HC Studio Crabapple vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 White
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White, both linear switches with their own unique characteristics. The Crabapple stands out for its POM construction, offering a frictionless typing experience with a dry smoothness that is complemented by a subtle texture felt with every keystroke. Its sound signature is mild and understated, providing a pleasant typing atmosphere. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 White is known for its budget-friendly option that is perfect for delicate typists, featuring a light actuation force of 38g for effortless and sensitive keystrokes. With a frosted light diffuser and medium-high pitch, it offers a bright RGB lighting experience with satisfying auditory feedback. Each switch has its own strengths, whether it be the Crabapple's smooth texture or the G Pro 3.0 White's light actuation force. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White offer distinct sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The Crabapple's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound, while the G Pro 3.0 White's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the clear nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Crabapple's POM bottom housing contributes to a pleasing sound profile, while the G Pro 3.0 White's nylon bottom housing creates a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer nature.
While both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, they differ in their overall characteristics. The POM housing of the Crabapple tends to produce a deeper and more muted sound throughout the typing experience, from key press to release. In contrast, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the G Pro 3.0 White results in a sharper and crisper sound when pressing down on the keys, with a fuller and rounder sound when bottoming out. This showcases how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White will depend on personal preference for sound profile and typing experience. If you prefer a deeper and more muted sound, the Crabapple with its POM housing may be the better option. Conversely, if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound with RGB lighting capabilities, the G Pro 3.0 White with its polycarbonate top housing is worth considering. Both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, showcasing the importance of material choice in creating a satisfying typing 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 White linear switch, both switches have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces. The Crabapple has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 White has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes them quite similar in terms of weight, so users can expect a similar typing experience in that regard. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Crabapple for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may appreciate the slightly heavier actuation force of the G Pro 3.0 White for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the G Pro 3.0 White has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Crabapple. The traditional travel distance is around 4.0 mm, making the G Pro 3.0 White more aligned with that standard. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Crabapple a popular choice for gaming. However, those who prefer a deeper press may opt for the G Pro 3.0 White. In terms of travel distance, these two switches offer different experiences, with the G Pro 3.0 White providing a longer travel distance compared to the shorter travel distance of the Crabapple. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 White has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 White for $3.27.
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 is described as having a subdued sound profile, offering a dampened and subtle auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch is noted for its clacky sound, producing a sharp and percussive noise when pressed. These contrasting sound profiles cater to different preferences, with the Crabapple providing a more understated typing experience while the G Pro White offers a more pronounced and vibrant sound.
Moving on to feel, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is lauded for its frictionless typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless journey with minimal resistance. The Crabapple also features a mild tactile feedback and a textured feel with each keystroke. In comparison, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch provides a creamy and easy-to-press typing experience, characterized by a smooth and buttery sensation with gentle resistance. Both switches fall into the mild category, offering a comfortable typing experience without extreme characteristics.
In conclusion, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Crabapple excels in providing a subdued sound with a frictionless and textured typing feel, while the G Pro White delivers a clacky sound with a creamy and easy-to-press sensation. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience, allowing users to customize their mechanical keyboard to suit their specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a switch crafted entirely from POM with a dry smoothness and subtle texture, along with a mild and understated sound signature, then the Crabapple may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a budget-friendly switch with an incredibly light actuation force, a frosted light diffuser for brighter RGB lighting, and a medium-high pitch for satisfying auditory feedback, then the G Pro 3.0 White might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a frictionless typing experience with subtle sound and feel (Crabapple) or an easy-to-press switch with creamy, feathery, and mild qualities (G Pro 3.0 White). Consider your typing preferences and needs to make the best choice for your keyboard setup.
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