Gateron Glory Red vs. Huano Grape Orange
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Huano Grape Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Red and the Huano Grape Orange are two appealing options that cater to different preferences despite both being linear switches. The Gateron Glory Red switch is renowned for its smooth keystroke and satisfying travel distance, providing an enjoyable typing experience for users who appreciate a balanced feel in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Huano Grape Orange switch is distinguished by its ultra-low actuation force of just 40g, allowing for an extraordinarily light and effortless typing experience, making it an excellent choice for users who engage in long typing sessions without fatigue. While both switches excel in delivering fluidity and comfort, their unique characteristics may tip the scale depending on individual typing habits or preferences. 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the Huano Grape Orange switches, one can immediately notice a significant difference in the composition of their top housings. The Glory Red employs nylon for its top housing, a material known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This choice contributes to a typing experience that is characterized by a softer and more muted acoustic result. In contrast, the Grape Orange utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for its stiffness and translucency. The result is a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is both clearer and more resonant, making the switch particularly appealing for users who prefer a pronounced auditory feedback when typing or gaming, especially in setups featuring RGB lighting.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, it is interesting to note that they are both made of nylon, a material that consistently delivers a deeper and rounder sound profile. This similarity in bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a level of acoustic consistency when it comes to the sound produced upon bottoming out. The nylon's natural sound absorption properties work to soften the audio feedback, creating a more subdued bottom-out sound. Consequently, regardless of the variations in the top housings, both switches share a common acoustic trait in their bottom-out feel and sound due to their nylon bottom housings.
The interplay between the different top and bottom housing materials plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience on the Gateron Glory Red and Huano Grape Orange switches. While the nylon bottom housing across both switches contributes to a shared profile of softer, deeper sound during keypresses, the distinct materials used in the top housing result in varying auditory experiences during key releases. The Glory Red’s nylon top ensures a more muted exit sound, whereas the Grape Orange’s polycarbonate top delivers a crisper, more pronounced sound. Therefore, while users may appreciate the deeper sound of the Gateron Glory Red, the sharper output of the Huano Grape Orange could offer a more engaging auditory feedback, highlighting the importance of considering both the top and bottom housing materials in creating the ideal keyboard experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, we see notable differences in their specifications. The Glory Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Grape Orange is lighter at 40 grams for actuation. This means that for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Grape Orange may be more comfortable. However, the bottom out force of the Glory Red is unknown, leaving a gap in our comparison. The Grape Orange, on the other hand, features a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it offers a firmer resistance when fully depressed. For those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the heavier bottom out force of the Grape Orange may be appealing. Ultimately, if both switches had comparable bottom out forces, users could expect similar typing experiences, but as it stands, the Grape Orange is the lighter option while also providing a heavier bottom out feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that they require the same amount of travel when pressed down. This equal distance means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when engaging either switch, resulting in a comparable keypress feel. Since both switches share the same travel distance, the performance in terms of actuation and overall responsiveness is likely to be very similar, allowing for consistent typing and gaming experiences whether one opts for the Glory Red or the Grape Orange.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 of the Gateron Glory Red and the Huano Grape Orange switches, the specifics of their auditory profiles are somewhat elusive. However, it’s important to note that sound is highly influenced by the keyboard build, including the choice of case materials and keycaps. Generally, linear switches like the Glory Red and Grape Orange are expected to produce a quieter sound than tactile or clicky switches, with a more subdued thock when the keys bottom out, making them favorable for an office environment or for late-night use.
Examining the feel of each switch reveals distinct characteristics that can greatly affect the typing experience. The Gateron Glory Red is recognized for its smooth keystroke and comfortable travel distance, allowing for fluid typing without any resistance. On the other hand, the Huano Grape Orange offers an exceptionally light typing experience with its ultra-low 40g actuation force. This difference in actuation force enhances the overall ease of keypresses, which can be particularly beneficial during long typing sessions. Users might find that while both switches afford a pleasurable typing experience, the Grape Orange might require even less effort to actuate, making it feel effortless under the fingers.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Glory Red and Huano Grape Orange switches provide a satisfying typing experience, they cater to slightly different preferences, particularly in terms of weight and actuation force. The Glory Red shines with its smoothness and travel comfort, whereas the Grape Orange stands out due to its remarkably light touch. Both switches are designed to enhance typing efficiency, so depending on what aspect you prioritize—sound, feel, or overall typing experience—you’ll likely find pleasure in either switch, adapting to whichever qualities resonate most with your typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Red and the Huano Grape Orange switches largely depends on your specific preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a smooth keystroke with an enjoyable travel distance for a generally pleasant typing experience, the Glory Red is your best bet. Its light touch is excellent for general use, making it suitable for both gaming and typing tasks without the fatigue that can come from heavier switches. However, if you are someone who spends long hours typing or gaming and values a more effortless keystroke, the Grape Orange should be your go-to. With its ultra-low actuation force of 40 grams, it promises less resistance, which can translate into a more comfortable and less tiring typing experience over extended periods. Moreover, while the sound profile of each switch may not have been specified, you should consider that linera switches are generally quieter than their tactile counterparts. Ultimately, the decision should align with your personal typing style and comfort; try both if possible, as the right switch can significantly enhance your overall keyboard experience.
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