HC Studio Crabapple vs. Dareu Dream
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Dareu Dream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and needs. Two popular linear switches on the market, the HC Studio Crabapple and the Dareu Dream, offer unique characteristics that cater to different users. The Crabapple, crafted entirely from POM, provides a frictionless typing experience with a dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each keystroke. Its sound signature is mild and understated, appealing to those seeking a quiet and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream switches offer a very light linear option at an attractive price point, making them a top choice for enthusiasts looking for quality and affordability. While the Crabapple focuses on a frictionless and textured feel, the Dream prioritizes ease of pressing and a clacky sound profile. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HC Studio Crabapple utilizes a POM top housing, which creates a deep and muted sound profile, while the Dareu Dream features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Dream is advantageous for users looking to incorporate RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Crabapple complements its top housing, creating a consistent deep and muted sound profile. In contrast, the Dream's nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller and rounder sound, thanks to its soft and sound-absorbing properties.
When comparing the qualities of the top and bottom housings of the Crabapple and the Dream, it's evident that the materials used significantly impact the sound profile of the switches. While the POM top housing of the Crabapple and the polycarbonate top housing of the Dream both offer unique sound characteristics, the nylon bottom housing of the Dream provides a different typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housings affects the overall sound produced by the switches, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a role in the sound when releasing a key.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the HC Studio Crabapple and the Dareu Dream, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Crabapple's POM housing creates a pleasing and unique deep sound, while the Dream's polycarbonate and nylon housings produce a sharper and rounder sound, respectively. Whether you prefer the muted tones of POM or the crisper sound of polycarbonate, both switches provide a variety of options for users seeking a customized typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual sound preferences and aesthetic considerations.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch, it is clear that the Crabapple is lighter in both aspects. The Crabapple has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Dream has an actuation force of 40 grams and an unknown bottom out force. This means that the Crabapple will require less force to trigger a keystroke and less force to press all the way down compared to the Dream switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, the Crabapple may be the preferred choice. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Dream switch may be the better option, as it has a slightly higher actuation force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Dream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Crabapple offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Dream. A 3.6 mm travel distance is considered ideal for gamers looking for faster response times, while a 4 mm travel distance provides a more traditional and deeper key press feel. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prefer more responsiveness in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for key press depth and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Dareu Dream has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dream for $3.76.
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 is more understated compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream linear switch produces a clacky sound when pressed, offering a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. It's important to consider that the actual sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Crabapple linear switch is characterized by its frictionless typing experience, offering an incredibly smooth and effortless journey with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Additionally, it provides a mild and textured feel that falls into a safe, middle-ground zone appealing to most users. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream linear switch is easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a light actuation force that makes typing comfortable and reduces finger fatigue during extended sessions. Similar to the Crabapple, the Dream switch also provides a mild typing experience that is approachable to a wide range of users.
In conclusion, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crabapple provides a subdued sound and a frictionless, mild, and textured typing experience, while the Dream offers a clacky sound and an easy-to-press, mild typing feel. Depending on individual preferences and typing habits, both switches can deliver satisfying results, with the Crabapple catering to those who value a smooth and textured typing experience, and the Dream appealing to users seeking a light, easy-to-press switch at an affordable price point. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you in a keyboard switch. If you prioritize a light bottom out force and a frictionless typing experience with a subtle sound signature, the Crabapple may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for an affordable option with an easy-to-press feel and a clacky sound profile, the Dareu Dream switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on how you prioritize factors such as feel, sound, and budget when selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs.
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