HC Studio Crabapple vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron Luciola mechanical keyboard switches, there are a few key differences to consider. The Crabapple switch is crafted entirely from POM, offering an effortlessly frictionless typing experience with a distinct dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each keystroke. Its sound signature is mild and understated, appealing to those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola switch stands out for its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature and medium heft, providing a smooth and bouncy typing feel. It also produces a unique hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile, catering to those who enjoy a snappy and clacky typing experience. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and appeal, making it important to consider your preferences when choosing between them. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron Luciola switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their POM and proprietary INK blend compositions, respectively. The Crabapple's POM top and bottom housings contribute to a deeper and more muted sound, creating a unique auditory experience. In contrast, the Luciola's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housings produce a pointed and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. While both switches offer pleasing sound profiles, the Crabapple leans towards a mellower tone compared to the sharper sound of the Luciola.
Despite their differences, both the Crabapple and the Luciola switches showcase the impact of housing materials on sound quality. The split between the top and bottom housings allows each material to influence the switch's overall sound profile and feel. When pressed, the qualities of the bottom housing become prominent, affecting the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the top housing's impact is more noticeable when releasing a key, influencing the sound produced upon key release. This division of responsibilities highlights the importance of both top and bottom housings in creating a well-rounded typing experience.
Ultimately, the housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron Luciola switches cater to different preferences in sound and tactile feedback. While the Crabapple's POM housings offer a more subdued and pleasingly deeper sound, the Luciola's proprietary INK blend housings deliver a sharper and higher-pitched sound that is often characterized as clacky. Both switches demonstrate the significance of housing materials in shaping the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound upon key release. Whether you prefer a mellower tone or a sharper sound, both switches provide unique auditory experiences based on their distinct housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is evident that the Crabapple is lighter while the Luciola is heavier. The Crabapple has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option. On the other hand, the Luciola features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time may opt for the Crabapple, while individuals looking for a more robust typing sensation may lean towards the Luciola. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron Luciola linear switches both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that users will get consistent typing experiences with both switches in terms of the travel distance. The equal travel distance also indicates that the actuation point and bottom-out point for both switches are reached at the same distance, providing a similar typing feel regardless of which switch is used.
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 Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 offers a subdued and understated typing experience, with a mild and gentle sound that is not overpowering. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a more unique sound profile, described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched, resembling the noise of a can of spray paint being shaken. Depending on your preference for sound, the Crabapple provides a quieter and more subtle typing experience while the Luciola offers a more percussive and resonant sound.
When it comes to feel, the Crabapple switch boasts a frictionless and smooth typing journey due to being crafted entirely from POM, offering effortless key presses with minimal resistance. The feel is described as mild and textured, providing a safe middle-ground typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is known for its snappy and responsive feel, giving a bouncy and buttery typing sensation. The switch is also polished, ensuring a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience. Depending on your preference for key feel, the Crabapple offers a smooth and frictionless experience, while the Luciola provides a more responsive and bouncy typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Crabapple and Luciola linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Crabapple switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more unique and bouncy typing feel with a distinct sound profile, the Gateron Luciola switch would be more suitable for you. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics, so choosing between them will ultimately depend on your personal preference for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, material, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, frictionless typing experience with a mild sound signature, the Crabapple switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, glow-in-the-dark aesthetic, and a bouncy, snappy typing feel with a unique sound profile, the Luciola switch could be more fitting for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and sound.
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