TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Huano Grape Orange
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Huano Grape Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Huano Grape Orange stand out among linear options, each catering to distinct user preferences. The TTC Gold Red Pro is celebrated for its versatility, offering a well-rounded typing experience that boasts a neutral sound profile. Its adaptability makes it suitable for various environments, whether you’re gaming, working in an office, or enjoying casual typing. In contrast, the Huano Grape Orange switch features an ultra-light actuation force of just 40g, allowing for an effortless typing experience that is particularly beneficial during long typing sessions. This distinctive lightness may appeal to users who prioritize speed and comfort above all else. Both switches deliver unique advantages, making them worthy contenders in the linear switch category. However, 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
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Huano Grape Orange utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which brings a variety of notable sonic characteristics. The polycarbonate material's inherent stiffness contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making keypresses feel more precise and responsive. This crisper sound profile is especially advantageous for users who appreciate clear auditory feedback when typing or gaming. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows RGB lighting to shine through vividly, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of both switches. Given that both switches incorporate this material for the top housing, you can expect similar results in terms of sound clarity and lighting effects.
In contrast, both the Gold Red Pro and Grape Orange feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which provides a distinct auditory experience. Nylon’s relatively softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contributes to a duller and rounder sound upon bottoming out, which contrasts the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. Thus, while both switches share the same materials for their respective housings, the combination leads to a unique sound dynamic. For users, this means that when pressed, you'll experience a comprehensive range of acoustic qualities—from the bright, ringing sound of the polycarbonate to the rounded warmth of the nylon.
When considering the overall performance of the TTC Gold Red Pro and Huano Grape Orange, it is essential to recognize how the distinct properties of their materials interact. The polycarbonate top enhances clarity and brightness, making it prominent during release, while the nylon bottom contributes to a more muffled and rich sound when keys are pressed down. Consequently, even though the switches are constructed from the same housing materials, the specific combination of top and bottom components creates a balanced auditory experience. Users can expect effective typing experiences that bridge the sharpness of the top housing with the deeper resonation of the bottom, ultimately leading to satisfying feedback and a rich soundscape.
Weight
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch features an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Huano Grape Orange linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This difference means that the Grape Orange requires less force to register a keystroke, which may appeal to those who favor a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. However, the bottom out force for the Gold Red Pro is unknown, while the Grape Orange's bottom out force is specified as 50 grams, indicating that it feels more substantial when pressed down completely. This makes the Grape Orange a heavier switch overall due to its known bottom out force, offering a more pronounced tactile experience. In summary, while both switches may provide satisfying keystrokes for various users, the Huano Grape Orange is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, and it has a defined bottom out force that contributes to a firmer overall feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, it is clear that they differ slightly, with the Gold Red Pro measuring 3.8 mm and the Grape Orange at 3.6 mm. This makes the Grape Orange the shorter option, providing a slightly faster response time that may appeal to gamers or those who favor quick keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro, with its longer travel distance, offers a more pronounced depth that some users may prefer for a more satisfying tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus a hearty depth in key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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
The sound profile of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch is characterized by a thocky and low-pitched quality, producing a deep, satisfying sound when keys are pressed, making it somewhat resonant without being overly loud. This neutral sound profile enhances its versatility, allowing users to integrate it seamlessly into any environment, from quiet offices to dynamic gaming setups. In contrast, the Huano Grape Orange switch does not have specific sound characteristics detailed, so it is unclear how it performs in this aspect. However, since the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's build, choice of keycaps, and user environment, you might achieve a comparably muted sound with the Grape Orange depending on these external factors.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the TTC Gold Red Pro excels with a polished and smooth action that ensures reduced friction and a refined typing experience. Its mild resistance strikes a balance that ensures it remains approachable and comfortable for both new and experienced typists, while its subtle feedback provides a gentle typing experience without being too intrusive. On the other hand, the specifics of the feel for the Grape Orange are not mentioned, making it challenging to directly compare. However, given its ultra-low actuation force of 40g, one can anticipate that it would offer a light and effortless typing experience, potentially complementing the Gold Red Pro in terms of user comfort, depending on personal preferences.
In conclusion, while the TTC Gold Red Pro has a well-defined sound and a polished feel, the absence of detailed information about the Huano Grape Orange switch leaves some gaps in direct comparability. The Gold Red Pro’s versatility in sound and feel makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of applications. If the Grape Orange switch maintains its light actuation force without providing specific sound and feel characteristics, users might still enjoy a pleasing typing experience, though it will depend on their individual preferences and typing style. For newcomers, both switches offer distinct advantages that cater to different needs in the vast landscape of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Huano Grape Orange switches, your choice largely hinges on the kind of experience and environment you prefer while typing or gaming. If you seek a versatile switch that adapts well to various tasks—be it fast-paced gaming, casual browsing, or extensive office work—the Gold Red Pro is an excellent option. Its polished feel allows for smooth key presses, and its muted sound profile ensures it won't disrupt your surroundings. Conversely, if you prioritize light actuation and effortless typing for prolonged use, the Huano Grape Orange may be more suited to your needs. With its ultra-light bottom out force and a focus on an easy typing experience, it is ideal for long hours of writing or coding without fatigue. Ultimately, choose the Gold Red Pro for a balanced and adaptive typing experience, whereas the Grape Orange is perfect if you prefer gentle resistance and a feather-light touch.
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