HC Studio Crabapple vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron Mountain Top are two popular choices, both offering a unique typing experience. The Crabapple, a linear switch, is crafted entirely from POM, providing a frictionless typing journey with a distinct dry smoothness and subtle texture. Its sound signature is mild and understated, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top, also a linear switch, is specifically designed for office environments, offering a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience. With a comfortably light actuation and a balanced sound signature, it is ideal for professional settings. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron Mountain Top differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Crabapple features a POM top housing, which creates a unique and pleasing sound that is deep and relatively muted. In contrast, the Mountain Top utilizes a nylon top housing, known for eliciting a fuller and deeper sound due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound and produces a duller, rounder tone. While both materials offer a deep sound profile, the POM housing of the Crabapple may provide a slightly different auditory experience compared to the nylon housing of the Mountain Top.
Both the Crabapple and the Mountain Top switches also have contrasting bottom housings. The POM bottom housing of the Crabapple contributes to its pleasing sound profile, characterized by deep tones and muted sound. Meanwhile, the nylon bottom housing of the Mountain Top adds to its fuller and deeper sound profile, thanks to the material's ability to absorb more sound and create a rounder tone. These differences in bottom housing materials may result in varied tactile and auditory experiences when typing on the switches, further distinguishing the two options in terms of sound and feel.
When a switch utilizes different housing materials for its top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material are split between the bottom-out sound and the sound upon key release. The POM bottom housing of the Crabapple may impact the bottom-out sound and feel, while the POM top housing may influence the sound when releasing a key. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Mountain Top will affect the bottom-out sound, while the nylon top housing will have a more substantial impact on the sound when letting go of a key. These distinctions highlight how the combination of housing materials in a switch can affect the overall typing experience and sound profile.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch both fall on the lighter side of the spectrum. The Crabapple has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Mountain Top has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches offer a light typing experience, which may be preferable for individuals who type or game for extended periods. However, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may find the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Mountain Top switch more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Crabapple slightly longer in travel distance compared to the Mountain Top. Both switches fall within the shorter end of the spectrum when it comes to travel distances, making them ideal for individuals who prefer faster response times and more immediate feedback when typing or gaming. However, for those who enjoy a bit more depth and tactility in their switches, the slight difference in travel distance between the two may be noticeable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 offers a subdued experience with a dampened sound when pressed, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subtle auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch provides a neutral sound profile that strikes a balance between actuation force and sound level, suitable for various environments including office settings. In terms of feel, the Crabapple switch is known for its frictionless and mild typing experience, with a subtle textured feel that adds a unique touch to each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switch boasts a bouncy and easy-to-press sensation, offering a responsive yet comfortable typing feel that minimizes finger fatigue during extended use. Overall, while the Crabapple switch emphasizes a smooth and frictionless typing journey with a subdued sound, the Gateron Mountain Top switch caters to discreet and professional typists with a focus on quiet operation and easy actuation. Depending on personal preferences and typing needs, users can expect different but equally satisfying results from each switch.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you value a frictionless and textured feel with a mild sound signature, the Crabapple may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a bouncy and easy-to-press switch with a subtle sound profile, the Mountain Top might suit your preferences better, especially in a professional office environment where discretion is essential. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing habits and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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