HC Studio Crabapple vs. Durock Dolphin
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Durock Dolphin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HC Studio Crabapple and the Durock Dolphin are two popular options to consider. The Crabapple is crafted entirely from POM, providing an effortlessly frictionless typing experience with a distinct dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each downstroke. Its sound signature is mild and understated, making it a great choice for those seeking a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin is a silent switch with a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, offering a substantial feel that balances precision with a satisfying press. This makes it ideal for office environments or any workspace where noise levels matter. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages, but ultimately the choice between them comes down to personal preference and specific needs. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Durock Dolphin, it is evident that they each offer unique sound profiles based on the materials used. The Crabapple's POM top housing creates a more subdued and deeper sound profile, while the Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to the switch. On the other hand, the Crabapple's POM bottom housing and the Dolphin's nylon bottom housing contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch, with POM providing a deeper sound and nylon creating a fuller sound.
Despite their differences, both the Crabapple and Dolphin switches showcase the impact that housing materials can have on sound profiles. The POM and polycarbonate top housings offer contrasting tones, with POM producing a more muted sound and polycarbonate delivering a sharper sound. Similarly, the Crabapple's POM bottom housing and the Dolphin's nylon bottom housing showcase how softer materials like nylon can absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder sound profile compared to the deeper sound produced by POM. These variations in sound demonstrate the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience and sound feedback of a switch.
Overall, the choice between the Crabapple and Dolphin switches will largely depend on personal preference for sound profiles and typing feel. While the Crabapple offers a more muted and deeper sound with its POM housing materials, the Dolphin provides a crisper and sharper sound thanks to its polycarbonate and nylon housings. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in creating a unique typing experience, with the top and bottom housings playing distinct roles in shaping the overall sound profile. Ultimately, whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound or a sharper, crisper sound will determine which switch is the better fit for your preferences.
Weight
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Durock Dolphin linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Crabapple is also lighter at 45 grams, whereas the Dolphin has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that the Crabapple switch would provide a lighter typing experience overall, making it more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Dolphin switch would offer a more substantial and tactile typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple and the Durock Dolphin linear switches have slightly different travel distances, with the Crabapple clocking in at 3.6 mm and the Dolphin at 3.8 mm. Although the variance between the two may seem minimal, even a small difference can impact the overall typing experience. The shorter travel distance of the Crabapple switch may appeal to those looking for a quicker and more responsive feel, which is often favored by gamers. On the other hand, the slightly longer travel distance of the Dolphin switch may provide a more satisfying tactile sensation for those who prefer a deeper keystroke. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for users who prioritize speed and efficiency in their typing. Whether you opt for the shorter Crabapple or the slightly longer Dolphin, you can expect a modern and responsive 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 Durock Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin for $5.41.
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 sound when pressed, providing a dampened and subtle sound signature that is not completely silent but certainly more understated than most switches. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is known for its muted and low-pitched sound, offering a quieter and softer typing experience that is ideal for environments where noise levels need to be minimized. Both switches provide a pleasant auditory experience, with the Crabapple leaning towards a more subdued tone while the Dolphin offers a quieter and bass-heavy sound.
When it comes to feel, the Crabapple linear switch is praised for its frictionless typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless journey with minimal resistance or friction during key presses. Additionally, it provides a mild typing feel that is gentle and approachable to most users, along with a subtle texture that adds a layer of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is characterized by its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a satisfying typing feel, with the Crabapple focusing on a frictionless and textured experience while the Dolphin prioritizes a polished and smooth sensation.
In conclusion, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Crabapple provides a subdued sound and a frictionless, textured feel, the Dolphin offers a muted, low-pitched sound and a polished, smooth typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the Crabapple for a more understated and textured typing experience or the Dolphin for a quieter and polished feel. Ultimately, both switches provide quality performance, and users can expect similar results in terms of overall satisfaction with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you prioritize a light bottom out force, a frictionless and textured typing experience with a mild, subdued sound signature, then the Crabapple switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a polished and silent typing experience with a muted, low-pitched sound signature, then the Durock Dolphin switch could be more suitable for your requirements. Consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard, as well as your typing style and preferences, to determine which switch will best suit your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities and it's important to choose based on what will enhance your overall typing experience.
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