HC Studio Crabapple vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the HC Studio Crabapple and the Outemu Yellow Silver mechanical keyboard switches, the differences are quite distinctive. The Crabapple, a linear switch crafted entirely from POM, offers a uniquely frictionless typing experience with a dry smoothness that sets it apart from traditional lubricated switches. Its subtle texture and mild, understated sound signature make it ideal for those looking for a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch, also a linear option, boasts a light actuation force and neutral sound profile, catering to gamers and typists who value speediness and responsiveness. While general pointers may highlight the Crabapple for its frictionless feel and the Yellow Silver for its speediness, it's important to delve deeper to fully understand which switch best suits your personal preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Outemu Yellow Silver offer contrasting sound profiles due to their different compositions. The Crabapple's POM top housing creates a deeper and relatively muted sound, while the Yellow Silver's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This highlights how the choice of material can greatly affect the auditory experience of typing on a mechanical keyboard. Additionally, the use of translucent polycarbonate in the Yellow Silver allows for compatibility with RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Crabapple's POM housing remains consistent with the top housing, providing a deep and muted sound profile. In contrast, the Yellow Silver's nylon bottom housing offers a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. This demonstrates how the materials used in the construction of a switch can impact the overall typing experience, from the sound produced to the tactile feel of pressing down on the keys. Each material brings its unique characteristics to the table, influencing the overall performance of the keyboard switch.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Crabapple and Yellow Silver differ, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience for users. The split in housing materials allows for a balanced distribution of qualities, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in composition, both switches prioritize creating a pleasing sound profile for users, showcasing how different housing materials can contribute to the overall typing experience on a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Crabapple requires 45 grams, while the Yellow Silver needs 55 grams to bottom out. This means that the Crabapple switch is lighter overall in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Yellow Silver switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Crabapple, while those who enjoy a slightly heavier feel may opt for the Yellow Silver. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Crabapple has a shorter travel distance compared to the Yellow Silver, making it more suitable for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to individuals who prefer a more substantial key press feel. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their varying travel distances, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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 understated sound profile, providing a dampened sound that is less prominent compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch features a neutral sound profile, offering a moderate sound level suitable for various use cases. Both switches provide different auditory experiences, with the Crabapple leaning towards a quieter and more subtle sound while the Yellow Silver offers a more balanced sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Crabapple linear switch is praised for its frictionless and effortless typing experience. The smoothness of the POM material used in the switch creates a seamless typing journey with minimal resistance, making it appealing to users who prefer a fluid travel. Additionally, the Crabapple switch also has a mild and approachable feel, appealing to a wide range of users. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available on the tactile feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch.
Overall, the Crabapple linear switch stands out for its smoothness and mild feel, with a subdued sound profile that complements the typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch offers a neutral sound profile and a light actuation force, catering to gamers and typists looking for speed and responsiveness. Depending on personal preferences, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience, with the Crabapple providing a quieter and smoother feel, while the Yellow Silver offers a balanced sound profile and light actuation force. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch or the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and typing style. If you value a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, frictionless typing experience with a mild and understated sound signature, then the Crabapple switch crafted from POM would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force, a neutral sound profile, and a preference for speediness and responsiveness, then the Outemu Yellow Silver switch may be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what attributes are most important to you when making your decision.
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