HC Studio Crabapple vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the HC Studio Crabapple and the Wuque Studio WS Brown. The Crabapple, a linear switch, is crafted entirely from POM, offering a frictionless typing experience that is smooth and dry, with a subtle texture felt on each downstroke. It produces a mild and understated sound signature, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Brown, a tactile switch, features a medium-light actuation force that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. It provides a familiar and delightful auditory experience with its nylon housing and POM stem combination, offering a mix of familiarity and innovation. When deciding between the two switches, consider whether you prioritize a frictionless typing journey with a subtle texture (Crabapple) or a comfortable typing experience with a tactile feedback (WS Brown). 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The HC Studio Crabapple and the Wuque Studio WS Brown both offer unique housing materials for their switches. The Crabapple features a POM top and bottom housing, which creates a pleasing and unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted. In contrast, the WS Brown utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, resulting in a fuller sound profile with a deeper tone. Both materials have their own distinct characteristics, with POM providing a softer and rounder sound, while nylon offers a more absorbing and duller sound.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Crabapple and WS Brown switches, they both share the common feature of creating a deeper sound profile. The POM and nylon materials each contribute to this aspect by absorbing sound and creating a fuller tone. However, the specific qualities of the sound may vary slightly due to the differences in material properties. The POM housing of the Crabapple may offer a more muted sound compared to the WS Brown's nylon housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller tone. Overall, both switches aim to provide a unique and satisfying typing experience with their respective housing materials.
In terms of the impact on the typing experience, the housing materials of the switches play a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of each keystroke. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing the key. This means that the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience, as it directly contributes to the sound profile and tactile feedback of the switch. Whether it's the softer and more muted sound of POM in the Crabapple or the absorbing and fuller sound of nylon in the WS Brown, both switches offer a unique typing experience thanks to their distinct housing materials.
Weight
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. When it comes to bottom out force, the Crabapple requires 45 grams, while the WS Brown has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. The Crabapple switch would be preferred by those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, such as for work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch would be more suitable for users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. In terms of actuation and bottom out forces, the Crabapple offers a lighter typing experience overall, while the WS Brown provides a slightly heavier feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, we find that the Crabapple has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference - if you prefer a slightly shorter travel distance for quicker keystrokes, the Crabapple may be the better option. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bit more depth and tactility in your keystrokes, the WS Brown with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, so you can expect similar results regardless of which one you choose.
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 Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Crabapple linear switch offers a subdued and understated typing experience, resulting in a dampened sound that is not completely silent but is more subtle compared to other switches. On the other hand, the WS Brown tactile switch provides a familiar and delightful auditory experience cherished by enthusiasts, thanks to its nylon housing and POM stem combination. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, and the ultimate sound will also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Crabapple linear switch is known for its frictionless and effortless typing journey, offering a smooth and fluid travel with a mild and textured feedback felt with each keystroke. In comparison, the WS Brown tactile switch strikes a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, providing a medium-light actuation force for fatigue-free typing during extended sessions. The Crabapple switch's frictionless and mild characteristics contrast with the WS Brown switch's balance of responsiveness and comfort, offering users different tactile experiences to cater to their preferences.
Overall, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. The Crabapple provides a smooth and effortless typing experience with a subdued sound, while the WS Brown switch strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort with a delightful auditory experience. Ultimately, the best switch for an individual will depend on their preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, as both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you value a smooth and frictionless typing journey with a light bottom out force, the Crabapple may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, along with a medium-light actuation force, the WS Brown could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and overall typing experience.
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