HC Studio Crabapple vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HC Studio Crabapple and the Durock Mamba mechanical keyboard switches, one can see the differences in their unique characteristics. The crabapple, a linear switch, is crafted entirely from POM, providing an effortlessly frictionless typing journey with a distinct dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each downstroke. Its sound signature is mild and understated, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba, also a linear switch, pays tribute to Kobe Bryant and offers a gliding typing sensation and rich, creamy auditory experience. With a categorized profile of 'neutral', 'mild', 'thocky', 'polished', the Mamba switch appeals to those who enjoy a polished and satisfying typing experience. However, let’s delve 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Durock Mamba both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Crabapple's POM top housing produces a deep and muted sound, creating a pleasing auditory experience. On the other hand, the Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a brighter sound profile that is still pleasant to the ear. While the Crabapple's POM bottom housing shares similar acoustic qualities with the top housing, the Mamba's POM bottom housing complements the top housing to create a well-rounded sound experience.
One key difference between the two housing materials is the impact they have on the sound and feel of typing on the keyboard. The bottom housing material of each switch plays a crucial role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. In this aspect, the Crabapple and Mamba may offer similar experiences if the bottom housing materials are the same. However, the top housing material has a more prominent influence on the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, users may notice variations in sound quality between the Crabapple's POM top housing and the Mamba's top housing blend.
Overall, the housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Durock Mamba cater to different preferences in terms of sound profiles. While the Crabapple's POM housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, the Mamba's unique blend offers a brighter and pleasing auditory experience. Both switches offer a well-rounded typing experience with a focus on sound quality, with the bottom housing material impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing material influencing the sound when a key is released. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profiles and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Crabapple has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Mamba's actuation force is unknown. In terms of bottom out force, the Crabapple requires 45 grams of force, which is lighter than the Mamba's 60 grams. This means that the Crabapple switch provides a lighter typing experience overall compared to the Mamba switch. Some may prefer the Crabapple for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions, as the lighter force allows for easier keystrokes. Conversely, the Mamba may be more suited to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience that requires a stronger push feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which tend to be favored by gamers for quicker response times. The slight difference in distance between the two switches may not be significant enough to notice a major contrast in feel. However, if you prefer a slightly longer travel distance, the Crabapple switch would be the slightly longer option. On the other hand, if you prefer a hairline advantage in response time, you may lean towards the Durock Mamba switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar level of travel distance that caters to those who prefer a shallower keystroke.
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 Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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, providing a dampened and subtle auditory experience when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a touch of thockiness, producing a rich and satisfying deep thud when the key is pressed. The choice between the two would depend on whether one prefers a more understated sound (Crabapple) or a richer, more pronounced sound (Mamba).
Moving on to feel, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is known for its frictionless typing journey, offering a fluid and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance felt when pressing the keys. It also provides a mild and approachable typing feel, suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a polished typing sensation, giving a smooth and refined finish to each keystroke. While both switches offer a mild typing experience, the Crabapple leans towards a more frictionless and textured feel, while the Mamba provides a polished and sleek typing experience.
Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, it is evident that they both offer unique sound and feel experiences. The Crabapple excels in providing a subdued sound with a frictionless and textured feel, while the Mamba delivers a rich thocky sound with a polished and smooth typing sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the Crabapple for a more understated and textured experience or the Mamba for a richer and polished typing journey. Ultimately, both switches offer quality linear options, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, typing experience, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a frictionless, dry smooth typing experience with a subtle sound signature, the Crabapple switch might be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a gliding typing sensation and a rich, creamy auditory experience, the Mamba switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are seeking.
Mentioned in this article
