HC Studio Crabapple vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Crabapple and KTT Wine Red both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Crabapple, a linear switch crafted entirely from POM, provides an effortlessly frictionless typing experience with a distinct dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each downstroke. In contrast, the Wine Red switch is known for its intoxicating feel, offering a pillowy light type experience and a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile. While the Crabapple is categorized as 'Frictionless', 'Mild', 'Subdued', and 'Textured', the Wine Red is characterized as 'Bassy' and 'Low-pitched'. Each switch has its own appeal depending on what you prioritize in a 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
44g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The HC Studio Crabapple and the KTT Wine Red both utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, with the Crabapple featuring POM housings for both the top and bottom, and the Wine Red featuring polycarbonate for both. In terms of sound profile, the POM housings of the Crabapple create a deeper and more muted sound, while the polycarbonate housings of the Wine Red produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This means that the overall sound experience of typing on these two keyboards will be quite different due to the housing materials used.
From an aesthetic standpoint, the Crabapple's POM top and bottom housings may offer a more cohesive look compared to the Wine Red with its polycarbonate housings, as the translucency of polycarbonate makes it more visually distinct. Additionally, the choice of housing material can also affect the performance of the keyboard. For instance, polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which can contribute to a clearer and more resonant sound profile. On the other hand, POM housings may provide a more muted and unique sound experience. Ultimately, the choice between POM and polycarbonate housings will come down to personal preference and the desired sound and aesthetic qualities in a keyboard.
While the Crabapple and Wine Red may have different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, the impact of these materials on the overall typing experience should not be underestimated. The qualities of the housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when a key is released. Whether you prefer the deeper and muted sound of POM housings or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, both keyboards offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience for users. Ultimately, the choice between the Crabapple and the Wine Red will come down to personal preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, we can see some differences in weight. The Crabapple has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 44 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a bit more resistance for users who prefer a stronger push feel. While both switches provide a smooth linear typing experience, the Crabapple is lighter overall, offering longer typing periods without fatigue, while the Wine Red provides a more substantial typing experience with slightly higher force requirements. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and actuation force.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the KTT Wine Red linear switch. The Crabapple will provide a quicker response time compared to the Wine Red due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness may prefer the Crabapple for this reason. On the other hand, the Wine Red offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may feel more comfortable and provide a more substantial key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding travel distance and key feel.
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 Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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 Crabapple linear switch offers a subdued and mild sound signature, providing a more understated typing experience compared to most switches. The sound produced is dampened and subtle, creating a quiet and smooth typing environment. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch is known for its bassy and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deep and rich tone during key presses. This results in a satisfyingly deep sound that enhances the typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Crabapple focusing on a gentle and understated tone, while the Wine Red provides a more robust and satisfying sound.
When it comes to feel, the Crabapple linear switch stands out for its frictionless and textured typing experience. Crafted entirely from POM, these switches offer an effortlessly smooth journey with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The switch provides a subtle texture felt with each downstroke, adding a unique tactile sensation to each keystroke. Unfortunately, there is no information available on the feel of the KTT Wine Red linear switch. However, based on the description of a "pillowy light type feel," it can be inferred that the Wine Red switch may offer a softer and cushioned typing experience.
Overall, the HC Studio Crabapple and KTT Wine Red linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crabapple switch provides a subdued sound and a frictionless, textured typing experience, catering to those who prefer a more understated and smooth typing feel. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switch delivers a deep and rich sound profile with a potentially soft and cushioned typing feel, appealing to users who enjoy a more robust and satisfying sound while typing. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a frictionless, subtly textured typing experience with a mild and understated sound profile, the Crabapple switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly heavier bottom out force, a pillowy light typing feel, and a deep, rich sound profile with bassy and low-pitched characteristics, the Wine Red switch could be more suited to your preferences. Consider your typing preferences and the characteristics of each switch in order to make an informed decision on which switch aligns best with your typing style.
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