HC Studio Crabapple vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the HC Studio Crabapple and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, both linear switches with unique characteristics. The Crabapple is crafted entirely from POM, providing an effortlessly frictionless typing experience with a distinct dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each downstroke. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue offers a deep and thocky sound profile with a lengthened single-stage spring for a bouncy feel. While the Crabapple is categorized as frictionless, mild, subdued, and textured, the Tourmaline Blue falls under buttery, easy-to-press, mild, and neutral. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, let's delve a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
In comparing the housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, it is evident that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. While the Crabapple features POM for both top and bottom housings, creating a deeper and more muted sound profile, the Tourmaline Blue uses polycarbonate for both sections, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Despite the differences in sound profile, both switches provide a unique auditory experience based on the material used in their housing.
The use of POM for the bottom housing in the Crabapple switch creates a deeper sound profile, which is transferred to the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. This contrasts with the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound sensation. Conversely, the top housing material, whether POM or polycarbonate, will have a more significant impact on the sound produced when a key is released. The translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the Tourmaline Blue switch.
Overall, while the Crabapple and Tourmaline Blue switches differ in their housing materials and resulting sound profiles, both provide a unique typing experience based on the qualities of their respective materials. Whether you prefer the deeper, more muted sound of POM or the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate, both switches offer distinct auditory feedback that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic appeal.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is clear that the Crabapple is the lighter option while the Tourmaline Blue is the heavier one. The Crabapple has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a light switch overall. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Crabapple for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may choose the Tourmaline Blue for a stronger typing experience. Both switches provide clear distinctions in terms of force requirements, allowing users to select their preferred typing experience based on their individual preferences. Overall, users can expect different tactile feedback and typing experiences based on the actuation force and bottom out force of each switch, with the Crabapple offering a light touch and the Tourmaline Blue providing a more pronounced keystroke feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Tourmaline Blue being slightly longer than the Crabapple. Gamers may prefer the Crabapple for its shorter travel distance, which can lead to faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Tourmaline Blue with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for 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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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, creating a subtle sound profile that is not completely silent but definitely more understated than most switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. The Tourmaline Blue provides a deep and thocky sound that immerses users in a satisfying typing experience, while the Crabapple emits a mild and understated sound signature that complements its smooth typing journey.
When it comes to feel, the Crabapple linear switch provides a frictionless typing experience with a dry smoothness that minimizes resistance and friction when pressing the keys. Additionally, it offers a mild and textured feeling that is approachable to most users, striking a balance between smoothness and subtle texture. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a buttery and easy-to-press feel, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that requires minimal force to activate. The Tourmaline Blue's bouncy feel and standard spring weight make it enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users.
In conclusion, if you prefer a subdued and mild sound profile with a frictionless and textured feel, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. However, if you enjoy a deep and thocky sound with a buttery and easy-to-press feel, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch would provide a satisfying typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on your personal typing style and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer a quality typing experience with their own distinctive characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and effortless typing experience with a subtle sound signature, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch would be a great choice for you. The Crabapple offers a frictionless and dry smooth feel with a mild and understated sound profile, providing a comfortable typing journey. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a bouncy and thocky sound profile, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch would be more suitable for you. The Tourmaline Blue strikes a balance with its standard spring weight, making it enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a light and frictionless feel or a medium-heavy and bouncy typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
