HC Studio Crabapple vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black, both linear switches. The Crabapple is crafted entirely from POM and offers a frictionless typing experience with a dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each key press. Its sound signature is mild and understated, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black from Gateron is known for its premium quality at a budget-friendly price point. It is the heaviest linear switch within the G Pro series, appealing to those who prefer a more substantive typing feel. With 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force, it provides a balanced medium-heavy feel and emits a medium-high pitch sound. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting effects. While both switches offer unique features and benefits, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black both utilize POM for their bottom housing, creating a similar deep and muted sound profile. This shared material choice results in a consistent feel and sound when pressing down on the switches. However, where they differ is in their top housing materials. The Crabapple features a POM top housing, which produces a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend top housing, known for its pointed and higher-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. This distinction in top housing material impacts the sound when releasing a key, providing a different auditory experience for users.
In terms of the sound profile produced by the top housing materials, the HC Studio Crabapple's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black's proprietary INK blend top housing delivers a sharper and higher-pitched tone. This difference in sound characteristics can be attributed to the specific properties of each material used in the top housing. While both switches offer a unique auditory experience, the Crabapple leans towards a more subdued sound profile, whereas the G Pro 3.0 Black provides a more distinct and clacky sound that is satisfying to many users.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches such as the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black plays a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience. While the bottom housing material remains consistent between the two switches with both utilizing POM, the top housing materials set them apart in terms of sound profile and feel. The POM top housing of the Crabapple creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the G Pro 3.0 Black's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched clacky sound. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these switches to customize their typing experience accordingly.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch differ significantly in terms of weight. The Crabapple has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Black has a significantly heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that the Crabapple provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Both switches have their own advantages - the lighter actuation force of the Crabapple may be preferred by those who value typing endurance, while the heavier actuation force of the G Pro 3.0 Black may be more suitable for those who seek a more tactile and firm typing feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Crabapple offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for fast key presses. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black provides a deeper keypress experience with its longer travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying for typing. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their travel distances, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Black for $2.77.
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
When it comes to sound, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch offers a subdued and mild sound profile, with a distinct dry smoothness that produces a subtle sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is described as clacky, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a medium-high pitch that adds a sense of crispness to the typing experience. Depending on personal preference and setup, the Crabapple switch may offer a quieter and more understated sound, while the G Pro 3.0 Black switch delivers a more pronounced and vibrant auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is known for its frictionless and mild typing experience, offering an effortlessly smooth journey with a subtle texture felt during keystrokes. In comparison, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch provides a creamy and subtle typing feel, with a smooth and buttery sensation that enhances the overall typing experience. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and balanced typing feel, with the Crabapple switch focusing on a frictionless and textured experience, while the G Pro 3.0 Black switch offers a smooth and silky typing sensation.
Overall, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crabapple switch provides a quieter and subtly textured typing experience, while the G Pro 3.0 Black switch delivers a more vibrant and smooth feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the frictionless dry smoothness of the Crabapple switch or the creamy and balanced typing experience of the G Pro 3.0 Black switch. Ultimately, both switches aim to provide a premium typing experience tailored to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch or the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, it is important to take into account your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a lighter switch with a frictionless and textured feel, as well as a subdued sound profile, the Crabapple may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more medium-heavy switch with a creamy and silky feel, paired with a clacky and slightly subdued sound profile, then the G Pro 3.0 Black may be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you value most.
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