Gateron CM vs. HC Studio Crabapple
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the HC Studio Crabapple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron CM and HC Studio Crabapple are both excellent options to consider. The CM switch stands out for its unique design featuring a full nylon housing, offering a rich and deep sound signature that is complemented by a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Crabapple switch is crafted entirely from POM, providing a frictionless typing journey with a subtle texture felt with each keystroke. The CM is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Bassy', 'Polished', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', whereas the Crabapple is categorized as 'Frictionless', 'Mild', 'Subdued', 'Textured'. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that make them appealing choices for different preferences. 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
55g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron CM and the HC Studio Crabapple differ in their top and bottom housing materials. The CM utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic absorbing more sound. On the other hand, the Crabapple features POM top and bottom housings, which produce a unique and more muted sound on the deeper side. While both materials aim to enhance sound quality, they achieve this in different ways.
In terms of sound profile, the CM's nylon housing offers a rounder and duller sound compared to the Crabapple's POM housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, with nylon creating a fuller sound profile and POM emphasizing a deeper tone. Conversely, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key, with the nylon creating a deeper and fuller sound while the POM offers a more unique and pleasing sound profile.
While the Gateron CM and HC Studio Crabapple utilize different housing materials in their switches, both aim to enhance sound quality through their unique properties. The softer nylon housing of the CM absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and rounder sound profile, while the POM housing of the Crabapple emphasizes a muted yet pleasing sound on the deeper side. Despite these differences, both switches ultimately provide a premium typing experience with high-quality housing materials tailored to enhance sound profiles in their own distinct ways.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CM linear switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, it is clear that they have notable differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The CM switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Crabapple switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is considered light. This means that the CM switch requires more force to trigger a keystroke and fully press down compared to the Crabapple switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Crabapple switch, as it allows for extended periods of typing without fatigue. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial push feel, the CM switch would be a better choice. Ultimately, the weight of the switches plays a significant role in dictating the typing experience, as lighter switches are ideal for longer sessions, while heavier switches provide a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron CM linear switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. Users who prefer a consistent feel and travel distance between keys will find that both switches deliver the same level of performance in terms of travel distance. Overall, whether you choose the Gateron CM or the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, you can expect to get similar results when it comes to typing comfort and keypress response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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 CM linear switch offers a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and rich auditory experience during key presses. This is due to its full nylon housing design and impeccable factory lubrication, making each keystroke resonate with a satisfying sound. On the other hand, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch produces a subdued sound, offering a more subtle and dampened auditory experience compared to most switches. Depending on your choice of board and keycaps, the sound produced by each switch will vary, but overall, the CM switch will deliver a deeper and richer sound profile.
When it comes to feel, both switches share the descriptor of being frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience that minimizes any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The Gateron CM linear switch is further described as being buttery, polished, and creamy, providing a seamless, refined, and silky typing sensation. The Crabapple linear switch, on the other hand, is also described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. Additionally, it has a subtle texture felt with each downstroke, enhancing the tactile feedback during typing. Overall, both switches are geared towards providing a smooth and comfortable typing experience, with slight variations in their tactile feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron CM linear switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CM switch provides a deeper, richer sound profile with a buttery and creamy typing experience, while the Crabapple switch offers a more subdued sound with a mild and textured feel. Both switches excel in providing a frictionless typing journey, allowing users to glide effortlessly through each keystroke. Depending on personal preference for sound and tactile feedback, either switch can deliver a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CM linear switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a bouncy typing experience with a deep and rich sound profile, the Gateron CM linear switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a frictionless typing journey with a subtle sound signature and a mild, approachable typing experience, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you desire.
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