Gateron Aliaz vs. HC Studio Crabapple
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the HC Studio Crabapple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, to the HC Studio Crabapple, a linear switch, there are distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Aliaz offers a quieter typing experience suitable for office settings with its medium-heavy weight and pronounced typing feedback, making it ideal for those who prefer a more substantial feel to their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Crabapple switch, crafted from POM, provides a frictionless typing journey with a dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each key press. Its sound signature is mild and understated, adding to its appeal. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the HC Studio Crabapple, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Aliaz creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Crabapple's POM top housing produces a unique and more muted sound on the deeper side. While both materials offer distinct sound characteristics, the Aliaz's polycarbonate top housing is more suitable for those who prefer a brighter and more resonant sound, whereas the Crabapple's POM top housing is ideal for those seeking a softer and deeper sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing also contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, similar to its top housing. In contrast, the Crabapple's POM bottom housing adds to the switch's pleasing and unique sound, emphasizing a deeper and more muted tone. The choice between the two materials ultimately depends on individual preferences, with the Aliaz offering a more consistent sound profile throughout the switch's keystrokes, while the Crabapple provides a distinct bottom-out sound and feel that complements its top housing's characteristics.
Overall, the difference in housing materials between the Gateron Aliaz and the HC Studio Crabapple results in varying sound profiles and tactile feedback. While the Aliaz utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings to create a clear and resonant sound, the Crabapple combines POM materials for a deeper and more muted sound experience. Whether one prefers a brighter, crisper sound or a softer, unique tone, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the individual's preference for sound and tactile feedback in their typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In comparison, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch and the ability to type for longer periods without fatigue. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their weight, with the Aliaz being heavier and the Crabapple being lighter, catering to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing feel and the desired level of force required for each keystroke.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is 4 mm, while the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Crabapple has a shorter travel distance than the Aliaz. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Aliaz falls into the more traditional range, while the 3.6mm distance of the Crabapple is slightly shorter. Gamers may prefer the Crabapple for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may opt for the Aliaz. Overall, both switches offer different travel distances to cater to varying preferences, with the Crabapple providing a shorter travel distance compared to the Aliaz.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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.
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 Gateron Aliaz tactile switch offers a muted experience, producing softer and quieter keystrokes compared to traditional mechanical switches. This makes them suitable for environments where noise may be a concern, such as an office setting. On the other hand, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch provides a subdued sound when pressed, offering a dampened and subtle sound signature that is not entirely silent but still less intrusive than many other switches. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by the keyboard and keycaps being used, so both switches could offer a similar auditory experience depending on the setup.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is lauded for its silky and polished typing experience, providing an exceptionally smooth and refined feel with reduced friction and a sleek key travel. In contrast, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch boasts a frictionless typing journey that eliminates any sense of resistance, offering effortless key presses and a fluid travel. Additionally, the Crabapple switch provides a mild and textured sensation that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone between pronounced characteristics and a smoother, friction-free experience. Depending on personal preference, users may gravitate towards the more polished feel of the Aliaz or the frictionless and gentle experience of the Crabapple switch.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aliaz is known for its quieter operation and substantial tactile feedback, ideal for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Crabapple provides a smoother and effortless typing journey with a more subdued sound signature, making it a suitable option for users looking for a softer key press. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique attributes that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you value a quiet typing experience and prefer a medium-heavy keystroke feel, the Aliaz switch is the better choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing journey with a lighter touch and subtle sound signature, the Crabapple switch is more suitable for you. Ultimately, your personal preference for typing feedback, sound profile, and key feel will guide your decision in selecting the ideal switch for your mechanical keyboard.
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