TTC Gold Red vs. Huano Grape Orange
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Huano Grape Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the distinct features and experiences offered by different options. The TTC Gold Red linear switches stand out for their buttery smooth typing experience paired with a light-medium level of resistance, making them a versatile choice for a variety of tasks. With a snappy yet understated sound profile, these switches cater to users who prefer a balance between performance and subtlety, characterized by descriptors like "thocky" and "silky." On the other hand, the Huano Grape Orange switches shine with their ultra-low 40g actuation force, offering an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience. This makes the Grape Orange an ideal choice for those who engage in extended typing sessions, as they minimize finger fatigue without compromising speed. Each switch presents unique advantages depending on user preferences—whether you favor a polished, refined feel or a feather-light touch. 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
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
The TTC Gold Red and the Huano Grape Orange switches share a striking similarity in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches benefit from polycarbonate's inherent properties, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic, allowing for a clearer and more resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of both switches, making them excellent choices for setups featuring RGB lighting. As a result, users can expect a visually engaging experience alongside superior sound quality when utilizing these switches in their keyboards.
In contrast to the similarities in their top housing, the TTC Gold Red and the Huano Grape Orange switches both feature nylon as their bottom housing material. Nylon is a classic choice for switch construction, known for its softness, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This compatibility in housing materials creates a balanced auditory experience for both switches, where the softer nylon absorbs more sound, yielding a rounder and more muted bottom-out sound when keys are pressed. The bottom housing, therefore, plays a crucial role in shaping the tactile feedback and overall feel of the switches, making them suitable for users who prefer a cushioned typing experience.
While the Gold Red and Grape Orange switches demonstrate identical characteristics in their top and bottom housing materials, the distinct roles each housing plays in an overall typing experience should be noted. The combination of polycarbonate top housing with nylon bottom housing results in a well-rounded auditory quality for both models; the crisp sound produced by the top housing pairs seamlessly with the deeper tones generated by the nylon bottom. Thus, despite their differences in branding, users can anticipate a consistent sound profile and feel across both switches, creating a cohesive typing experience tailored to diverse preferences in sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch to the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, both exhibit light characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for extended use without causing excessive fatigue. The Gold Red has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Grape Orange is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 40 grams, although both share the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that both switches require relatively low force to register a keystroke, with the Grape Orange being the lighter option in terms of actuation. Those who prefer a gentle touch for prolonged typing sessions may find both switches appealing, though the Gold Red offers a marginally firmer experience when initially pressing down. In terms of tactile feedback, users favoring a more substantial push feel may prefer the heavier feel of the Gold Red despite only a small difference in actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, there is a notable difference in travel distance. The Gold Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Grape Orange has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Grape Orange the more responsive option, appealing to gamers who benefit from quicker response times. Conversely, the Gold Red, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper keypress. Thus, for those who enjoy a more immediate feedback when typing or gaming, the Grape Orange is the preferable choice, whereas the Gold Red caters to users who favor a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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 TTC Gold Red linear switch produces a notable sound profile that is characterized as thocky and low-pitched, creating a satisfying sensory experience when typing. This switch generates a rich and deep tone that delivers a quality similar to the soft thuds of a subtle thump or knock. The sound is described as neutral, making it versatile and suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. On the other hand, the Huano Grape Orange lacks specific descriptors for its sound profile, leaving its tonal qualities largely unknown. Consequently, one could expect a standard linear sound experience, but it may not have the same depth or character as the Gold Red.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Red switch shines with its mild and silky characteristics. It provides a gentle typing experience, allowing for a smooth and refined key actuation. The resistance is subtle yet present, ensuring a comfortable experience without being overly pronounced. Users can expect a polished feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel, making it a great choice for lengthy typing sessions. In contrast, the Grape Orange is noted to offer an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience with its ultra-low actuation force of 40g, ideal for extended use. However, detailed descriptors of its tactile qualities beyond its actuation force remain unavailable, which limits a comprehensive comparison.
In summary, the TTC Gold Red linear switch stands out with its pleasing sound profile and silky feel, while the Huano Grape Orange offers an exceptionally light keystroke that might cater well to those who favor a softer touch. Choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on your preference for sound and overall typing experience; both can deliver favorable results, but the Gold Red’s richer sound and smoother feel may appeal to a wider range of users.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch ultimately comes down to your specific typing preferences and intended usage. If you prioritize an exceptionally smooth typing experience paired with a satisfying sound profile, the Gold Red is likely your best bet, especially for an environment where you might want to enjoy a subtle yet enjoyable auditory feedback. It offers a mild, polished feel that is approachable and versatile, making it suitable for both work and personal use. On the other hand, if you seek a switch that feels ultra-light and effortless, the Grape Orange is ideal, particularly if you plan on engaging in extended typing sessions that require minimal resistance. Its lower actuation force ensures that you can type quickly and comfortably without fatigue, although it lacks the specialized sound characteristics of the Gold Red. Thus, when deciding between these two, consider not only the tactile and auditory qualities you desire but also the context in which you'll be using your keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
