HC Studio Crabapple vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch with the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, the differences in typing experience become apparent. The Crabapple, constructed entirely from POM, offers a frictionless typing journey with a dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each keystroke, resulting in a mild and understated sound signature. In contrast, the Silent T1 provides a tactile experience with a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. The Crabapple is ideal for those who prefer a smooth and textured typing experience, while the Silent T1 caters to individuals looking for a tactile switch with reduced noise. 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
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
Housing materials
The HC Studio Crabapple and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Crabapple utilizes POM material for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This difference in housing material highlights the importance of the top housing in determining the overall sound of a switch, with POM providing a more subdued tone compared to polycarbonate.
In terms of aesthetics, the housing materials of these two switches also play a significant role. The translucent nature of polycarbonate used in the Silent T1 (Shrimp) allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it ideal for users looking to customize their keyboard with colorful lighting effects. Conversely, the opaque nature of POM used in the Crabapple provides a sleek and classic look without the ability to showcase RGB lighting. This distinction in housing material not only impacts the overall sound of the switch but also contributes to the visual appeal of the keyboard.
Furthermore, the choice of housing material for the top and bottom of a switch can impact the overall typing experience. With POM and nylon being softer plastics, the Crabapple and Silent T1 (Shrimp) offer a more tactile typing experience compared to switches with harder plastics. The nylon bottom housing of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the POM bottom housing of the Crabapple contributes to a more muted sound. Ultimately, the housing materials of these switches play a crucial role in shaping the typing feel, sound profile, and aesthetics of the keyboard.
Weight
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 45 grams compared to the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, which has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams but an unknown actuation force. The Crabapple switch is ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch offers a more substantial typing feel with its heavier bottom out force, appealing to users who enjoy a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Crabapple. Both fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Crabapple leaning towards the shallower end and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) closer to the standard 4.0 mm. Gamers may prefer the Crabapple for its shorter travel distance, which allows for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Silent T1 (Shrimp) with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent T1 (Shrimp) 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
Based on the information provided, the Crabapple linear switch is known for its subdued sound profile and frictionless feel, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with a subtle texture felt with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is characterized by its muted sound and stepped feel, providing a medium bump with a padded bottom-out sensation. Both switches aim to provide a unique typing experience, with the Crabapple focusing on a dry smoothness and the Silent T1 highlighting a tactile yet silenced typing experience suitable for noise-sensitive environments.
In terms of sound, the Crabapple switch offers a more subtle and milder sound while the Silent T1 provides a quieter and softer audio feedback due to its design aimed at reducing noise levels. As for the feel, the Crabapple switch excels in offering a frictionless and mild typing experience with a subtle texture, whereas the Silent T1 provides a stepped and accented tactile feel emphasizing a medium level of tactility. It's worth noting that the typing experience can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
Ultimately, when choosing between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. If you prefer a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a more subdued sound, the Crabapple may be the ideal option. On the other hand, if you desire a tactile switch with a muted sound and medium bump feel, the Silent T1 might be more suitable. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring that users can find a switch that aligns with their specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a subtle and frictionless feel, along with a mild and understated sound, the Crabapple may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a silenced tactile switch with a medium bump and padded bottom-out feel, and a muted sound, then the Silent T1 (Shrimp) could be the more suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what attributes are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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