HC Studio Crabapple vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the HC Studio Crabapple and the Durock Light Tactile. The Crabapple is a linear switch crafted entirely from POM, offering a frictionless typing experience with a distinct dry smoothness and subtle texture. Its sound signature is mild and understated, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile is known for its gentle tactility, providing a softer touch compared to sharper tactile switches. With an angelic tactility and jelly-like sound signature, it offers a unique typing experience that is both gentle and polished. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, but 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
52g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Durock Light Tactile offer distinct characteristics that affect the sound profile and feel of the switches. The Crabapple utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Light Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffness. This difference in material contributes to the overall typing experience, with the Crabapple providing a more subdued sound compared to the more distinct sound of the Light Tactile.
While the Crabapple and the Light Tactile both offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, they differ in their construction. The Crabapple utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a consistent sound profile across the switch. On the other hand, the Light Tactile combines a polycarbonate top housing with a nylon bottom housing. This combination results in a more complex sound profile, with the top housing contributing to the sound when a key is released, and the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed.
In terms of aesthetics, the choice of housing material also plays a role. The translucent nature of polycarbonate in the Light Tactile's top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. In contrast, the Crabapple's POM housing does not offer this feature. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the combination of their housing materials, catering to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, there is a clear difference in their weight. The Crabapple has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Light Tactile has a higher actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a stronger push feel for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, with the Crabapple being lighter and the Light Tactile being heavier. Depending on personal preference, users can choose the switch that aligns with their typing needs for a more comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch. The Crabapple offers a slightly more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch provides a bit more depth when pressed, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and the type of typing experience desired.
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 Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 Crabapple linear switch offers a subdued and understated sound profile, creating a dampened noise when pressed. In contrast, the Durock Light Tactile switch provides a more neutral sound, with a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile. Both switches offer different auditory experiences that cater to varying preferences, ultimately dependent on factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Crabapple switch boasts a frictionless and mild typing experience with a subtle texture felt with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch provides a mild and polished feel, offering a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. Despite these nuanced differences, both switches fall within a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of tactile feedback, appealing to a wide range of users for an enjoyable typing experience.
Overall, the Crabapple linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile switch each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Crabapple offers a dry smoothness with a mild sound signature and a textured feel, the Durock Light Tactile provides a jelly-like sound with gentle tactility and a polished finish. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel during typing sessions.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, material, sound, and feel. If you enjoy a lighter bottom out force and a frictionless, dry smooth typing experience with a mild sound signature, the Crabapple switch crafted from POM might be the perfect match for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force with a gentle tactility and a jelly-like sound profile, the Durock Light Tactile switch could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire. Choose wisely based on what feels right for your typing style and needs.
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