HC Studio Crabapple vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple and the Wuque Studio WS Red mechanical keyboard switches, it mostly comes down to the type of typing experience you prefer. The Crabapple offers a unique tactile experience with its POM construction, providing a frictionless and dry smoothness that is complemented by a subtle texture felt with each key press. On the other hand, the WS Red features a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force, delivering a satisfying and substantial feel. While the Crabapple is categorized as 'Frictionless', 'Mild', 'Subdued', 'Textured', the WS Red's categories are not listed. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that may appeal to different preferences. 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
67g
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 housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Wuque Studio WS Red are quite different in terms of composition and resulting sound profiles. The Crabapple utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housings, creating a unique sound that is deep and relatively muted. On the other hand, the WS Red features nylon top and bottom housings that generate a fuller, rounder sound due to the softer nature of nylon which absorbs more sound. While both materials aim to enhance the sound experience, POM focuses on a deeper tone, while nylon provides a fuller sound profile.
One key difference between the housing materials of the Crabapple and WS Red is the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall sound and feel of the switch. With the Crabapple's POM housing, the qualities of the material will be consistent throughout the switch, influencing both the typing and releasing sound. Conversely, the WS Red's split housing design allows for different sound experiences when pressing down and releasing a key. The nylon bottom housing contributes more to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the nylon top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the HC Studio Crabapple and the Wuque Studio WS Red aim to provide an enhanced typing experience through their unique sound profiles. The POM and nylon materials each bring their own qualities to the switches, emphasizing deeper and fuller sound profiles respectively. While the specific characteristics of the materials may vary, both switches ultimately offer a satisfying typing experience for users looking for a distinct sound and feel in their keyboard switches.
Weight
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Crabapple also has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, while the WS Red has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Crabapple switch is better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the WS Red switch would be more suitable for users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, considering weight is important when choosing a switch as it can greatly affect the typing experience based on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, making the WS Red slightly longer. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, some may find the extra 0.2mm travel distance of the WS Red to provide a more substantial feeling when pressing down on a key compared to the Crabapple. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus a more pronounced key press sensation.
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 Red 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 HC Studio Crabapple linear switch offers a subdued and mild sound signature that is not completely silent but is more subtle compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch has a classic sound signature due to its material blend. Both switches provide a pleasant typing experience with different sound profiles, so your choice will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Crabapple switch is known for its frictionless and mild typing experience, offering a fluid travel with a subtle texture felt on each keystroke. This switch minimizes resistance and provides a smooth typing journey. On the other hand, the WS Red switch offers a bouncy and responsive feel with a heavier actuation force, delivering a satisfying and substantial typing experience. Both switches provide different tactile experiences, so choosing between them will depend on whether you prefer a smoother or more tactile typing feel.
Overall, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crabapple provides a frictionless and subtle sound profile, while the WS Red offers a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a classic sound signature. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, as well as the overall setup of your keyboard. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a high-quality typing experience that meets your specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, material construction, and typing experience. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a frictionless, subtly textured typing journey, the Crabapple switch crafted from POM may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force with a bouncy and responsive typing experience provided by a 22mm double-stage spring, the WS Red switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should align with your desired typing feel, sound signature, and overall typing experience.
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