HC Studio Crabapple vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch to the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, both switches offer a unique typing experience with their own distinct characteristics. The Crabapple, crafted entirely from POM, provides an effortlessly frictionless typing journey with a subtle textured feel and a mild, understated sound signature. On the other hand, the Sea Glass series by Durock presents a captivating selection of pastel colors with a proprietary material blend that offers a dry, wispiness, and airiness while maintaining smoothness and a weightlessness that defies expectations. Both switches are categorized as 'Frictionless' and 'Mild', but the Crabapple emphasizes being 'Subdued' and 'Textured' while the Sea Glass highlights being 'Feathery' and 'Easy-to-press'. 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
45g
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Durock Sea Glass both offer unique sound profiles, with the Crabapple featuring a POM top and bottom housing for a deeper and more muted sound, while the Sea Glass utilizes a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for a slightly brighter sound profile. While the Crabapple leans towards a deeper and more subdued tone, the Sea Glass offers a more pleasant and brighter sound experience.
The differences in the housing materials of the Crabapple and Sea Glass extend to not just the sound profiles, but also the overall feel of the switches. The POM housing of the Crabapple influences both the top and bottom end of the switch, providing a consistent sound experience throughout. On the other hand, the Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend of the Sea Glass splits the qualities between the top and bottom housing, resulting in a more dynamic feel as you press down and release the key.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the HC Studio Crabapple and the Durock Sea Glass offer a distinct sound profile that is pleasing to the user. Each housing material brings its own unique qualities to the switches, creating a diverse range of sound experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a deeper, more muted sound or a slightly brighter tone, both the Crabapple and Sea Glass deliver on providing an enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer different weight options to cater to individual preferences. Those who enjoy typing for longer periods or engaging in extended gaming sessions may lean towards the Crabapple switch, while individuals seeking a more robust typing experience may opt for the Sea Glass switch. Despite the differences in actuation and bottom out forces, users can expect comparable results in terms of performance and typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those who prefer a quicker response time. The Crabapple's 3.6 mm travel distance is slightly shorter than the Sea Glass's 3.8 mm, which may result in a slightly faster key press. However, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, and users may not notice a significant distinction in feel between them. Ultimately, both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to traditional switches, catering to those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their typing or gaming experience.
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 Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is known for its subdued noise level, providing a dampened sound when pressed. This creates a more subtle sound signature compared to other switches, offering a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a uniquely hollow sound signature, adding a slightly airy quality to the typing experience. Both switches may offer a more understated sound profile when compared to louder switches on the market, but the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference and the keyboard setup being used.
In terms of feel, both the Crabapple and Sea Glass switches are described as frictionless, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. The Crabapple switch has a mild feel to it, suitable for users seeking a gentle typing experience without any noticeable resistance. In contrast, the Sea Glass switch is described as feathery and easy-to-press, making it exceptionally light to press with minimal finger exertion required. Both switches aim to offer a comfortable typing experience with their frictionless properties, ensuring a fluid key press with minimal strain on the fingers. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on whether you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force or a lighter, more effortless typing experience.
In conclusion, both the HC Studio Crabapple and Durock Sea Glass linear switches offer a distinct typing experience with their frictionless nature and smooth key presses. While the Crabapple switch provides a subdued sound and mild feel, the Sea Glass switch offers a hint of airiness in its sound profile and an even lighter touch to the key presses. Depending on your preference for sound, feel, and actuation force, either switch could provide a satisfying typing experience. It's important to consider your specific typing habits and preferences when deciding between these two unique linear switches to ensure you get the best match for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and sound and feel characteristics. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams and a switch that offers a smooth and effortless typing experience with a mild and understated sound signature, the Crabapple switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force of 62 grams and a switch that still maintains a smooth and frictionless typing experience but offers a weightlessness and unique hollow sound signature, then the Sea Glass switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall experience you desire from your mechanical keyboard switches.
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