HC Studio Crabapple vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HC Studio Crabapple and the Durock Piano mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer a unique typing experience. The Crabapple, a linear switch, is crafted entirely from POM, providing an effortlessly frictionless journey while exuding a distinct dry smoothness and subtle texture with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Piano, also a linear switch, stands out for its proprietary material blend, offering a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature. While the Crabapple is categorized as 'Frictionless', 'Mild', 'Subdued', 'Textured', the Piano is labeled as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', 'Silky'. Both switches have their own advantages and appeal, making it difficult to choose between the two based on generalities alone. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the HC Studio Crabapple and the Durock Piano switches play a crucial role in determining the sound profile of each switch. Both switches utilize POM in their housing materials, with the Crabapple featuring a POM top and bottom housing, while the Piano boasts a proprietary POM blend for both top and bottom housing. Although the specifics of the blend remain undisclosed, both switches promise a deep and satisfying sound profile that is unique to their respective designs. The use of POM in the housing materials contributes to a pleasing and muted sound, with the deeper tones enriching the overall typing experience.
While the Crabapple and Piano switches share the use of POM in their housing materials, the discrepancy in the specific blend of POM utilized may lead to subtle differences in sound profile and typing feel. The Crabapple's POM top housing is known to produce a deeper and more muted sound, influencing the sound when the key is released, while the POM bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and overall feel of typing. In contrast, the Piano's proprietary POM blend for both top and bottom housing likely results in a similar satisfying sound profile with deep tones, showcasing a consistency in sound quality throughout the typing experience.
Despite the slight differences in the housing materials used for the Crabapple and Piano switches, the overall impact on the sound profile and typing experience is likely to be quite similar. Both switches promise a unique and pleasing typing experience with their POM-based materials, offering deep and satisfying sound profiles. Whether it's the Crabapple's POM top and bottom housing or the Piano's proprietary POM blend for both components, users can expect a premium typing experience with a focus on sound quality and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel, as both options offer a high-quality build and satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is evident that they offer different typing experiences. The Crabapple switch has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option. In contrast, the Piano switch does not disclose its actuation force but has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, positioning it as a medium-heavy switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Crabapple switch, while individuals seeking a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Piano switch. Ultimately, the weight of the switch plays a significant role in determining the typing experience, with lighter switches being ideal for longer typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more robust feel. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique advantages depending on the user's preferences.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, the Crabapple has a travel distance of 3.6 mm while the Piano has a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, the Crabapple has a shorter travel distance compared to the Piano. In general, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for some users. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on your personal preference for responsiveness versus key depth. The travel distances of both switches fall within the range of modern preferences, offering a balance between traditional and shallower key presses.
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 Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 known for its subdued and dampened sound signature, providing a subtle and understated auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch features a bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Both switches provide unique sound characteristics that can be further influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, both the HC Studio Crabapple and Durock Piano linear switches offer a frictionless typing experience, minimizing resistance and providing effortless key presses. The Crabapple switch is described as having a mild and textured feel, offering a gentle typing experience with a subtle texture felt with each downstroke. Similarly, the Piano switch is also noted for its frictionless and silky feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing experience and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
In conclusion, both the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch offer high-quality and enjoyable typing experiences with their unique sound and feel characteristics. While the Crabapple switch provides a subdued sound and mild, textured feel, the Piano switch offers a bassy sound and a silky, frictionless feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding sound and feel, as both switches are designed to provide a pleasant typing journey for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light switch with a dry smoothness and mild sound signature, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a deep, creamy sound and a gliding push feel, the Durock Piano linear switch may be more up your alley. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what you value most in a keyboard switch. Ultimately, the choice between the Crabapple and Piano linear switches will depend on what qualities you prioritize most in your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
