Kailh Box White vs. HC Studio Crabapple
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the HC Studio Crabapple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Kailh Box White, a clicky switch, and the HC Studio Crabapple, a linear switch. The Box White is ideal for those who enjoy maximum audio feedback, as it offers a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Crabapple switch crafted from POM provides a frictionless typing experience with a dry smoothness that is complemented by a subtle texture. While the Box White is categorized as resonant, high-pitched, crunchy, and polished, the Crabapple is known for being frictionless, mild, subdued, and textured. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and benefits, catering to different preferences in terms of 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
50g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the HC Studio Crabapple, we can see that the Box White features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Crabapple utilizes a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer different sound profiles, they each have their own unique appeal. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box White is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the POM top housing of the Crabapple provides a pleasing and distinctive sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Box White uses a nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Crabapple employs a POM bottom housing, resulting in a deep and relatively muted sound profile. Despite the differences in material, both switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences. The nylon bottom housing of the Box White creates a duller and rounder sound, while the POM bottom housing of the Crabapple contributes to a pleasing and distinctive sound.
While the top and bottom housings of the Kailh Box White and the HC Studio Crabapple differ in material, they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The split between the qualities of each housing material allows for a balanced typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate in the Box White or the deeper sound of POM in the Crabapple, both switches offer a distinct typing experience that showcases the impact of housing materials on sound quality.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, it is clear that the Box White switch is heavier, with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Crabapple switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Box White switch requires more pressure to register a keystroke and to fully bottom out compared to the Crabapple switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience to reduce fatigue during long typing sessions or gaming, the Crabapple switch would be the more suitable option. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push may find the Box White switch more to their liking. Both switches offer different levels of tactile feedback and key press resistance, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same level of key travel. However, it is important to note that the Box White is a clicky switch, while the Crabapple is a linear switch. The clicky nature of the Box White provides an audible and tactile feedback with each key press, whereas the linear Crabapple offers a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump or audible click. Despite their differences in switch type, both switches offer the same travel distance, providing a consistent typing experience regardless of the switch chosen.
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 Kailh Box White comes in at $2.76 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
The Kailh Box White clicky switch is best known for its resonant and high-pitched sound profile, giving users an immersive auditory experience reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. In contrast, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch offers a subdued sound signature that is dampened and understated. When it comes to feel, the Box White switch is polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Crabapple switch is frictionless and offers a mild typing experience with a subtle texture felt with each downstroke.
Overall, the Kailh Box White clicky switch is suitable for those seeking maximum audio feedback with a crunchy sound profile and accented tactility during typing. In comparison, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch offers a smooth and effortless typing journey with a mild and textured feel. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the resonant and polished characteristics of the Box White switch or the subdued and frictionless qualities of the Crabapple switch to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Kailh Box White clicky switch or the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference in typing experience. If you enjoy a tactile and audible typing experience with a medium bottom out force, then the Box White switch is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience with a lighter bottom out force, then the Crabapple switch would be more suitable for your needs. Consider the sound and feel characteristics described for each switch to determine which aligns best with your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the Box White and Crabapple switches comes down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound.
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