HC Studio Crabapple vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the HC Studio Crabapple and the Everglide Sunset Yellow, both linear switches. The Crabapple switches are crafted entirely from POM, providing a frictionless typing journey with a dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each stroke. They also offer a mild and understated sound signature, making them suitable for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches are known for their Creamsicle color and captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. With a rich, bassy sound and unique Ly stem design, typing becomes an indulgent experience. The combination of very short travel and a long-pole stem in the Sunset Yellow switches ensures a sharp and highly responsive 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
37g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Everglide Sunset Yellow are both made of POM, which creates a pleasing and unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted. This means that both switches will offer a similar acoustical experience to the user, with a focus on a deep and mellow sound signature. The POM top and bottom housings of both switches play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switch, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key.
While the housing materials of the Crabapple and Sunset Yellow switches are both made of POM and share similar sound profiles, there may be slight variations in the tactile feedback and typing experience between the two switches. This could be due to differences in the design and construction of the switches, as well as variations in the manufacturing process. Users may notice subtle differences in the feel and sound of the switches when typing on them, which could impact their overall typing experience and preference for one switch over the other.
Overall, the similarities in housing materials between the HC Studio Crabapple and the Everglide Sunset Yellow make them both reliable options for users looking for switches with a pleasing and unique sound profile. Both switches offer a deep and muted sound signature that is influenced by the POM top and bottom housings. While there may be subtle differences in the typing experience between the two switches, users can expect to receive a consistent and enjoyable typing experience from either option.
Weight
The Crabapple linear switch from HC Studio has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams compared to the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 51 grams. The Crabapple switch would be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch would provide a slightly more substantial push feel, which may be preferred by users looking for a bit more resistance in their typing experience. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, so regardless of the slight difference in force, users can expect a similar typing experience overall.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Crabapple switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Sunset Yellow switch. The shorter travel distance of the Sunset Yellow switch may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Crabapple switch may provide a more substantial and satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distances, with the Crabapple providing a bit more depth and the Sunset Yellow offering a faster response.
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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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 sound of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is described as subdued, offering a dampened and subtle sound signature during key presses. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch provides a bassy and thocky sound profile, creating a rich and indulgent typing experience reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. The Crabapple's sound is mild and understated, while the Sunset Yellow's sound is bold and captivating, catering to different preferences for typing auditory feedback. When comparing the feel of the switches, the Crabapple is known for its frictionless and textured typing experience, providing an effortless and smooth journey with a subtle texture felt on each downstroke. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow offers a creamy and polished feel, allowing for a buttery and silky typing sensation with smooth key travel. Both switches offer a frictionless typing experience, ensuring a fluid and effortless keystroke.
In conclusion, the HC Studio Crabapple and Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches offer unique sound and feel profiles for typing enthusiasts. The Crabapple excels in providing a subdued sound with a frictionless and textured feel, while the Sunset Yellow delivers a bassy and thocky sound with a creamy and polished typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel during typing, users can choose between the two switches to enhance their mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their distinct characteristics, ensuring a pleasurable and responsive typing journey for users.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, your choice should be based on your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a light bottom out force and a dry, smooth typing journey with a subtle texture, the Crabapple switch would suit you well. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a rich, bassy sound profile and a smooth, buttery typing experience, the Sunset Yellow switch might be more to your liking. Consider the sound and feel descriptions provided for each switch to determine which aligns better with your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you find most enjoyable.
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