HC Studio Crabapple vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron Quinn offer unique features to cater to different typing preferences. The Crabapple, a linear switch, is crafted entirely from POM, providing an effortlessly frictionless typing journey with a distinct dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each downstroke. On the other hand, the Quinn, a tactile switch, offers a crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile thanks to specially designed nylon housings. While the Crabapple is characterized as 'Frictionless', 'Mild', 'Subdued', and 'Textured', the Quinn is known for being 'Snappy', 'Bassy', 'Polished', 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Accented', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'Low-pitched', and 'Resonant'. Both switches have their unique qualities that may suit different preferences, 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
59g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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 gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron Quinn both offer unique sound profiles that add to the overall typing experience. The Crabapple features POM top and bottom housings, which create a deep and muted sound profile that is pleasing to the ears. On the other hand, the Quinn utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to the softer plastic material that absorbs more sound. While both switches offer a pleasant typing experience with their respective housing materials, the Crabapple may offer a slightly quieter sound compared to the Quinn due to its POM material.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Crabapple and Quinn, both switches aim to provide a satisfying sound profile for typists. The Crabapple's POM housings create a unique sound that leans towards the deeper side, while the Quinn's nylon housings offer a fuller sound that is also on the deeper end. Both switches benefit from the characteristics of their respective housing materials, with the POM and nylon adding their own nuances to the overall typing experience. Additionally, the softer nature of nylon in the Quinn may result in a slightly rounder sound compared to the more muted sound of the Crabapple's POM material.
In terms of tactile feedback, the housing materials of the Crabapple and Quinn play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience. The POM top and bottom housings of the Crabapple contribute to a unique sound profile that enhances the feedback when pressing down on the keys. Similarly, the nylon housings of the Quinn offer a deeper and fuller sound that also impacts the tactile feedback when typing. While the impact of the housing materials may be more pronounced in the bottom housing for the Crabapple and the top housing for the Quinn, both switches ultimately deliver a satisfying typing experience with their distinctive sound profiles.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch are quite different. The Crabapple has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Quinn's heavier 59 grams. Similarly, the Crabapple has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Quinn has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. The Crabapple would be preferred by those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods, such as during work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Quinn would be more suitable for users who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Crabapple provides a lighter typing experience, while the Quinn offers a more medium-heavy feel.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among gamers seeking quicker response times. The Crabapple offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial key press feel compared to the Quinn. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the amount of depth and feedback desired in each key press.
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 Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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
When it comes to sound, the Crabapple linear switch offers a subtle and understated typing experience with a dampened sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch provides a deep and resonant sound that is characterized by a bassy and clacky tone, enhancing the overall typing experience with a touch of character. The Crabapple switch leans towards a quieter and more subdued sound, while the Quinn switch offers a more immersive and resonant auditory experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Crabapple focusing on a smoother and quieter typing experience compared to the Quinn's richer and more pronounced sound.
In terms of feel, the Crabapple switch is known for its frictionless and mild typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless journey with a subtle texture felt during each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switch provides a snappy and polished feel with a bouncy and accented tactile feedback that adds a lively sensation to typing. The Crabapple switch emphasizes a gentle and frictionless typing experience, while the Quinn switch delivers a more dynamic and tactile feel with a range of distinct tactile characteristics. Both switches offer different tactile feedback and typing experiences, with the Crabapple focusing on a smoother and milder feel compared to the Quinn's more responsive and bouncy keystrokes.
In conclusion, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crabapple switch provides a subdued sound and a frictionless, mild typing feel, while the Quinn switch offers a bassy, clacky sound and a snappy, polished typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose between the Crabapple for a quieter and smoother typing experience or the Quinn for a more dynamic and tactile feel. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences, ensuring an enjoyable and personalized typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a light switch with a frictionless feel and a mild, subdued sound profile, the Crabapple may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a crisp, tactile bump and a rich, bassy sound profile, the Quinn could be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you find most satisfying. Choose wisely based on your desired level of tactility, sound profile, and overall feel while typing.
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