Huano Grape Orange vs. HMX Hibiscus

Overview

When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Huano Grape Orange and the HMX Hibiscus can be quite significant, especially for users seeking different tactile experiences. The Grape Orange is famed for its exceptionally light actuation force of just 40g, which provides an effortlessly smooth typing experience that is ideal for long typing sessions where fatigue might be a concern. Its linear characteristics ensure a consistent keystroke without any tactile bump or audible click, making it a great option for those who prefer silent and fluid typing. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus captures attention with its sleek design and an ultra-light actuation force that ranks it among the top 80% of switches, accompanied by a satisfying clack that offers auditory feedback with each stroke. While both switches cater to gamers and typists alike, the Hibiscus provides a unique textural experience with its poppy sound profile, making it appealing for those who enjoy a more interactive keystroke. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Huano Grape Orange Linear

HMX Hibiscus Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Huano Grape Orange and HMX Hibiscus switches both offer unique auditory experiences due to their differing top housing materials. The Grape Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is primarily due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, making it capable of producing a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal, especially when paired with RGB lighting, allowing the colors to shine through. On the other hand, the HMX Hibiscus utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for generating a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer texture of nylon serves to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Therefore, while the Grape Orange aims for a bright and crisp sound, the Hibiscus leans towards a warmer tonality.

Despite the differences in the top housing materials, both the Grape Orange and Hibiscus share a commonality in their bottom housing material—nylon. The nylon used in the bottom of both switches contributes to a deep and fuller sound profile, ensuring that the typing experience remains rich and satisfying. Since the bottom housing greatly influences the bottom-out feel and sound, both switches can provide a comfortable and audible thud when pressed down. This similarity in bottom housing effectively bridges the auditory gap created by the contrasting top housing materials, allowing users to experience a depth of sound regardless of the switch they choose.

In essence, when evaluating the overall sound profile and typing experience of the Huano Grape Orange and HMX Hibiscus, it is crucial to consider how both top and bottom housings work together. The stiffer polycarbonate top of the Grape Orange offers clarity and vibrancy, while the softer nylon top of the Hibiscus rounds out the sound. With the nylon bottom housing common to both switches creating a consistent feeling of fullness, users will notice a balanced auditory experience. Ultimately, this interplay between materials leads to an engaging typing experience, even when the top housings differ, proving that thoughtful design in both components is essential for producing desirable results.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, both switches exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. The Grape Orange has an actuation force of 40 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Hibiscus's actuation force of 42 grams. In terms of bottom out forces, the Grape Orange is at 50 grams, while the Hibiscus measures a lower bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that while both switches offer a relatively lightweight typing experience, the Grape Orange leans towards being the lighter option in terms of actuation force, whereas the Hibiscus offers a slightly lower bottom out force. For users seeking a typing feel that is still substantial but not overly heavy, either switch will provide a comfortable experience. However, the Grape Orange might be preferred by those prioritizing reduced fatigue during longer sessions.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, the Grape Orange features a distance of 3.6 mm, while the Hibiscus has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Huano Grape Orange the longer of the two switches, providing a bit more depth during key presses. For those who prefer a more responsive feel, the HMX Hibiscus might be a better choice due to its shorter distance, which aligns with the trend of gamers favoring switches that facilitate quicker response times. However, for individuals who appreciate a more substantial key travel and a more tactile experience, the Grape Orange is the ideal option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch remains somewhat ambiguous, as specific details about its acoustic characteristics are not provided. However, the HMX Hibiscus switch is celebrated for its satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, which suggests a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. This contrast highlights that while both switches likely offer a pleasant typing experience, the Hibiscus may provide a more engaging auditory element that enhances the overall interaction.

When it comes to feel, the Grape Orange switch is noted for delivering an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience with a notably low 40g actuation force, which can make it feel almost effortless during extended usage. On the other hand, the HMX Hibiscus switch also offers an ultra-light actuation force, but specifics about its tactile feedback or smoothness remain unspecified. In essence, while both switches provide a lightweight feel conducive to long typing sessions, the Grape Orange emphasizes a casual, low-resistance typing experience, whereas the Hibiscus leans towards smoothness but lacks detailed insight into its tactile nature.

In conclusion, while the Grape Orange and HMX Hibiscus switches cater to slightly different preferences with their respective sound and feel, both emphasize an ultra-light actuation force that can enhance typing comfort. The Hibiscus may provide a more engaging auditory experience, while the Grape Orange focuses on a lighter, effort-free typing sensation. Selecting between them will ultimately depend on whether the preference leans more towards acoustic feedback or a truly effortless feel during prolonged use.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Grape Orange and HMX Hibiscus linear switches, your preferences and typing style will be key factors in your choice. If you prioritize a lightweight and effortless typing experience, especially for long hours at the keyboard, you would likely appreciate the Grape Orange with its ultra-low actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom-out pressure of 50 grams. This makes them particularly ideal for those who frequently engage in typing-intensive tasks and seek to minimize finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that not only feels incredibly smooth but also delivers a satisfying clacky and poppy sound signature, the HMX Hibiscus would be a perfect choice. With an equally light bottom-out force of 48 grams and a remarkable performance that stands out among most switches, the Hibiscus is well-suited for users who value an engaging auditory experience alongside excellent tactile feedback. Ultimately, your decision comes down to whether you prioritize a softer typing action or a more satisfying acoustic response; each switch has unique strengths that cater to different needs in the mechanical keyboard landscape.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

HMX Hibiscus Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more