TTC Bluish White vs. Huano Grape Orange
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Huano Grape Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular options to consider are the TTC Bluish White and the Huano Grape Orange switches. The Bluish White is a tactile switch celebrated for its snappy sound profile and satisfying, poppy feedback, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile response when typing. Its unique characteristics offer a buttery-smooth feel with mild resistance, ideal for those who appreciate the familiar feel of traditional mechanical typing. On the other hand, the Huano Grape Orange switch stands out as a linear switch, providing an incredibly light and effortless typing experience with an impressively low actuation force of just 40 grams. This makes the Grape Orange particularly appealing for extended typing sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue without sacrificing performance. While each switch has compelling advantages—whether you lean towards tactile feedback or smooth linear action—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Bluish White and the Huano Grape Orange switches prominently feature polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in similar auditory characteristics. The utilization of polycarbonate—a stiffer plastic—contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switch types. This shared material choice not only enhances clarity and resonance but also allows for effective RGB lighting integration, thanks to its translucency. Whether it’s the Bluish White or Grape Orange, users can expect a bright sound signature when engaging with these switches, ensuring an appealing acoustic experience that remains consistent across both models.
In stark contrast to their top housings, the bottom housings of the Bluish White and Grape Orange switches are made from nylon, which significantly influences their acoustic profiles. While polycarbonate contributes to a clear and sharp sound from above, the nylon bottom adds depth by absorbing sound, leading to a fuller and rounder auditory experience. Users typing on either switch will find that the nylon material's softer quality produces a mellower bottom-out sound, creating a pleasant contrast with the crisper tones generated by the polycarbonate tops. This combination means that while the switches share the same top housing material and sound clarity, the nylon bottom housing enriches the overall typing experience by providing the fullness that many enthusiasts seek.
Ultimately, the collaboration of these materials illustrates how the features of each housing contribute to a harmonious switch experience. While both the Bluish White and Grape Orange employ polycarbonate for brightness above, the nylon's influence below shapes a deeper soundscape. When engaged, both switches present an interesting blend of sounds upon key press and release; pressing down allows for a more pronounced, rounded sound attributed to the nylon, while the release showcases the crispness imparted by the polycarbonate. Thus, despite their visual distinctions and color palettes, the balanced combination of materials in both models ensures that typists enjoy a compelling experience that resonates well with any mechanical keyboard enthusiast.
Weight
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch exhibit some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bluish White switch has an actuation force of 42 grams, while the Grape Orange slightly lighter at 40 grams, making the Grape Orange the easier switch to press initially. Both switches have the same bottom out force of 50 grams, which means that regardless of their actuation forces, they will feel equally firm when pressed all the way down. The lighter actuation force of the Grape Orange may appeal to those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, beneficial for long sessions, while the Bluish White offers a marginally firmer feel at actuation, catering to users who like a bit more push. Ultimately, both switches are considered light overall, but the Grape Orange provides a subtle advantage for those seeking a less forceful keystroke initiation.
Travel distance
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Huano Grape Orange linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that the Grape Orange offers a more significant travel distance, making it a better choice for users who prefer a deeper and more tactile feel when pressing down on keys. In contrast, the Bluish White's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times and a more immediate actuation. Though both switches fall within the realm of non-traditional travel distances, the Grape Orange provides a fuller experience for those who appreciate the sensation of depth in their keystrokes, while the Bluish White is ideal for those who lean toward efficiency and speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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 it comes to sound, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is known for its snappy and poppy sound profile, offering a pronounced auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. This engaging sound can enhance the typing experience, giving users a sense of accomplishment with every keystroke. Conversely, the Huano Grape Orange linear switch provides a more subdued sound character, which is typical of linear switches that prioritize a quieter operation. This makes the Grape Orange a better option in shared environments or for those who prefer a more stealthy typing experience. However, it’s essential to remember that the actual sound produced can be influenced by the keyboard build and the choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, the TTC Bluish White excels with its buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished characteristics. This combination results in a typing experience that is smooth yet tactile, providing gentle feedback that is neither overpowering nor overly subtle. Users can expect a refined keystroke with a slight tactile bump that aids in typing accuracy. On the other hand, the Grape Orange linear switch is recognized for its ultra-low actuation force of 40g, contributing to an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience. This allows for rapid key presses and can be particularly beneficial for users engaged in long typing sessions. However, the specific tactile qualities of the Grape Orange remain unspecified.
In conclusion, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch offers a stronger auditory feedback along with a tactile feel that balances smoothness and subtlety, making it suitable for typists who enjoy a more engaged typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Grape Orange linear switch provides a quieter, lighter experience focused on minimal resistance, appealing to users looking for prolonged comfort without the need for tactile feedback. Both switches cater to distinct preferences in sound and feel, allowing users to choose based on their typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience that offers more feedback and is characterized by a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, the Bluish White switches may be the right choice for you. They are particularly well-suited for those who appreciate a feel that combines buttery smoothness with subtle yet pronounced depth in each keystroke, making them ideal for both typing and gaming scenarios. On the other hand, if you seek a switch designed for extended typing sessions where a lightweight and effortless press is paramount, the Grape Orange's ultra-low actuation force is perfect for reducing fatigue while maintaining a smooth and linear response. These switches cater to a polish and seamless experience, making them excellent for fast-paced work or gaming where consistent key presses are vital. In essence, consider the tactile feedback and sound of the Bluish Whites versus the smooth linearity of the Grape Oranges to determine which experience resonates with your typing style.
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