HC Studio Crabapple vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron Ink Red mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches but offer unique characteristics. The Crabapple, crafted entirely from POM, provides an effortlessly frictionless typing experience with a distinct dry smoothness and subtle texture. Its sound signature is mild and understated, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red features a lower actuation force, perfect for light typists. It offers a satisfyingly smooth feel, with a crispy and clacky sound profile that is effortless to type on. While the Crabapple is praised for its frictionless and textured feel, the Ink Red stands out for its smoothness and 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron Ink Red, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles. The Crabapple's POM top and bottom housings provide a deeper and more muted sound, while the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housings offer a thinner, higher-pitched, and slightly clacky sound. This contrast in sound profiles can cater to different preferences, with the Crabapple offering a more subtle typing experience and the Ink Red providing a more distinct and lively sound.
In terms of feel, the housing materials also play a role in determining the overall typing experience. The Crabapple's POM housings may result in a softer bottom-out feel due to their deeper sound profile, while the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend housings could provide a more tactile and pronounced keystroke sensation. This difference in feel can impact the typing speed and accuracy of users, as they may prefer a softer or more responsive typing experience based on their personal preferences.
Despite their differences, both the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron Ink Red housing materials offer unique benefits that can enhance the typing experience. While the Crabapple's POM housings focus on creating a pleasing and muted sound, the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend housings prioritize a sharper and clacky sound profile. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to achieve a typing experience that suits their needs and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer a high-quality construction that can elevate typing performance and satisfaction.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch differ in weight. The Crabapple has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Ink Red has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The Crabapple provides a lighter typing experience, which may be preferred by those looking for increased typing endurance. In contrast, the Ink Red offers a medium-weight typing experience, which may appeal to individuals seeking a more substantial push feel while typing. Both switches provide a unique typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their preferences.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Crabapple has a shorter travel distance compared to the Ink Red. The Crabapple's 3.6 mm travel distance is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Ink Red. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Crabapple due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Ink Red with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance.
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 Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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 mild sound profile, offering a quieter typing experience with a subtle texture felt with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a neutral sound profile with a chirpy characteristic, providing a moderate level of sound and a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart. Depending on your preference, the Crabapple will give you a quieter typing experience, while the Ink Red will offer a slightly more distinct and lively sound.
Moving on to feel, the Crabapple linear switch is praised for its frictionless and mild typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance and providing a fluid travel with a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch offers a silky and polished typing experience that is exceptionally smooth and refined, enhancing the overall smoothness and reducing friction for effortless typing. Both switches fall into the category of mild typing experiences, ensuring a comfortable and smooth feel with each key press.
In conclusion, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch each offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crabapple provides a subdued sound profile and a frictionless, mild typing experience, while the Ink Red offers a neutral sound with a chirpy characteristic and a silky, polished feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches provide excellent options for a comfortable and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, whether you choose the Crabapple or the Ink Red, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of overall performance and enjoyment.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a light and effortless typing experience with a dry smoothness and subtle texture, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch with its bottom out force of 45 grams may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force with a satisfyingly smooth feel, crispy sound profile, and easy typing experience, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch with its 60-gram bottom out force might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between the Crabapple and the Ink Red will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and actuation force.
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