HC Studio Crabapple vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Crabapple, a linear switch crafted entirely from POM, provides an effortlessly frictionless typing experience with a distinct dry smoothness and subtle texture on each downstroke. Its sound signature is mild and understated, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch from Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro lineup is perfect for gamers seeking lightning-fast responsiveness with a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm. With vibrant RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch adding an exhilarating auditory element to gaming sessions, these switches provide excellent value without breaking the bank. Ultimately, the choice between the Crabapple and the G Pro 3.0 Silver depends on your specific preferences for typing or gaming experience. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver offer distinct sound profiles and aesthetics. The Crabapple features POM top and bottom housings, which produce a pleasing and deeper sound that is relatively more muted. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Silver utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Additionally, the Crabapple's POM bottom housing contributes to its unique sound profile, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both switches offer unique sound profiles influenced by the top and bottom housings. The Crabapple's POM housings create a distinctive sound that is deeper and more muted, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver's mix of polycarbonate and nylon housings results in a sharper and crisper sound profile with a softer bottom housing for a rounder sound. The impact of each housing material is notable when pressing down on the switch, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key, showcasing the importance of both materials in creating the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the Crabapple and the G Pro 3.0 Silver significantly impacts the sound profile and feel of typing. While POM and polycarbonate offer distinct characteristics in sound and aesthetics, nylon contributes to a fuller and deeper sound profile. Understanding the role of each housing material in the overall typing experience is crucial for enthusiasts seeking a specific sound profile and feel in their mechanical keyboards. Whether opting for the deeper and muted sound of POM or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, both switches provide a unique typing experience influenced by their housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, it's clear that the Crabapple is lighter in both regards. The Crabapple has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches offer a light typing experience, but the Crabapple requires slightly less force for actuation and bottoming out compared to the G Pro 3.0 Silver. This difference may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference for a lighter or slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Crabapple switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch. A shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers for faster response times, making the G Pro 3.0 Silver a popular choice for gaming keyboards. On the other hand, the slightly longer travel distance of the Crabapple switch may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 G Pro 3.0 Silver has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for $3.27.
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 HC Studio Crabapple linear switch produces a subdued and mild sound that is dampened and subtle, offering a smooth auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch provides a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound that adds depth and richness to key presses, enhancing the sensory feedback during gaming sessions. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps being used, so personal preference will also play a role in determining the ideal sound profile for each individual.
When it comes to feel, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch offers a frictionless and mild typing experience with a subtle texture felt during each keystroke. This results in a smooth and effortless typing journey that minimizes any sense of resistance or friction, providing a fluid travel with each press. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is described as buttery and creamy, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation that is smooth and effortless. The creamy feeling is akin to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, creating a silky typing experience. Again, personal preference will dictate which type of tactile feedback is preferred for optimal typing comfort.
In conclusion, the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Crabapple switch emphasizes a subdued sound and frictionless feel, ideal for those seeking a smooth and subtle typing experience, the Gateron G Pro switch focuses on a bassy sound and buttery feel, perfect for gamers looking for enhanced feedback and responsiveness. Ultimately, both switches provide exceptional qualities that will satisfy users based on their individual preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch or the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, it really comes down to your specific preferences and needs. If you value a light bottom out force and a smooth, frictionless typing experience with a mild and understated sound signature, then the Crabapple switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force, shorter travel distance, and a more vibrant RGB lighting experience with a medium-high pitch sound profile that adds excitement to your gaming sessions, then the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches may be the better option for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
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