Huano Grape Orange vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Grape Orange and Gateron Ink Box Black offer distinct experiences, catering to varying preferences. The Grape Orange is renowned for its remarkably light actuation force of just 40g, resulting in an ultra-responsive and effortless typing experience that shines during long typing sessions. This makes it an ideal choice for those who prioritize speed and comfort. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black boasts a silky-smooth feel complemented by a unique sound signature likened to a shaken spray paint can, adding a touch of auditory satisfaction to the typing experience. While the Ink Box Black is characterized by its polished, clacky sounds and creamy texture, making it appealing for users who appreciate tactile feedback and satisfying acoustics. Each switch offers unique benefits, making the choice between them largely dependent on individual typing style and 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
40g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Huano Grape Orange and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches each utilize distinct top housing materials that affect their sound profiles in notable ways. The Grape Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a crisp and resonant sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate’s stiff nature, which enhances clarity and sharpness when typing. In contrast, the Ink Box Black employs a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, generating a similarly high-pitched sound profile but with a slightly rounder quality. While both switches deliver a pointed and elevated sound, the polycarbonate's inherent characteristics typically bring a sharper and more vibrant tone, making it ideal for users seeking a bright auditory feedback.
When examining the bottom housings, the Grape Orange opts for nylon, a material that contributes to a fuller and deeper sound profile due to its softer composition. Nylon effectively dampens vibrations, leading to a rounder and more subdued auditory experience on bottoming out. Conversely, the Ink Box Black’s proprietary INK blend bottom housing produces a similar pointed sound profile, albeit without the same level of warmth and depth characteristic of nylon. This similarity can lead to a distinct auditory experience for each switch, with the Grape Orange leaning more towards resonance and the Ink Box Black focusing on clarity and brightness, despite both offering a higher-pitched sound.
The interplay of top and bottom housings in both switches means that while their sound profiles may differ in texture and resonance, they can yield similar results in terms of overall sound height. The differences between nylon and polycarbonate versus the INK blends manifest primarily during key presses and releases, creating nuances that dedicated typists often appreciate. Thus, users can expect each switch to provide engaging typing experiences, particularly if they are attentive to the auditory feedback they produce, with the bottom housing influencing the feel and bottom-out sound while the top housing shapes the release sound.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Grape Orange features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Ink Box Black requires a heftier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, appealing to users who desire a more substantial and tactile response while typing. Thus, if you're looking for a lighter feel, the Grape Orange is the preferable option, while the Ink Box Black provides a heavier tactile experience for those who appreciate more resistance. The differing weights of these switches cater to distinct preferences, making them suitable for varying types of users.
Travel distance
Both the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that when you press down on a key, you will experience an identical distance between the top and bottom of each switch. Because of this equal travel distance, users can expect similar tactile feedback and key feels from both switches, making them comparable in performance for typing and gaming. Thus, whether you choose the Grape Orange or the Ink Box Black, you will achieve consistent actuation characteristics due to their identical travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 Huano Grape Orange switch remains unspecified, which leaves room for individual exploration. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is known for its clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy auditory feedback upon actuation, characterized by a crisp, bright, and percussive quality. It also features a high-pitched tone that appeals to those who prefer a clearer, more pronounced sound rather than a bass-heavy profile. Ultimately, if you opt for the Ink Box Black, expect a more energetically audible typing experience, whereas the Grape Orange may yield a more muted sound that varies depending on additional factors like the keyboard’s construction and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the Grape Orange switch’s qualities are also undefined, which suggests the need for direct experience to fully appreciate its mechanics. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black is celebrated for its silky and polished characteristics, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This means you’ll encounter minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys, complemented by reduced friction that enhances overall comfort during prolonged typing sessions. The careful attention to the switch’s refinement contributes to a sleek, enjoyable tactile experience with the Ink Box Black, giving it a clear edge in terms of smoothness.
In summary, the Huano Grape Orange linear switch offers an incredibly light activation force that may suit those who prefer effortless typing, although its other subjective qualities require firsthand testing to understand fully. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch stands out with its smooth, polished feel and distinctive clacky sound profile, making it an engaging choice for users who appreciate tactile feedback and auditory stimulation. If you're drawn to a lighter typing experience, you might find similarities with the Grape Orange, while the Ink Box Black caters to those who prioritize sound and exquisite feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a lighter touch and plan on engaging in extended typing sessions, the Grape Orange switch with its ultra-low 40g actuation force and bottom-out force of 50 grams will provide you with an effortlessly smooth and enjoyable experience, reducing finger fatigue during long use. This switch is particularly suited for those who prioritize speed and ease of actuation. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more substantial and tactile feel beneath your fingers, the Ink Box Black, with its medium-heavy 70 grams of bottom-out force, may be the better choice. Its creamy smoothness combined with a clacky and high-pitched sound signature adds a satisfying auditory element to your typing experience that many users find gratifying. Additionally, if you seek a switch that enhances the tactile feedback of your keystrokes, the polished and silky feel of the Ink Box Black can deliver a refined typing experience that many find appealing. Ultimately, it's essential to consider what aspects—such as actuation force, sound signature, and tactile feedback—play a significant role in how you like to type, making either option a compelling choice based on your specific needs.
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