HC Studio Crabapple vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gazzew U4 stand out as competitive options. The Crabapple, a linear switch crafted from POM, boasts an effortlessly frictionless typing experience with a dry smoothness and subtle texture. Its sound signature is mild and understated, appealing to those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 is a tactile switch known for its sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, providing a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. With a whisper-quiet sound profile, the U4 offers a different typing experience for those who enjoy a more tactile response. Both switches have their own unique qualities, making them appealing to 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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 Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gazzew U4 switches offer unique qualities that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Crabapple features POM top and bottom housings, which create a pleasing and deep sound that is relatively muted. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switches utilize a proprietary plastic blend for both top and bottom housings, known as "boba plastic," resulting in a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While both switches aim to provide a deep sound profile, the Crabapple's POM housing may emphasize a slightly more muted sound compared to the U4's boba plastic blend.
In terms of construction, the POM bottom housing of the Crabapple and the Gazzew blend bottom housing of the U4 both play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. The POM material in the Crabapple contributes to its unique sound profile, while the Gazzew blend in the U4 offers a softness that enhances the overall richness of its sound. On the other hand, the top housing of each switch will impact the sound when releasing a key, with the POM top housing of the Crabapple providing a deeper sound compared to the "boba plastic" top housing of the U4.
Although the housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gazzew U4 switches differ in terms of their specific properties, both switches aim to deliver a pleasing and unique sound experience to users. The POM and "boba plastic" materials offer different acoustic qualities that contribute to the overall sound profiles of each switch. While the Crabapple may have a slightly more muted sound due to its POM housing, the U4's Gazzew blend provides a rich and deep sound profile that is soft to the touch. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to the preferences of different users in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch to the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, there is a notable difference in actuation and bottom out force. The Crabapple has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly. In contrast, the U4 has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. When it comes to bottom out force, the Crabapple requires 45 grams of force to fully depress the key, while the U4 needs 62 grams, indicating a firmer keystroke. Those who prefer a lighter typing feel may lean towards the Crabapple, while those who desire a more pronounced push may opt for the U4. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences in the typing community.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple and the Gazzew U4 tactile switches both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Therefore, you can expect similar tactile feedback and typing experience from both switches. Despite having the same travel distance, the design and feel of the switches may still vary, so it's important to consider other factors such as actuation force and sound profile when choosing between the two. Ultimately, the similarity in travel distance between the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gazzew U4 tactile switches makes them both suitable options for those looking for a consistent typing experience.
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 Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50 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 HC Studio Crabapple linear switch offers a subdued and mild sound profile, creating a dampened, understated typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch boasts a quiet and low-pitched sound, providing a softer and more mellow typing sound compared to other switches. While both switches aim for a quieter typing experience, the Crabapple leans towards a subtle sound, whereas the U4 offers a more whisper quiet experience with a deeper tone. Ultimately, the sound of each switch can be further influenced by the keyboard and keycap choices.
In terms of feel, the HC Studio Crabapple switch is known for its frictionless typing journey, offering a smooth and effortless experience with a subtle texture felt upon each keystroke. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch provides a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, giving a strong and crisp feedback intensity to each keypress. While the Crabapple emphasizes a friction-free typing experience, the U4 focuses on delivering a distinct and intense tactile sensation with each press. These differing tactile characteristics cater to different preferences and typing styles, offering users a choice between a smooth glide or a pronounced bump.
Overall, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Crabapple excels in providing a subtle and frictionless typing experience with a mild sound profile, while the U4 stands out for its sharp tactile bump and whisper quiet operation. Depending on personal preferences for typing feel and sound, users can choose between the effortless smoothness of the Crabapple or the intense tactile feedback of the U4. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer quality performance and can provide a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, you should consider the specific qualities of each switch. If you prefer a light bottom out force and a smooth, frictionless typing experience with a subdued sound profile, the Crabapple switch might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a sharp tactile bump, and a plush bottom-out sensation with a muted, low-pitched sound profile, the Gazzew U4 switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and feedback.
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