HC Studio Crabapple vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the HC Studio Crabapple, a linear switch, and the Durock White Lotus, a tactile switch. The Crabapple switches are crafted entirely from POM, providing a frictionless typing experience with a dry smoothness that's subtly textured. In contrast, the White Lotus switches are designed for the discerning typist, offering a delicate tactility that is ideal for extended typing sessions. The White Lotus switches also boast vibrant RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to your keyboard. While the Crabapple is known for its mild and understated sound signature, the White Lotus is characterized by its easy-to-press nature and low-pitched sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference and typing needs. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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 long spring
Housing materials
The HC Studio Crabapple features POM top and bottom housing, which creates a unique and deep sound profile that is relatively muted. In comparison, the Durock White Lotus utilizes a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The White Lotus offers a premium feel with a deep and fuller sound profile due to the nylon bottom housing, while the top housing provides a unique and sophisticated sound experience.
Both the Crabapple and the White Lotus focus on providing a deeper sound profile, but achieve it through different housing materials. The POM housing in the Crabapple creates a pleasing and unique sound that is relatively muted, while the Nylon housing in the White Lotus elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite the difference in materials, both switches aim to offer a satisfying typing experience with their emphasis on sound quality.
The impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience differs between the Crabapple and the White Lotus. While the bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when a key is released. As a result, users can expect a nuanced and dynamic sound profile from both switches, with the housing materials playing a key role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is evident that the Crabapple is the lighter option of the two. The Crabapple has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus is slightly heavier, with an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, but the Crabapple is better suited for users who prefer a lighter touch, while the White Lotus is ideal for those who enjoy a slightly heavier push feel. Ultimately, the weight of the switch plays a significant role in determining the typing experience, as lighter switches are preferred for extended typing sessions, while heavier switches offer a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is shorter at 3.6 mm compared to the Durock White Lotus tactile switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches are within the range of traditional travel distances, with the White Lotus being more on the standard side at 4 mm, the Crabapple offers a slightly shorter travel distance. This may appeal to those who prefer a faster response time, such as gamers. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt and prefer the more substantial feel of the longer travel distance provided by the White Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 offers a subdued sound profile, providing a dampened and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone for a comfortable typing session. Both switches cater to users looking for a quieter typing experience, with the Crabapple being slightly more subdued and the White Lotus offering a more balanced sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Crabapple linear switch is designed to provide a frictionless typing journey, offering an effortlessly smooth and fluid key press. It also boasts a mild and gentle typing experience, appealing to a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance, making it ideal for minimizing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches fall within the mild and subtle category, providing a comfortable and responsive typing feel that is suitable for various typing preferences.
In conclusion, both the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. While the Crabapple excels in providing a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a subdued sound profile, the White Lotus stands out for its light tactile feel and low-pitched sound signature. Ultimately, whether you prefer a linear or tactile switch, both options offer a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience that will enhance your overall typing efficiency and pleasure.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize a frictionless and mildly textured feel with a subdued sound, the Crabapple switch may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you enjoy a light tactile switch with easy-to-press keys and low-pitched, neutral sound profile, the White Lotus switch could be more suited to your typing needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve. Choose wisely based on your desired typing feel and sound characteristics to enhance your overall keyboarding experience.
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