HMX FJ400 vs. Huano Grape Orange

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX FJ400 and the Huano Grape Orange are two noteworthy linear options that cater to different typing preferences. The FJ400 is celebrated for its balanced sound profile, making it an ideal choice for users seeking a versatile typing experience that won’t disrupt the environment around them. With its moderate actuation force, the FJ400 offers a solid feel that appeals to both casual typists and gamers who appreciate a harmonious balance between tactile feedback and a smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the Huano Grape Orange stands out with its exceptionally light actuation force of just 40g, delivering an effortless typing experience that is particularly advantageous for those who spend long hours at their keyboards. This switch caters to users who prioritize speed and comfort, making it an ideal choice for rapid typing or gaming sessions where quick reflexes are crucial. While both switches offer appealing linear characteristics, they serve slightly different needs and preferences among users. 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 FJ400 Linear

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX FJ400 and the Huano Grape Orange differ significantly in their top housing materials, which greatly influences their sound profiles. The FJ400 features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, known for producing a unique sound that is deeper and more muted. This quality creates a pleasing auditory experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a more subdued typing sound. In contrast, the Grape Orange utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that delivers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The rigidity of polycarbonate results in a clearer and more resonant audio output, attracting users who enjoy a brighter and more pronounced keystroke. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances its appeal for RGB lighting setups, allowing for vibrant illumination effects that the POM housing cannot replicate.

When it comes to the bottom housing, both the FJ400 and the Grape Orange utilize nylon, a classic material in switch design. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder materials, producing a duller and rounder audio sensation upon typing. This similarity in bottom housing material signifies that both switches will have a comparable auditory experience during key presses, despite their differences in top housing. Users can expect a consistent fullness in sound when the switches bottom out, as the nylon's characteristics are prevalent regardless of the top housing material.

Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials in the FJ400 and Grape Orange creates two distinct auditory profiles during use. While the FJ400 leans towards a richer, more subdued sound due to its POM top, the Grape Orange offers a lively and bright sound from its polycarbonate top. However, since both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, they share the advantage of a fuller bottom-out sound. This interplay between the two materials ensures that while the overall auditory experience differs, the deeper and fuller quality of sound remains consistent, allowing users to find their preferred balance between the two unique sound profiles.

Weight

When comparing the HMX FJ400 linear switch to the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces stand out. The FJ400 features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Grape Orange has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a more suitable option for users who prefer a lighter touch during long typing sessions or extended gaming. This means the Grape Orange requires less force to trigger a keystroke and offers a softer landing when fully pressed down. As a result, those who favor a more substantial typing feel might gravitate toward the heavier FJ400, while those who prioritize comfort and ease of use may opt for the lighter Grape Orange. Overall, the differences in their actuation and bottom out forces suggest that the FJ400 is better for those seeking a firmer typing experience, whereas the Grape Orange caters to those who prefer a gentler touch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The FJ400 features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Grape Orange has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the FJ400 provides a deeper feel when pressed, which may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial keypress. On the other hand, the Grape Orange's shorter travel distance allows for a quicker response time, making it a preferable choice for gamers seeking faster actions. Ultimately, those who value a more pronounced depth in their key presses would likely opt for the FJ400, whereas those who prioritize speed and responsiveness might gravitate towards the Grape Orange.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX FJ400 linear switch is notable for its balanced sound profile, striking a middle ground that caters to a variety of users. It generally produces a pleasant acoustic experience without being overly noisy or too muted, making it versatile for both office and home environments. On the other hand, the Huano Grape Orange switch is characterized by its exceptionally light actuation, which can create a quieter typing experience primarily due to the low effort required for activation. However, sound is inherently influenced by additional factors such as the keyboard housing and choice of keycaps, so both switches can exhibit variations in acoustics based on these elements.

When it comes to feel, the FJ400 presents a well-rounded tactile experience that combines smoothness with a practiced actuation force, allowing for a comfortable and reliable typing session. This switch effectively bridges the gap between performance and user comfort, making it suitable for various typing styles. Conversely, the Grape Orange switch stands out due to its ultra-low 40g actuation force, delivering an incredibly light and effortless typing experience. This feature enhances fatigue-free typing during extended sessions, as it requires minimal pressure to register keystrokes.

In conclusion, while the HMX FJ400 linear switch offers a balanced sound profile and a comfortable feel for general typing, the Huano Grape Orange linear switch excels in facilitating an easy and lightweight typing experience. Both switches provide distinct advantages, with the FJ400 being versatile for varied environments and the Grape Orange perfect for those prioritizing ease during long periods of use. Depending on your typing habits and preferences, either switch can yield comparable enjoyment and performance, albeit with their unique qualities.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the HMX FJ400 and the Huano Grape Orange linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a balanced typing experience that offers a medium actuation force of 58 grams, leading to a more deliberate and controlled key press, the FJ400 would be an excellent choice for you. Its balanced sound profile could also appeal to those who enjoy a subtle auditory feedback without being overly pronounced. On the other hand, if you find yourself engaging in long typing sessions and value a lighter touch, the Grape Orange, with its 40g actuation force, might be your go-to switch. This switch provides an exceptionally effortless typing experience, which can help reduce finger fatigue during extended use. Overall, consider what you prioritize more: a balanced feel that demands a bit more effort versus the advantage of lighter actuation for comfort and speed.

Mentioned in this article

HMX FJ400 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more