HC Studio Crabapple vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch offer distinct advantages. The Crabapple switches, made entirely from POM, provide a frictionless typing experience with a dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each keystroke. Their mild and understated sound signature sets them apart. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switches maintain smoothness while offering a snappy and perceptible tactile bump, along with a neutral sound signature. The WS Light Tactile switches are also easy to press, making them a great option for those looking for a balance of smoothness and tactility. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches offer distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Crabapple's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the WS Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of tactile feedback, the POM top housing of the Crabapple may offer a softer feel compared to the polycarbonate top housing of the WS Light Tactile. On the other hand, the Crabapple's POM bottom housing results in a deeper sound profile, while the WS Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller sound due to its softer nature.
While the two switches have contrasting top and bottom housing materials, they both offer unique acoustic qualities that suit different preferences. The POM top housing of the Crabapple results in a smoother typing experience with its muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the WS Light Tactile provides a crisper sound profile. In terms of bottom housing, the Crabapple's POM bottom housing generates a deep and resonant sound, while the WS Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a fuller and rounder sound. These differences in materials ultimately contribute to the overall sound and feel of each switch.
When comparing the housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile, it is evident that they offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a varied typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer a deeper and muted sound profile with POM housings or a sharper and crisper sound with polycarbonate housings, both switches offer distinctive qualities that enhance the typing experience.
Weight
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Crabapple requires 45 grams, while the WS Light Tactile needs 50 grams. Both switches provide a relatively light typing experience overall, making them suitable for those who prefer less resistance while typing or gaming. Those who enjoy a lighter feel may lean towards the Crabapple, while individuals who appreciate a bit more feedback may opt for the WS Light Tactile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Crabapple offers a slightly quicker response time compared to the WS Light Tactile. Gamers may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the Crabapple for faster input during gameplay. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the WS Light Tactile switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding travel distance and responsiveness.
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 Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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 HC Studio Crabapple linear switch provides a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, creating a mild and understated typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes without being too loud or too quiet. Both switches provide relatively quiet typing experiences, so if you prefer a more subtle sound, you can expect similar results from either switch.
In terms of feel, the Crabapple switch is known for its frictionless and mild typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless journey with a subtle texture felt on each downstroke. Meanwhile, the WS Light Tactile switch is described as stepped and easy-to-press, providing a gentle resistance with a snappy tactile bump for a comfortable and responsive typing feel. If you enjoy switches with a more gentle and approachable typing experience, both the Crabapple and WS Light Tactile switches can offer a similar level of comfort and ease of use.
In conclusion, both the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Crabapple switch emphasizes a frictionless and dry smoothness with a mild sound, the WS Light Tactile switch focuses on a perceptible tactile bump and a neutral sound profile. Ultimately, both switches can provide a pleasant typing experience suited to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and which qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, consider the factors that matter most to you in a typing experience. If you prioritize a frictionless and smooth typing journey with a subtle texture and mild sound signature, the Crabapple switch crafted entirely from POM may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that maintains smoothness with a snappy and perceptible tactile bump, along with a neutral sound signature, the WS Light Tactile switch could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision hinges on your personal preferences for feel, sound, and typing experience.
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