HC Studio Crabapple vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Crabapple and the TKC Tangerine both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Crabapple is praised for its frictionless typing experience, dry smoothness, subtle texture, and mild sound signature, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more subdued and textured typing feel. On the other hand, the Tangerine stands out for its incredibly smooth feel, thanks to the UHWMPE housings, offering a buttery typing experience with a high-pitched clack. Both switches provide a frictionless typing experience, but the Crabapple leans towards a more mild and textured feel while the Tangerine offers a polished and high-pitched 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the TKC Tangerine switches offer distinct sound profiles and characteristics. The Crabapple features POM top and bottom housings, which create a deeper and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Tangerine switches utilize UHWMPE top and bottom housings, resulting in a bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing. These differences in housing materials contribute to unique typing experiences for users of each switch.
While the Crabapple and Tangerine switches have differing housing materials, both ultimately aim to enhance the sound and feel of typing. The POM housings of the Crabapple focus on creating a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum. On the other hand, the UHWMPE housings of the Tangerine switches provide a bright sound signature with resonant clacks, offering a distinct typing experience. Despite these differences, both switches strive to offer a satisfying sound and feel for users during typing sessions.
Overall, the housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the TKC Tangerine switches showcase the variety and innovation within the mechanical keyboard community. While the Crabapple prioritizes a deeper and more muted sound profile with its POM housings, the Tangerine offers a bright and resonant sound experience with its UHWMPE housings. Both switches present unique qualities and characteristics that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, highlighting the diversity of options available in the market.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch differ significantly. The Crabapple has a light 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 Tangerine switch has an unknown actuation force and a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. The Crabapple is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Tangerine, offering a smoother typing experience for those who prefer less resistance. In contrast, the Tangerine switch offers a more robust typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference, with the Crabapple being the lighter option and the Tangerine providing a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm, while the TKC Tangerine linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm. In this case, the Tangerine linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Crabapple switch. The 0.4mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Crabapple switch, while those who prefer a more traditional and deeper keystroke experience may lean towards the Tangerine switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming needs of the user.
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 TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30 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 HC Studio Crabapple linear switch offers a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle auditory experience compared to most switches. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch produces a high-pitched and crisp sound, giving a sharper and more pronounced auditory feedback. It's important to note that both switches will sound different depending on the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, both the Crabapple and Tangerine switches offer a frictionless typing experience. The Crabapple switch is described as having a mild and textured feel, offering a gentle typing experience with a subtle texture felt with each keystroke. In contrast, the Tangerine switch is described as buttery and polished, providing a smooth and polished typing sensation with uniform and effortless key presses. Both switches aim to minimize resistance and friction, ensuring a fluid typing experience for the user.
Overall, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch provides a unique dry smoothness with a subdued sound profile, along with a mild and textured typing feel. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch offers an incredibly smooth keystroke with a high-pitched sound and a buttery, polished feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing experiences. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to individual preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a switch with a subtle, understated sound signature that offers a frictionless and mildly textured typing experience, the Crabapple may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a switch with a higher-pitched sound profile that provides a buttery smooth, polished typing experience, the Tangerine could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing preferences and what qualities you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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