HC Studio Crabapple vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Crabapple, a linear switch, and the Outemu Red Panda, a tactile switch, stand out for their unique characteristics. The Crabapple switches, crafted entirely from POM, offer an effortlessly frictionless typing experience with a distinct dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each keystroke. In contrast, the Red Panda switches provide a light-medium amount of tactility with a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. While the Crabapple switch is categorized as [frictionless, mild, subdued, textured], the Red Panda switch falls under [thocky, mild]. Each switch has its own advantages, but ultimately, the best choice will depend on individual preferences. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
In comparing the housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Outemu Red Panda, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Crabapple's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Red Panda allows for a more resonant sound profile, particularly beneficial for those looking to enhance their RGB lighting setup. On the other hand, the Crabapple's POM bottom housing provides a similar deep and muted sound profile as the top housing, resulting in a consistent acoustical experience across the switch.
In terms of material composition, the Crabapple and Red Panda differ in their bottom housing materials. While the Crabapple utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a consistent sound profile throughout the switch, the Red Panda opts for a nylon bottom housing. The use of nylon in the Red Panda creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound and produces a rounder tone. This contrast in bottom housing materials highlights the versatility in sound profiles that can be achieved through different material choices.
Overall, the choice between the HC Studio Crabapple and the Outemu Red Panda ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Crabapple provides a more consistent sound experience with its POM housing, the Red Panda offers a more diverse acoustical range with its polycarbonate and nylon housing combination. Whether you prefer a deeper and muted sound or a sharper and crisper tone, both switches deliver unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, the top and bottom housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound profile of each switch, offering users a variety of options to choose from based on their sound preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, we can see notable differences. The Crabapple has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Red Panda has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Crabapple will require less force to register a keystroke and reach the bottom of the keystroke compared to the Red Panda. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Crabapple may be the better option, while the Red Panda would be more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Crabapple has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Red Panda. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Red Panda being slightly shorter. Gamers may prefer the Red Panda for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may lean towards the Crabapple. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Red Panda 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
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch offers a subdued sound when pressed, creating a dampened and subtle sound signature that is not completely silent. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch produces a thocky sound, characterized by a deep, rich, and satisfying tone when pressed and released. The sound produced by both switches is influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Crabapple is known for its frictionless experience, offering an effortlessly smooth and fluid typing journey with minimal resistance. It also presents a mild and approachable typing experience, with a subtle texture felt during each key press. In comparison, the Red Panda tactile switch provides a mild tactile feedback, creating a gentle typing experience that is suitable for most users.
In conclusion, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crabapple switch provides a subdued sound and a frictionless typing experience, while the Red Panda switch offers a thocky sound and a mild tactile feedback. Depending on personal preference, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, with slight differences in sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches offer reliable performance and can cater to a variety of typing preferences, providing a similar level of quality despite their unique characteristics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, frictionless typing experience with a subtle sound signature, then the Crabapple switch would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a light-medium tactility, along with a deeper, bassier bottom-out sound and a higher-pitched top-out sound, then the Red Panda switch would suit your typing needs better. Consider your sound and feel preferences to make an informed decision on which switch will provide you with the most satisfying typing experience.
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