Gateron Beer vs. Huano Grape Orange
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Huano Grape Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, both the Gateron Beer and the Huano Grape Orange offer unique advantages tailored to distinctPreferences. The Gateron Beer tactile switch captivates users with its vibrant translucent green design and an appealing clacky sound signature, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists crave. Its stepped tactility delivers a subtler typing feel, making it a popular choice for those seeking a more nuanced typing experience while still enjoying some tactile feedback. In contrast, the Huano Grape Orange switch is characterized by its ultra-low actuation force of just 40g, offering a smooth and effortless linear experience that excels during long typing sessions. Ideal for users who prioritize speed and fluidity, the Grape Orange ensures minimal fatigue during extended use. While each switch has its distinct advantages—tactile engagement with the Beer and seamless action with the Grape Orange—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and Huano Grape Orange switches share similarities in their top housing materials, as both utilize polycarbonate. This choice of material contributes to a crisper, higher-pitched sound profile that many enthusiasts desire for a more defined auditory experience. The polycarbonate's rigidity allows for a resonant sound when the keystroke is released, enhancing the clarity of each keypress. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate serves an aesthetic purpose, especially beneficial for setups with RGB lighting. Thus, users can expect a consistent top-out sound and visual appeal across both switches owing to their shared material composition.
In contrast, the differences become pronounced when examining the bottom housing materials. The Gateron Beer features a polycarbonate bottom housing similar to its top, leading to a more consistent auditory signature and feel when typing. The bottom housing contributes significantly to the overall sound and tactile feedback of the switch, allowing users to enjoy a similarly sharp and responsive typing experience even when bottoming out. On the other hand, the Huano Grape Orange incorporates nylon for its bottom housing, which is known to provide a deeper and more rounded sound due to its softer composition. This disparity results in a unique typing experience for the Grape Orange, as the nylon absorbs more sound, creating a softer acoustic signature that contrasts with the crisper output of the Beer.
Overall, the variation in bottom housing materials between the Gateron Beer and Huano Grape Orange suggests distinct sound profiles that may appeal to different user preferences. While the Beer promises a uniform sound experience due to both housings being made of polycarbonate, the Grape Orange offers a nuanced depth in sound resulting from its nylon bottom housing. Consequently, if a user prefers a sharper and more resonant auditory feedback, the Gateron Beer would be the more suitable option. Conversely, for those who appreciate a mellower, deeper sound experience, the Huano Grape Orange presents a compelling alternative. In summary, the similar top housing materials lead to corresponding results in sound clarity, while the differing bottom materials introduce unique characteristics that define each switch's overall performance.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, we find some intriguing similarities and differences in their force characteristics. Both switches feature a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that neither requires extra force to bottom out. However, the Gateron Beer has a slightly lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Grape Orange's 40 grams. This means that the Beer switch requires a bit less force to register a keystroke, which can be advantageous for users who prefer lighter switches for longer typing sessions. In contrast, the Grape Orange, while still on the lighter side, offers a marginally heavier actuation force, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, if you're seeking a switch that prioritizes ease of use over a heavier feel, the Gateron Beer may be the better choice, while the Huano Grape Orange caters to users looking for just a tad more resistance.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, the Gateron Beer measures at 3.4 mm, while the Huano Grape Orange is slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This means that the Gateron Beer provides a shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times. Conversely, the Grape Orange's longer travel distance may offer a more substantial feel, which some users might prefer for a deeper, more tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you value a quicker response or a more pronounced keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
The Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Beer tactile and Huano Grape Orange linear switches, the difference is quite pronounced. The Beer switch is known for its clacky sound, which produces a sharp and percussive auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. This crisp sound can enhance the overall typing experience, giving it a lively character reminiscent of a playful keyboard vibe. In contrast, there is no specified sound profile for the Grape Orange switches; therefore, one could infer that they may be quieter due to their linear nature, which typically lacks the pronounced audio feedback characteristic of tactile switches. It's also important to note that the final auditory experience will depend on the keyboard's build quality and the keycaps used, which can significantly influence the sound produced.
Regarding the feel, the Gateron Beer switches provide a notably distinct tactile experience. With their easy-to-press and stepped design, they require minimal force to engage, which makes for an effortless typing experience. The stepped tactility introduces a mild bump, allowing typists to sense when the switch is activated without being overly aggressive, ideal for those seeking comfort during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Grape Orange switches, being linear and characterized by a low 40g actuation force, promise a smooth and uninterrupted typing feel. The absence of a tactile bump means they won't provide the same feedback as the Beer switch, catering instead to those who prefer a lighter and more fluid keystroke without the tactile interruptions.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer and Huano Grape Orange switches cater to different preferences when it comes to sound and feel. The Beer switch stands out with its clacky sound and distinct stepped tactile feedback, making it ideal for users who enjoy auditory cues and a more textured typing experience. Conversely, the Grape Orange offers a light, linear response that prioritizes smoothness and ease, appealing to users who favor a quieter and uninterrupted typing style. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize tactile feel and sound or lean towards a smoother, more minimalistic approach in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Beer tactile switches and the Huano Grape Orange linear switches will largely depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and the kind of experience you want from your keyboard. If you enjoy a tactile feedback with a unique, light resistance and a delightful clacky sound, the Beer switches are likely to elevate your typing experience. Their stepped tactility can help you feel each keypress more distinctly, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a subtle tactile response without overwhelming resistance. Conversely, if you value a smooth, linear feel with an ultra-light actuation force, the Grape Orange switches should be your go-to option. They are designed for ease of use during extended typing sessions, allowing for quick, uninterrupted typing without finger fatigue, all while maintaining a quiet profile compared to the clacky sound signature of the Beer. In the end, assess your typing style and environment – if you favor an engaging tactile experience that brings some effervescence to your keystrokes, opt for the Gateron Beer, but if comfort and silence are your top priorities, then the Huano Grape Orange is the perfect match.
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