HC Studio Crabapple vs. Dareu Firefly
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Dareu Firefly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HC Studio Crabapple, a linear switch, to the Dareu Firefly, a tactile switch, one can see distinct differences in their design and characteristics. The Crabapple stands out for its POM construction, offering a seamless and frictionless typing experience with a dry smoothness and subtle texture. In contrast, the Firefly switch by Dareu provides a unique twist on clicky switches, delivering a light actuation with a hint of clickiness without the classic loud clicking sound. While the Crabapple boasts a mild and subdued sound signature, the Firefly is described as easy-to-press and chirpy. Each switch caters to different preferences, whether you prefer a smooth and textured typing experience or a light and quiet actuation. 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 housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Dareu Firefly offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. The Crabapple's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the Firefly's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, providing a more pronounced typing feedback. While both materials offer their unique qualities, the choice between them ultimately depends on the individual's preference for sound and feel.
In terms of bottom housings, the Crabapple and Firefly diverge even further in sound profiles. The Crabapple's POM bottom housing continues the trend of a deeper and more muted sound, maintaining consistency in typing experience throughout the keyboard. Conversely, the Firefly's nylon bottom housing enhances the typing sound by offering a fuller and rounder sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition. This difference in bottom housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing feel and sound output of each keyboard, catering to a variety of user preferences.
Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a keyboard switch plays a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience. While the Crabapple and Firefly both offer unique characteristics in their housing materials, they cater to different preferences in sound and tactile feedback. The Crabapple's use of POM throughout provides a consistent and muted sound profile, while the Firefly's mix of polycarbonate and nylon offers a sharper and fuller typing experience. Whether one prefers a deeper, muted sound or a crisper, more resonant sound, both keyboards provide a range of options to suit different typing preferences.
Weight
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a smooth and easy typing experience. In contrast, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 40 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Firefly may offer a slightly more tactile typing experience with a bit more resistance. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Crabapple would be the better choice, while the Firefly may appeal to users who enjoy a bit more feedback and resistance in their keystrokes. Both switches offer their own unique feel and performance, catering to different preferences in typing style.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, the Crabapple offers slightly less travel distance for those looking for quicker response times. On the other hand, the Firefly provides a slightly deeper key press experience for those who prefer a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for shorter or longer travel distances.
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 Firefly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Firefly 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 and mild sound signature, providing a dampened and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a chirpy sound, adding a unique acoustic element to the typing process. Both switches provide distinct auditory feedback, with the Crabapple focusing on a quiet and understated tone, while the Firefly adds a hint of a squeaky chirp to each keystroke. The sound produced by each switch will be influenced by factors such as keyboard construction and keycap material.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Crabapple linear switch is praised for its frictionless and mild characteristics, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with a subtle texture felt during key presses. In contrast, the Firefly tactile switch is described as easy-to-press, providing gentle resistance and requiring minimal force for actuation. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. While the Crabapple emphasizes a frictionless and textured feel, the Firefly focuses on an easy-to-press and responsive typing experience.
In conclusion, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crabapple provides a subdued and smooth typing journey with a mild sound, while the Firefly offers a chirpy and easy-to-press typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Crabapple focusing on a frictionless and textured feel, while the Firefly prioritizes an effortless and gentle typing sensation. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, users can choose between these switches to achieve their desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a light bottom out force and a frictionless typing experience with a mild and understated sound, the Crabapple switch crafted from POM may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with an easy-to-press feel, a hint of clickiness without the traditional loud clicking sound, and a unique chirpy sound signature, then the Firefly tactile switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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