HC Studio Crabapple vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Crabapple and the Durock Lupine both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Crabapple stands out for its POM construction, providing a frictionless typing experience with a dry smoothness and subtle texture. In contrast, the Lupine boasts two-stage long springs for consistent weight distribution and a powerful rebound movement, accompanied by a classic clacky sound profile. While the Crabapple is categorized as 'Frictionless', 'Mild', 'Subdued', 'Textured', the Lupine falls into the categories of 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their advantages, but diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you determine the best option for your individual typing needs.
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
3.70 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
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Durock Lupine offer unique characteristics that cater to different sound preferences. The Crabapple, with its POM top housing, provides a deeper and more muted sound profile compared to the Lupine's polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The choice between these two materials ultimately depends on whether you prefer a softer and more subdued sound or a crisper and brighter sound. Both materials have their own aesthetic appeal, with POM offering a more opaque finish while polycarbonate is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Crabapple's POM bottom housing offers a similar deep and muted sound profile to its top housing, providing consistency in sound across the switch. On the other hand, the Lupine's nylon bottom housing creates a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This difference in bottom housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of the switch, with the Crabapple emphasizing a more uniform sound profile while the Lupine offers a deeper typing experience.
Ultimately, when the top and bottom housings of a switch are different, the characteristics of each material will influence different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing plays a larger role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound upon key release. Whether you prefer a more consistent sound profile throughout the typing process or varied sound profiles for different keypresses, the choice between POM and nylon housings in the Crabapple and Lupine switches offers a unique experience tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, we can see that the Crabapple has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Lupine's unknown actuation force. However, the Crabapple also has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams compared to the Lupine's heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that the Crabapple switch would offer a lighter typing experience overall, which might be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Lupine switch would provide a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Lupine linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for quicker response times. However, the Lupine has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Crabapple. Gamers who prefer a slightly deeper keypress may find the Lupine to be more to their liking, while those who prefer a shorter and more abrupt keystroke may lean towards the Crabapple. Overall, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, so either option would provide a comparable result in terms of key feel and performance.
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 Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine 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
In terms of sound, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is described as having a subdued sound profile, offering a dampened and subtle noise when pressed. This is in contrast to the Durock Lupine linear switch, which has a neutral sound profile with a classic clacky sound that is more noticeable. If you prefer a quieter and more understated typing experience, the Crabapple would likely be the better choice, while the Lupine provides a more traditional and pronounced auditory feedback. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard case and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Crabapple linear switch is known for its frictionless typing experience, characterized by a smooth and effortless key press without any noticeable resistance. The slight textured feel with each downstroke adds a subtle tactile feedback to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine linear switch offers a mild and polished typing feel, delivering a gentle and refined key press with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches fall into the mild category, providing a comfortable typing experience for most users. Whether you prefer a completely frictionless feel or a slightly polished one would depend on personal preference.
Overall, the HC Studio Crabapple and the Durock Lupine linear switches offer different sound and feel experiences that cater to individual preferences. The Crabapple presents a subdued sound profile and a frictionless typing feel with a subtle texture, while the Lupine provides a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished typing experience. If you enjoy a quieter and smoother typing journey, the Crabapple would be a suitable choice. Conversely, if you prefer a more classic clacky sound and a refined key press, the Lupine may be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer quality linear options that can enhance your typing experience depending on your specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience with a light bottom out force, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch would be a great choice for you. The Crabapple excels in providing a frictionless and textured typing journey with a mild and subdued sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and a more powerful rebound, the Durock Lupine linear switch might be the better option. The Lupine offers a polished finish with a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Crabapple and Lupine switches will come down to your preference for bottom out force, typing feel, and sound profile. Choose the one that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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