HC Studio Crabapple vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the HC Studio Crabapple and the TTC Venus mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Crabapple, crafted entirely from POM, provides a frictionless typing journey with a dry smoothness and subtle texture during each keystroke. Its mild and understated sound signature adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus boasts an internal configuration that sets it apart from other switches, offering a seamless glide paired with a captivating "Q-texture" for a smooth and engaging typing sensation. With very light actuation and a muted sound signature, the Venus promises rapid and effortless typing with each press. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The HC Studio Crabapple and the TTC Venus both feature POM top housing materials that create a pleasing and unique sound profile with deeper tones and a more muted overall sound. This similarity in housing material suggests that users of both switches can expect comparable auditory experiences, with slight variations depending on the other components of the switch. However, the Crabapple stands out with its POM bottom housing, which also contributes to the overall sound profile and feel of the switch. In contrast, the Venus utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, creating a different tactile experience compared to the Crabapple.
The impact of the housing material on the overall sound and feel of a switch is crucial, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key. The Crabapple's POM bottom housing likely adds to the depth and muted quality of the sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound profile, enhancing the switch's overall acoustics. This difference in bottom housing materials showcases the importance of material selection in achieving a desired sound and tactile response from a mechanical switch.
Despite the differences in bottom housing materials between the HC Studio Crabapple and the TTC Venus, the shared POM top housing material ensures that users can expect a similar level of quality and performance from both switches. Whether you prefer the deeper tones and muted sound of the Crabapple or the sharper, crisper sound profile of the Venus, each switch offers a unique typing experience based on the combination of top and bottom housing materials. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it is evident that the Crabapple is lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out force compared to the Venus switch. The Crabapple has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Venus switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, slightly heavier than the Crabapple. Those who prefer a bit more resistance and feedback when typing may find the Venus switch more appealing. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming purposes. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference based on the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the TTC Venus has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Crabapple. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The 0.2 mm difference between the two may not be significant to most users, but those who prefer a slightly deeper keystroke may find the TTC Venus more to their liking. Overall, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, with the TTC Venus providing a slightly longer stroke.
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 Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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 understated sound signature, producing a dampened and subtle noise with each press. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch provides a low-pitched and muted sound, creating a bass-heavy and softer tone that wraps each keystroke in a subdued auditory embrace. Both switches aim to deliver a quieter typing experience, but the Venus switch may have a slightly deeper and more mellow sound compared to the Crabapple.
Moving on to feel, the Crabapple linear switch is known for its frictionless and mild typing experience, offering an effortless and smooth journey with a subtle texture felt during each downstroke. In contrast, the TTC Venus linear switch promises a buttery and gummy typing sensation, ensuring a seamless and uniform keystroke with a unique feel similar to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. Despite these differences, both switches provide a mild and frictionless typing experience that should appeal to most users.
Overall, while the Crabapple linear switch emphasizes a smooth and frictionless typing journey with a subdued sound, the TTC Venus linear switch stands out for its unique internal configuration that combines a nearly frictionless glide with a captivating "Q-texture" for a smooth and engaging typing experience. Depending on personal preference, users can expect to experience a relatively quiet and gentle typing feel with both switches. Ultimately, users can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel with either switch, as both offer qualities that cater to a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, frictionless typing experience with a mild and understated sound signature, the Crabapple switch crafted from POM might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are seeking a medium-light bottom out force with a unique "matte" sensation that combines a nearly frictionless glide and engaging "Q-texture," along with a very light actuation for rapid typing and a muted sound signature, the TTC Venus switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your desired typing experience in terms of sound, feel, and actuation force.
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