Durock Anubis vs. HC Studio Crabapple
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the HC Studio Crabapple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Anubis, a tactile switch, to the HC Studio Crabapple, a linear switch, it becomes evident that each offers unique characteristics tailored to different preferences. The Anubis is known for its deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying tactile feedback with a pronounced bump that intensifies each keystroke. On the other hand, the Crabapple stands out for its frictionless typing experience crafted from POM material, offering a dry smoothness and subtle textured feel with a mild and understated sound signature. While the Anubis excels in sharp tactility and assertive feedback, the Crabapple focuses on a smooth and subtle typing journey. 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
N/A
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Anubis and the HC Studio Crabapple have distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Anubis features a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Crabapple utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper and more muted side. While both materials offer a similar deep sound, the nylon of the Anubis may provide a rounder tone compared to the Crabapple's POM.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Durock Anubis and HC Studio Crabapple both use different materials to impact the typing experience. The Anubis's nylon bottom housing, similar to its top housing, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Crabapple's POM bottom housing also aims to create a unique sound that is deeper and relatively more muted. Despite the differences in material, both bottom housings play a crucial role in the overall sound and feel of the switches when pressed down.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the typing experience, it's important to note that the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing tends to have a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. While the nylon and POM materials may offer similar qualities in terms of creating a deep and pleasing sound profile, the specific characteristics of each material will ultimately shape the overall typing experience of the Durock Anubis and HC Studio Crabapple switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, it is evident that the Anubis is heavier in terms of bottom out force at 65 grams compared to the Crabapple's 45 grams. The actuation force of the Anubis is unknown, while the Crabapple requires 37 grams to actuate. The Anubis provides a more substantial typing experience due to its medium-heavy bottom out force, which some might find preferable for a more tactile typing feel. On the other hand, the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Crabapple make it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons where lighter switches are preferred for extended use. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements. If one prefers a heavier typing experience, the Anubis would be the ideal choice, whereas those seeking a lighter typing feel may lean towards the Crabapple.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, we find that the Anubis has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Crabapple has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Anubis being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Crabapple for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the longer travel distance of the Anubis. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 Durock Anubis comes in at $8.00 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 Durock Anubis offers a deep and resonant profile with a pronounced bump, perfect for those who seek a tactile switch with intense feedback. On the other hand, the HC Studio Crabapple provides a subtle and subdued sound signature, making it a quieter option compared to the Anubis. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound, with the Anubis being more assertive and the Crabapple being more understated.
When it comes to feel, the Anubis is described as accented and polished, providing a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming, and offering a smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Crabapple is characterized by its frictionless and mild feel, ensuring effortless key presses with a subtle texture felt during typing. The Anubis focuses on a more prominent tactility, while the Crabapple emphasizes a smooth and gentle typing experience.
Overall, the Durock Anubis and the HC Studio Crabapple switches offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. The Anubis excels in providing a deep and resonant sound profile with pronounced tactility, while the Crabapple offers a quieter typing experience with a frictionless feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches provide unique options to enhance your mechanical keyboard typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you prioritize a more intense tactile feedback and resonant sound (Anubis) or a smoother, quieter typing experience (Crabapple).
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, you should consider your preference for actuation force, sound profile, and tactile feedback. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced tactile bump that adds intensity to your typing experience, then the Anubis would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a subdued sound profile, and a frictionless typing journey with a subtle texture, then the Crabapple might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the characteristics that align best with your preferences.
Mentioned in this article
