HC Studio Crabapple vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown 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 linear HC Studio Crabapple and the tactile Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown. The Crabapple switch, crafted entirely from POM, is renowned for its frictionless typing experience that is both dry and smooth, with a subtle textured feel on each keystroke. In contrast, the G Pro Brown offers a gentle tactile sensation with a medium-high pitch that provides a satisfying auditory feedback. While the Crabapple is known for its mild and subdued characteristics, the G Pro Brown presents an easy-to-press and stepped feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound profiles. The Crabapple's POM housing provides a pleasing and unique deeper sound profile that is relatively muted, whereas the G Pro 3.0 Brown's polycarbonate housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the G Pro 3.0 Brown's top housing results in a more clear and resonant sound, especially beneficial for those looking to utilize RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Crabapple's POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile that is more muted compared to the nylon bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Brown, which produces a duller and rounder sound due to its softer nature.
Despite their differences, the Crabapple and G Pro 3.0 Brown both aim to enhance the overall typing experience through their respective housing materials. While the POM housing of the Crabapple creates a more muted and deeper sound profile, the nylon bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Brown absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Brown produces a crisper and higher-pitched sound compared to the Crabapple's POM top housing. Both switches prioritize the quality of sound and aim to provide users with a unique typing experience tailored to their preferences.
In terms of functionality, the housing materials play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switches. When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings, it's important to note that the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. Whether it's the deep and fuller sound profile of the Crabapple's POM housing or the sharper and crisper sound of the G Pro 3.0 Brown's polycarbonate housing, each switch offers a distinctive typing experience that caters to different sound preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Crabapple and G Pro 3.0 Brown will depend on individual preferences for sound profiles and overall typing feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch are quite different. The Crabapple has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Those who prefer a lighter weight switch may opt for the Crabapple, while those who prefer a heavier touch may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Brown. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference for typing or gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the G Pro 3.0 Brown has the longer travel distance compared to the Crabapple. The difference between the two switches may not seem significant, but it can impact the typing experience. The shorter travel distance of the Crabapple may appeal to those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 Brown may provide a more substantial keypress for those who prefer a deeper actuation feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
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 Brown 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 Brown 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 Crabapple linear switch is known for its subdued and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle auditory experience compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch offers a medium-high pitch that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback, adding joy to your typing sessions. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Crabapple providing a quieter experience and the G Pro Brown offering a more pronounced auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Crabapple linear switch is praised for its frictionless and mild typing experience, coupled with a subtle texture felt with each keystroke. This offers a smooth and effortless typing journey, minimizing resistance and maximizing comfort. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, gentle resistance, and low-impact typing feel. These switches are designed to enhance the typing experience by providing a responsive and comfortable feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches offer approachable qualities that cater to a wide range of users, with the Crabapple focusing on fluid travel and the G Pro Brown emphasizing gentle bump feedback.
In conclusion, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch each offer unique subjective qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Crabapple excels in providing a smooth and subtle typing experience with a subdued sound profile, while the G Pro Brown offers a tactile and easy-to-press feel with a medium-high pitch sound. Depending on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound feedback, you can choose between these switches to tailor your mechanical keyboard to your liking. Both switches provide quality options that will elevate your typing experience, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable journey with each keystroke.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a light bottom out force and a frictionless typing experience with a mild and understated sound signature, the Crabapple switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a tactile typing sensation with easy-to-press keys that offer a gentle bump and a medium-high pitch sound for added auditory feedback, then the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing preferences and whether you prioritize a smoother, quieter typing experience (Crabapple) or a tactile, responsive typing experience with a bit more feedback (G Pro 3.0 Brown). Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing needs.
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