HC Studio Crabapple vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, the HC Studio Crabapple and Gateron New North Pole V2 are excellent options to consider. The Crabapple, a linear switch, is crafted entirely from POM, offering an effortlessly frictionless typing journey with a distinct dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each downstroke. Its sound signature is mild and understated, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. In comparison, the New North Pole V2, also a linear switch, provides a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, maintaining a frictionless typing feel with a polished and creamy texture. Gateron has kept the seamless glide and smoothness that users love about the North Pole lineup. While both switches excel in their own ways, the choice between the Crabapple and New North Pole V2 ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron New North Pole V2, it is evident that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Crabapple makes use of POM for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 features polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This indicates a significant difference in the sound produced by the two switches based on their housing materials.
While the Crabapple and the New North Pole V2 differ in their housing materials, they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The POM housings of the Crabapple create a sound that is deep and muted, appealing to those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate housings of the New North Pole V2 result in a sharper and more resonant sound, ideal for those who enjoy a crisper typing sound. Despite their differences, both switches demonstrate the impact that housing materials can have on the overall typing experience and sound produced.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of different housing materials also plays a role in enhancing the overall look of the switches. The translucency of polycarbonate in the New North Pole V2's housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. In contrast, the opaque nature of POM in the Crabapple's housing provides a more subtle and understated appearance. While both switches offer unique sound profiles and visual appeal, the choice between POM and polycarbonate housing materials ultimately comes down to personal preference in typing feel and aesthetic preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, it is clear 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 New North Pole V2 has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This means that the Crabapple will provide a lighter typing experience compared to the New North Pole V2. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Crabapple would be the better option, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, catering to users who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would 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 New North Pole V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Crabapple offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the New North Pole V2. The shorter travel distance of the Crabapple may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, while the longer travel distance of the New North Pole V2 may provide a more substantial key press feel. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference for typing or gaming purposes.
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 New North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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 dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is not specified, so it's best to consider that sound can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Crabapple linear switch is characterized by a frictionless and mild typing experience with a subtle textured feel felt with each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch offers a polished and creamy typing experience with a frictionless feel, ensuring smooth and effortless key presses. Both switches prioritize a smooth typing journey, with the Crabapple providing a slightly textured feel compared to the polished and creamy sensation of the New North Pole V2.
In conclusion, both the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switches offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience with different nuances in sound and feel. While the Crabapple excels in providing a subdued sound and subtle texture, the Gateron New North Pole V2 focuses on a polished, creamy typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on individual preference for sound and feel, as both switches promise a frictionless and enjoyable typing journey.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom out force of 45 grams, along with a frictionless and subtly textured typing feel, then the Crabapple switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier touch with a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, along with a polished, creamy, and frictionless typing feel, then the New North Pole V2 switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal typing style and preferences for sound and feel.
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