smoothness that enhances the overall typing sensation. Its polished finish ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel, further elevating the typing experience.
Overall, while both the HC Studio Crabapple and the KTT Strawberry linear switches offer frictionless typing experiences, they differ in sound and feel qualities. The Crabapple switch leans towards a subdued sound and a mild, textured feel, while the Strawberry switch offers a low-pitched sound and a silky, buttery smooth feel. Depending on personal preference for sound and typing experience, users can choose between these two switches to achieve their desired mechanical keyboard feel and sound profile.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, consider your preferences in terms of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a light bottom out force and a subtle, frictionless typing experience with a mild sound signature, the Crabapple switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a smooth, buttery typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Strawberry switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and how each switch aligns with your desired typing experience.
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