HC Studio Crabapple vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, there are distinct differences that cater to different preferences. The Crabapple is crafted entirely from POM, providing a frictionless typing journey with a dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each downstroke, offering a mild and understated sound signature. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro offers a medium tactility with a light touch and neutral sound signature, making it a "Goldilocks" option for a balanced typing experience. While the Crabapple excels in providing a smooth and textured typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro offers a tactile feedback with a lighter touch. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offer distinct sound profiles and characteristics. The Crabapple utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a pleasing and unique sound that is deeper and more muted. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for clearer and more resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Nylon bottom housing of the Violet Gold Pro provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the softer POM bottom housing of the Crabapple.
While the Crabapple and the Violet Gold Pro both aim to provide high-quality sound experiences, the choice of housing materials sets them apart. The POM housings of the Crabapple create a unique sound profile that leans towards a deeper and more muted tone, while the Polycarbonate and Nylon materials of the Violet Gold Pro offer sharper and crisper sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The difference in housing materials influences not only the sound but also the overall feel of typing on the switches. The softer Nylon bottom housing of the Violet Gold Pro absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the impact felt from the POM bottom housing of the Crabapple.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. While the POM housings of the Crabapple provide a unique and deeper sound, the Polycarbonate and Nylon materials of the Violet Gold Pro offer sharper and fuller sound profiles. The split between top and bottom housing impacts the sound produced when pressing down and letting go of a key, showcasing how the materials used can influence the overall feel of typing on the switches. Despite their differences, both the Crabapple and the Violet Gold Pro aim to deliver high-quality sound experiences tailored to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the Crabapple is the lighter of the two. The Crabapple has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it heavier in comparison. However, the bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro is unknown, so it is difficult to determine how it compares in terms of overall force required. In general, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Crabapple, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may opt for the Violet Gold Pro, assuming the bottom out force aligns with their preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, the Crabapple has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Violet Gold Pro's 3.8 mm. This means that the Crabapple will provide a slightly quicker key press due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the Crabapple for this reason. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro offers a slightly deeper key press with its longer travel distance, which may be more comfortable for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in the keyboard market, catering to different preferences for key press depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and response time.
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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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 Crabapple linear switch offers a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch boasts a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Crabapple linear switch stands out for its frictionless typing experience, offering an incredibly smooth and effortless journey with minimal resistance or friction. Additionally, it provides a mild and approachable typing experience that falls into a safe middle-ground zone. The switch also features a subtle texture felt with each downstroke. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch is described as stepped, providing a tactile feel with two stages where users can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during each keystroke.
In conclusion, the Crabapple linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crabapple provides a subdued sound and a frictionless typing experience with a mild and textured feel. Meanwhile, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offers a more neutral sound profile and a stepped tactile feel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing experience, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, the choice ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you value a smooth and effortless typing journey with a light bottom out force, then the Crabapple switch crafted from POM material is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced tactile typing experience with a neutral sound signature and a medium tactility, then the Violet Gold Pro switch would be the perfect fit. Consider your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel when making your decision between these two high-quality mechanical keyboard switches.
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