Durock Blue Lotus vs. HC Studio Crabapple
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the HC Studio Crabapple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, it's clear that they offer distinct typing experiences. The Blue Lotus stands out for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, perfect for those who prefer a marked tactile feel during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Crabapple switch provides an effortlessly frictionless typing journey with a distinct dry smoothness that is complemented by a subtle texture felt with each keystroke. While the Blue Lotus offers a snappy and visually appealing experience with vibrant RGB illumination, the Crabapple switch boasts a mild and understated sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences and typing style. 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
55g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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 long spring
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and HC Studio Crabapple both boast unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile and typing experience. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which provides a premium and unique feel to the switch, while the Crabapple opt for a POM top housing that creates a pleasing and deep sound. Despite their differences, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of sound profile, with the top housing affecting the sound when a key is released.
In terms of bottom housing, the Blue Lotus utilizes a nylon material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Crabapple features a POM bottom housing that also creates a pleasing and unique sound with a deeper and more muted profile. While their materials differ, both switches offer a similar typing experience with characteristics split between the top and bottom housing, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release.
Overall, the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and HC Studio Crabapple play a crucial role in shaping the typing experience and sound profile of each switch. The modified PC & UPE Blend and POM top housings provide a premium and unique feel, while the nylon and POM bottom housings contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite their differences, both switches offer similar results in terms of typing experience, with the qualities of each housing material split between top and bottom, affecting both the bottom-out sound and key release sound.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, it is evident that the Blue Lotus requires a heavier touch compared to the Crabapple. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is medium-heavy, while the Crabapple has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is lighter. This means that typing on the Blue Lotus will provide a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, while the Crabapple offers a lighter touch that may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches have their own advantages based on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be significant in terms of feel, but it could potentially impact the overall typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the Blue Lotus and the Crabapple will depend on personal preference for the specific travel distance desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Lotus for $4.57.
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.
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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switch offers a bassy profile, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses, which can be quite satisfying for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback. On the other hand, the HC Studio Crabapple switch produces a more subdued sound, offering a quieter and more understated typing experience that may be preferred by users who prefer a more subtle sound signature. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences and can be further influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is characterized by its accented tactile feel, providing a medium level of tactility that is not overpowering yet still noticeable. Additionally, its snappy responsiveness adds a sense of liveliness to the typing experience. On the contrary, the HC Studio Crabapple switch offers a frictionless typing journey with a dry smoothness that minimizes any sense of resistance, providing a fluid and effortless keypress. Its mild characteristics and subtle texture contribute to a gentler typing experience that falls within a safe and approachable middle-ground zone. While both switches offer unique tactile qualities, they cater to different preferences in terms of tactility and responsiveness.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch excels in delivering a tactile and snappy typing experience with a rich sound profile, making it ideal for users who appreciate a marked tactile feel and immersive auditory feedback. On the other hand, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch offers a smooth and effortless typing journey with a subdued sound profile, appealing to those who prefer a more understated and frictionless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience, ensuring that users can find a switch that aligns with their specific needs and preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch or the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a snappy feel and visual appeal, the Blue Lotus may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light linear switch that provides a frictionless and mild typing experience, the Crabapple could be more suitable. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing needs and preferences.
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