HMX Canglan V2 vs. Huano Grape Orange

Overview

When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Canglan V2 and the Huano Grape Orange stand out as exceptional linear options, each catering to distinct preferences and typing styles. The Canglan V2 is celebrated among enthusiasts for its thocky sound signature, characterized by a deep and satisfying auditory feedback that many users cherish while typing. Its smooth and light feel creates an enjoyable experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate a responsive and bouncy keypress. On the other hand, the Huano Grape Orange offers an exceptionally light actuation force of just 40g, making it perfect for prolonged typing sessions where fatigue can be a concern. Its effortless responsiveness can enhance productivity and provide a comfortable experience for those who favor a super light touch. Both switches have their unique strengths; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Canglan V2 Linear

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Canglan V2 and the Huano Grape Orange, the key differences lie in their respective top housings. The Canglan V2 features a nylon top housing, while the Grape Orange utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, which can contribute to a more muted typing experience. This material notably absorbs sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory effect. In contrast, the Grape Orange's polycarbonate top housing is designed to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its stiffer nature enhances resonance, leading to a clearer sound that can be particularly accentuated when using RGB lighting due to its translucency.

On the other hand, both switches share a commonality with their bottom housings, which are made of nylon. This similarity means that users can expect a consistent auditory experience across both switches in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. Nylon bottom housings for both the Canglan V2 and Grape Orange enable a deeper and fuller typing experience, contributing to a more muted sound when the switch is fully actuated. Since the bottom housing has a significant impact on the overall feedback when a key is pressed down, this shared nylon material fosters a sense of continuity in the typing experience, even though the top surfaces diverge in auditory characteristics.

Ultimately, the differing top materials dictate the overall sound profile of each switch, while the shared nylon bottom housing allows for a combination of their attributes. Users can expect a more subdued sound when typing thanks to the nylon bottoms, while the distinctive qualities of the top housings will shape the sound experience in varying degrees of resonance. Therefore, although the two switches differ in sound characteristics due to their top materials, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housings ensures that they still deliver similar results in the fundamental feel and sound when bottoming out.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, we can see some distinctions as well as similarities. The Canglan V2 has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Grape Orange features a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams but a slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Grape Orange switch feel marginally easier to press initially, but it requires more force when fully bottoming out. Both switches are considered light overall, making them suitable for long typing sessions or gaming without causing excessive fatigue. Therefore, if a lighter actuation is a priority, the Grape Orange may be slightly more appealing, while those seeking a heavier keystroke experience might prefer the Canglan V2 for its greater bottom-out force.

Travel distance

The HMX Canglan V2 linear 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 means that the Canglan V2 is the shorter option, providing a quicker response time favored by many gamers who prefer a more responsive keystroke. On the other hand, the Grape Orange's longer travel distance may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, providing a more pronounced depth that some users might find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus key feel, with the Canglan V2 offering a faster actuation at 3.5 mm and the Grape Orange providing a bit more distance at 3.6 mm.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound characteristics of the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, the Canglan V2 stands out with its low-pitched, thocky sound profile. This switch produces a deep, rich thud when pressed, creating an engaging auditory experience that many enthusiasts find satisfying. In contrast, the Grape Orange switch does not have a specific sound profile described, which leaves its acoustic qualities open to interpretation. However, it is important to note that sound is heavily influenced by the keyboard's construction, choice of keycaps, and overall build quality, so users can achieve good results with either switch depending on their setup.

In terms of feel, the Canglan V2 offers a silky, feathery, and bouncy typing experience. The silky texture enhances smoothness while reducing resistance during key presses, making each keystroke feel effortless. The feathery quality of the switch contributes to a light actuation, which minimizes finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, its bounciness provides a lively, spring-like feedback that many users find gratifying. On the other hand, the feel of the Grape Orange switch is not explicitly detailed, which means we can only speculate about its tactile characteristics. Nonetheless, it is noted for having an ultra-low 40g actuation force, which suggests it may also provide a light and effortless typing experience, though we cannot directly compare its tactile feedback.

In conclusion, the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch is characterized by its deep, thocky sound and smooth, feathery feel that makes it a favorite among typing enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, while lacking detailed descriptions in sound and feel outside of its light actuation force, may still offer a similar light typing experience suited for extended use. Both switches can potentially deliver satisfying results, especially when matched with the right keyboard and keycap combination, though the Canglan V2 is more defined in its auditory and tactile qualities, leaving the Grape Orange somewhat more enigmatic in these aspects.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing between the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a smooth, silky typing experience with a satisfying thocky sound profile, the Canglan V2 is the right choice for you. Its lower bottom-out force of 48 grams also makes it ideal for those who like a bit of lightness in their key presses and appreciate the enhanced feedback that its unique materials deliver, particularly if you enjoy a rich auditory experience while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch designed for ultra-light and effortless typing, especially during prolonged sessions, the Huano Grape Orange is an excellent option with its incredibly low 40g actuation force. This switch is perfect for users who prefer minimal resistance and want to reduce finger fatigue while working or gaming extensively. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you want your keyboard to feel and sound during use, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard experience is tailored to what makes you most comfortable and efficient.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Canglan V2 Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more