Gateron Beer vs. HC Studio Crabapple
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the HC Studio Crabapple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch to the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Beer stands out with its translucent green design inspired by a Tsingtao beer bottle, offering a light and stepped tactility that provides a subtle but satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Crabapple switch is crafted from POM material, providing a frictionless typing journey with a distinct dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each keystroke. While the Beer switch offers a clacky sound signature, the Crabapple switch provides a mild and understated sound. So, if you're looking for an easy-to-press and clacky switch, the Gateron Beer may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a frictionless and textured typing experience with a mild sound, the HC Studio Crabapple could be the better choice. 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
38g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the HC Studio Crabapple comes with a POM top housing that produces a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile. This creates a unique auditory experience that differs from the sharpness of polycarbonate.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Gateron Beer and the HC Studio Crabapple utilize different materials. The Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to the overall sound profile with its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Similarly, the Crabapple's POM bottom housing creates a pleasing and unique sound that is deeper and more muted. While both materials offer their own distinct sound characteristics, they each play a vital role in determining the overall sound profile of the switch.
When comparing the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Beer and HC Studio Crabapple, it is evident that each material brings a unique sound profile to the switch. The split between the top and bottom housing allows for different qualities to be felt depending on whether you are pressing down on a key or letting go. The stiffness of polycarbonate in the Beer's housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the POM material in the Crabapple's housing creates a deeper and more muted sound. Ultimately, the choice between these housing materials depends on the desired sound profile and overall user experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch are quite similar. The Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Crabapple has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Both switches have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. This means that users will get similar results in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke and bottom out while typing. The lighter weight of both switches allows for longer typing sessions, making them ideal for work or gaming. However, for those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, they may prefer switches with heavier forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm while the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their faster response times. However, the Crabapple switch has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly deeper keystroke experience compared to the Beer switch. If you prefer a more responsive and shallower keystroke, the Gateron Beer switch would be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly deeper keystroke, the HC Studio Crabapple switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Overall, both switches offer similar travel distances that cater to different preferences in typing or gaming experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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 Beer tactile switch offers a clacky sound signature, which is sharp, snappy, and crisp, adding an auditory experience to typing. On the other hand, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch provides a more subdued sound, offering a quieter and more understated typing experience. Depending on personal preference, the Beer tactile switch may be preferred for those who enjoy a more pronounced and lively sound, while the Crabapple linear switch may be favored by those who prefer a more subtle and calming typing sound.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for being easy-to-press and offering a gentle resistance during key presses, making typing effortless and comfortable. Additionally, its stepped tactility provides a unique typing experience with two stages of feedback during each keystroke. On the other hand, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch offers a frictionless typing journey with a dry smoothness that minimizes resistance or friction. The mild and textured feel of the Crabapple switch provides a gentle typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users. Depending on individual preferences, the Beer tactile switch may be preferred for a responsive and low-impact typing feel, while the Crabapple linear switch may be favored for its smooth and effortless typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer switch provides a more clacky sound with easy-to-press and stepped tactile feedback, while the Crabapple switch offers a subdued sound with a frictionless and textured typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the lively and responsive nature of the Beer switch or the smooth and gentle typing experience of the Crabapple switch. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, and users can expect satisfying typing experiences with either option.
Conclusion
In summary, if you prefer a light and easy-to-press switch with a unique tactile experience and a clacky sound, you would want to choose the Gateron Beer tactile switch. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smoother and frictionless typing journey with a mild and textured feel, as well as a subdued sound, then the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch would be the better option for you. Consider your preferences regarding actuation force, sound signature, and tactile feel when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, the Gateron Beer and HC Studio Crabapple switches both offer distinctive typing experiences, catering to different typing preferences.
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