HC Studio Crabapple vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The HC Studio Crabapple and the Haimu Viola Tricolor are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches with unique features that cater to different preferences. The Crabapple is a linear switch, crafted entirely from POM, providing an effortlessly frictionless typing journey with a dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each stroke. Its sound signature is mild and understated, offering a calm typing experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor is a tactile switch known for its thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding character to each keystroke. These switches offer pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, striking a balance that provides a satisfying feedback. While the Crabapple is best for those seeking a smooth and textured typing experience, the Viola Tricolor is ideal for individuals looking for a more invigorating and sharp typing sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you best decide on the perfect switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Haimu Viola Tricolor provide different sound profiles and aesthetics due to their unique properties. The Crabapple's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, while POM offers a more solid appearance. Additionally, the Viola Tricolor's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Crabapple's POM bottom housing.
While both switches utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom components, the overall sound and feel of the switches are affected differently. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as depth and impact, will be more noticeable when pressing down on the switch, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key, influencing the overall sound profile of the switch. This split in housing materials allows for a more dynamic and varied typing experience depending on the specific characteristics of each component.
Overall, the choice between POM and polycarbonate for the top housing, as well as between POM and nylon for the bottom housing, offers users distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Crabapple's POM housing creates a unique and pleasing sound, while the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate and nylon housings provide sharper and fuller sound profiles, respectively. Whether opting for a deeper and more muted sound with POM or a crisper and more resonant sound with polycarbonate or nylon, users can tailor their typing experience to their preferences and needs.
Weight
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Viola Tricolor has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Crabapple has a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Crabapple will require less force to trigger a keystroke but will still provide a relatively light typing experience overall. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor will offer a more substantial push feel, making it a better choice for those who prefer a heavier typing experience. Both switches have their own advantages based on the weight of force required, with the Crabapple being on the lighter side and the Viola Tricolor leaning towards the heavier end.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch's travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Crabapple offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers looking for fast feedback. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor provides a slightly deeper feel with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by typists or individuals who appreciate a more substantial keypress. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their travel distance, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and the type of typing experience desired.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 HC Studio Crabapple linear switch offers a subdued and somewhat dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is known for its bassy and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. The Viola Tricolor's sound adds a touch of character to the typing experience, striking a balance between a punchy sound and a bass-heavy, mellow tone. Keep in mind that the actual sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is characterized by its frictionless and effortless typing experience, minimizing any resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The switch offers a fluid travel with a mild and approachable typing sensation that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. Additionally, the subtle texture felt with each downstroke adds a unique touch to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch provides an invigorating typing sensation with a pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. The switch offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overly tactile, giving users a satisfying feedback without overwhelming sensations.
Overall, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Crabapple provides a smooth and mild typing experience with a subdued sound profile, the Viola Tricolor delivers a punchier sound with a balanced tactile feedback. For users seeking a frictionless and mild typing sensation, the Crabapple is a suitable choice, while those looking for an invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback may prefer the Viola Tricolor. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience based on individual preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, frictionless typing experience with a subtle sound signature, the Crabapple may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a thuddy and punchy sound profile, and a tactile switch with a balanced level of tactility that provides a satisfying feedback without being overwhelming, the Viola Tricolor could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the specific qualities that you value in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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