HC Studio Crabapple vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Crabapple and the HMX Swift both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Crabapple, a linear switch, is crafted entirely from POM, providing a frictionless typing experience with a dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each keystroke. Its mild and understated sound signature sets it apart as a quiet option for those seeking a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift, also a linear switch, stands out with a deeper sound profile thanks to its full nylon housings. The silky smoothness and delicate 42g actuation force make it easy to press and bouncy, offering a creamy typing feel. While the Crabapple excels in providing a textured and muted typing experience, the Swift impresses with its clacky sound and feathery touch. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
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 extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the HMX Swift both bring unique sound profiles to the switches. While the Crabapple uses POM for both the top and bottom housing, the Swift utilizes nylon for both components. POM is praised for creating a pleasing and unique sound with a deeper and more muted profile, while nylon is known for eliciting a fuller and deeper sound due to its softer and more sound-absorbent nature. However, both materials ultimately contribute to a rounder and duller sound overall.
In terms of construction, the Crabapple and Swift differ in their choice of housing materials for the top and bottom components. The Crabapple's POM top and bottom housings work together to create a deeper and more muted sound profile, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch more significantly. On the other hand, the Swift's nylon top and bottom housings also collaborate to produce a fuller and deeper sound, with the bottom housing playing a crucial role in the overall sound experience. While the materials may vary, both switches ultimately offer a unique sound signature that is a result of the interaction between the top and bottom housing materials.
Overall, the housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the HMX Swift play a crucial role in defining the sound profile of each switch. While the Crabapple's POM housings create a pleasing and unique deeper sound, the Swift's nylon housings offer a fuller and rounder sound experience. Whether it be POM or nylon, the softer nature of both materials allows for a more absorbent quality that results in a duller and more muted sound overall. Despite the differences in housing materials between the two switches, they both offer a distinct typing experience that is a result of the top and bottom housing materials working together to create a well-rounded sound profile.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch are both relatively light compared to other switches on the market. The Crabapple has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Swift has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches provide a smooth and effortless typing experience, making them ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch when typing. However, the Swift requires slightly more force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Crabapple. For those who enjoy a slightly firmer typing experience, the Swift may be the better option. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with minimal resistance, making them suitable for various typing preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for faster response times. However, the Swift switch has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly more pronounced key press compared to the Crabapple switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter or slightly longer travel distance. Both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, so users can expect comparable results regardless of which one they choose.
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 HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $3.45.
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 mild sound profile, providing a quiet and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch produces a more clacky and percussive sound, adding a sharper and brighter element to the typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and setup variables like the keyboard and keycaps chosen, users can tailor their typing sound to their liking.
When it comes to feel, the Crabapple switch boasts a frictionless and textured typing sensation, offering a smooth and effortless key press with a subtle tactile feedback. In contrast, the HMX Swift switch provides an easy-to-press and feathery feel, requiring minimal force for activation and promoting a light and comfortable typing experience with a spring-like rebound. Both switches aim to enhance typing performance, but the Crabapple leans towards a smoother and textured feel, while the Swift focuses on being light and easy to press.
Considering all the information, the HC Studio Crabapple and HMX Swift linear switches offer distinct qualities in sound and feel that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a quieter and smoother typing experience with subtle texture, the Crabapple would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced and bright sound with easy-to-press and feather-light key presses, the Swift switch may be more appealing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal typing preferences and the desired typing experience each user seeks.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider the unique characteristics of each. If you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a frictionless, subtly textured typing experience, the Crabapple may be the right choice for you. The Crabapple also offers a mild and understated sound profile for a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter actuation force and a deeper, silky smooth sound profile, the Swift might be more suited to your preferences. The Swift provides an easy-to-press, feathery feel with a creamy texture, making it ideal for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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