HC Studio Crabapple vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red both offer unique features worth exploring. The Crabapple, known for its POM construction, provides a frictionless typing experience with a dry smoothness and subtle texture in each keystroke. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Red from Gateron's G Pro lineup offers a budget-friendly option with a medium-light actuation force for a balance of responsiveness and ease of use. The G Pro Red also stands out for its bright RGB lighting effects and satisfying auditory experience. While the Crabapple boasts a mild and understated sound signature, the G Pro Red is described as creamy and polished. Both switches have their own strengths, catering to different preferences and needs. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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 Red differ significantly in terms of their sound profiles. The Crabapple's POM top housing is known for producing a deeper and more muted sound, creating a unique and pleasing typing experience. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Red's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer nature that enhances resonance. The translucency of polycarbonate also lends itself well to RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for those who prioritize aesthetics in their keyboard setup.
On the other hand, the Crabapple's POM bottom housing shares similar characteristics with its top housing, producing a deeper and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Red's nylon bottom housing offers a different typing experience, creating a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. The choice between these housing materials can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of the keyboard, providing users with a range of options to suit their preferences.
When it comes to the overall feel and sound of the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences, both the Crabapple and G Pro 3.0 Red offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences and typing styles. Whether you prefer a deeper, more muted sound or a sharper, crisper sound, these housing materials provide users with flexibility in customizing their keyboard experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, it is evident that the Crabapple is lighter in both aspects. The Crabapple has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches offer a light typing experience compared to other options on the market. The lower actuation and bottom out forces of the Crabapple make it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Red provides a slightly heavier push feel, which may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preference for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter compared to the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Crabapple offers a slightly quicker key press response due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice for gamers seeking faster reaction times. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Red provides a bit more depth to each key press, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel. Both switches offer their own advantages depending on individual preferences, with the decision ultimately coming down to whether a shorter or longer travel distance is desired.
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 Red 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 Red 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
In terms of sound, the Crabapple linear switch is often described as having a subdued sound, providing a dampened and subtle sound signature when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch is said to have a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level. Both switches offer different sound experiences, with the Crabapple being more understated and the G Pro Red being more versatile for various environments.
Moving on to feel, the Crabapple linear switch is known for its frictionless typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless journey with minimal resistance. Additionally, it is described as having a mild and textured feel, giving users a safe, middle-ground typing experience that is approachable to most. On the contrary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch is praised for its creamy and polished feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing sensation with reduced friction and refined key travel. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Crabapple focusing on effortless typing and the G Pro Red focusing on a silky and polished feel.
In conclusion, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch offers a subdued sound and a frictionless, mild, and textured feel for a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch provides a neutral sound and a creamy, mild, polished, and silky feel for a smooth and versatile typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches cater to different typing styles and environments, ensuring that users can find the perfect match for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you value a light bottom out force and a typing experience that is frictionless, mild, and textured, then the HC Studio Crabapple switch may be the right choice for you. Conversely, if you prefer a light bottom out force with a smooth, buttery, and polished typing experience that also allows for bright RGB lighting effects, then the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best aligns with your typing style and desired sound and feel.
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