HC Studio Crabapple vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron Ink Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique characteristics tailored to different preferences. The Crabapple, crafted entirely from POM, provides a frictionless typing experience with a dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each keystroke. Its mild and understated sound signature appeals to those seeking a subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow offers a shorter travel distance, ideal for those looking for a balance between a laptop and standard mechanical keyboard typing experience. Known for its smoothness and clackiness, this switch provides a polished feel while typing. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches bring different sound profiles to the switches. The Crabapple's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound, while the proprietary INK blend top housing of the Ink Yellow results in a pointed and high-pitched but not overly sharp sound. This contrast in sound profiles gives users a choice between a more soothing and subtle typing experience with the Crabapple or a sharper and more pronounced sound with the Ink Yellow.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Crabapple's POM bottom housing and the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend bottom housing contribute to creating a unique sound profile for each switch. The POM bottom housing of the Crabapple adds to its deeper and muted sound, while the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Yellow enhances its high-pitched and satisfying clacky sound. These differences in bottom housing materials give users the opportunity to choose between switches with distinct sound qualities that can cater to their personal preferences and typing style.
Overall, while the top and bottom housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches have different characteristics, they each play a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile of the switches. The combination of materials in both switches provides users with a variety of options to achieve their desired typing experience. Whether a user prefers a deeper and more subdued sound or a sharper and clacky sound, they can find a suitable switch in either the Crabapple or the Ink Yellow based on the unique qualities brought by each housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, it is clear that the Crabapple switch is lighter in both aspects compared to the Ink Yellow switch. The Crabapple has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Ink Yellow has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Crabapple make it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier forces of the Ink Yellow provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required for key actuation.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. However, the slightly longer travel distance of the Crabapple may provide a slightly more satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a bit more depth in their key presses. Ultimately, whether you choose the shorter or longer travel distance will depend on your personal preference for responsiveness and key 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 Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 offers a subdued sound profile, producing a dampened sound when pressed. This results in a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. Additionally, it showcases a clacky sound with a sharp and snappy tone when pressed. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is known for its frictionless experience, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing journey with minimal resistance or friction. It also offers a mild typing experience, making it approachable to most users. Additionally, users can enjoy a subtle textured feel with each key press. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a mild typing experience, falling within a safe and middle-ground zone of characteristics. It is also described as having a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering all available information, both the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Crabapple switch provides a subdued sound with a frictionless and textured feel, the Ink Yellow switch offers a neutral sound with a polished and mild feel. Depending on personal preferences and desired typing experience, users can expect a satisfying typing journey from either switch, each delivering distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, users can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel with these switches, each offering a different but equally enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, you should consider the following factors. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a frictionless typing experience with a mild and understated sound signature, the Crabapple switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a shorter travel and a smooth, polished finish that offers a pleasant clackiness, the Ink Yellow switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the kind of typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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