Huano Grape Orange vs. Gateron Ink Red

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two popular linear options stand out: the Huano Grape Orange and the Gateron Ink Red. The Grape Orange is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force of just 40g, providing an effortless typing experience that caters well to those who spend extended hours at the keyboard. This switch is an excellent choice for users seeking a responsive and comfortable typing experience, perfect for long writing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red offers a slightly different tactile experience. With a smooth operation and a lower actuation force that aligns with lighter typing styles, these switches are known for their satisfying feedback, complemented by a crispy and clacky sound profile. This makes the Ink Red an appealing option for those who appreciate auditory feedback while maintaining a smooth keystroke. Both switches offer unique advantages, catering to different preferences and typing habits. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Huano Grape Orange Linear

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Huano Grape Orange and the Gateron Ink Red switches utilize distinct materials for their housings that significantly affect their acoustic profiles. The Grape Orange features a top housing made of polycarbonate, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound character. This material is known for its stiffness, thus providing a more resonant sound profile, particularly beneficial for those who enjoy a high-pitched auditory feedback from their switches. In contrast, the Ink Red’s top housing is made from a proprietary INK blend, which also produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, albeit described as not overly sharp. While both switches offer a clear and vibrant auditory experience, the polycarbonate of the Grape Orange is designed specifically for a bright and resonant output, whereas the INK blend aims for a clacky yet more rounded auditory quality.

When considering the bottom housing, the materials diverge further, impacting the overall sound and feel of the switches during use. The Grape Orange’s nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller and deeper sound profile due to its softer nature, which helps to absorb sound and provide a more muted keypress experience. This contrasts with the Gateron Ink Red’s bottom housing, which also utilizes the proprietary INK blend, suggesting a consistent high-pitched sound across both housing types. Although the Grape Orange provides a rounded sound due to the nylon's properties, the Ink Red maintains its pointed tonality due to the INK blend's characteristics. Thus, the switches reflect how their bottom housing materials influence the tactile experience when bottoming out.

Ultimately, if one desires similar sound profiles between the two switches, it’s important to focus on the combination of both top and bottom housing materials. While the Grape Orange and Ink Red differ in their respective top and bottom housing compositions, they both deliver compelling auditory experiences thanks to their design intentions. The distinct materials each switch offers allows for a nuanced sound profile that caters to varying preferences. If users seek a switch experience with a sharp and clacky feedback, they could consider how to customize their setup, perhaps by pairing the Grape Orange’s polycarbonate top with a softer bottom for a balance of resonance and absorbency, ultimately achieving individualized results based on personal auditory preferences.

Weight

The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch exhibit notable differences in their 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 less strenuous typing experience, such as during long work hours or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Red has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial feeling when typing. While both switches ultimately serve the same function in triggering keystrokes, the Grape Orange is considered lighter overall, whereas the Ink Red is heavier, offering a firmer push feel that some users may prefer. As a result, the choice between these two switches will largely depend on individual preferences for actuation sensitivity and typing experience.

Travel distance

The Huano Grape Orange linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference indicates that the Grape Orange offers a more responsive feel, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times. In contrast, the Ink Red, with its more traditional travel distance, may provide a deeper keypress that some users prefer for a more robust typing experience. Thus, if you favor a quicker, more abrupt feel, the Huano Grape Orange would be the better choice, whereas the Gateron Ink Red caters to those who appreciate the depth that comes with a longer travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Grape Orange linear switch lacks specific descriptors to categorize its acoustic profile, so its sound characteristics remain mostly unknown. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Red switch presents a more defined auditory experience with its neutral sound profile. This neutrality makes it versatile, suitable for various environments whether at home or work. Additionally, the Ink Red has a chirpy quality, introducing a subtle squeak that can enhance the tactile experience for users who appreciate this unique auditory signature. It's important to note that the overall sound can still vary significantly based on the keyboard housing and keycap material used.

In terms of feel, the Grape Orange switch does not have a detailed description, leaving its tactile qualities open to interpretation. However, the Gateron Ink Red is well-regarded for its silky smoothness, which provides a remarkably fluid typing experience. The mild nature of these switches caters to users seeking a gentle touch, making them accessible for typists of various skill levels. Furthermore, the polished finish of the Ink Reds ensures minimal friction and an overall refined key travel, creating an enjoyable and seamless interaction. This contrasts with the likely uncertain feel of the Grape Orange, which may not guarantee the same level of refinement.

In conclusion, while the Huano Grape Orange linear switch offers an exceptionally light actuation force ideal for prolonged use, it lacks defined auditory and tactile characteristics that would provide a complete picture. The Gateron Ink Red linear switch, on the other hand, excels in both sound and feel, boasting a neutral yet chirpy acoustic profile and tactile qualities that are silky, mild, and polished. Ultimately, if sound and feel are crucial for your typing experience, the Ink Reds will deliver measurable benefits, though both options offer light actuation for effortless typing. The Grape Orange switch may still present a good typing experience, but it lacks the refined features of the Gateron Ink Red.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, your preferences for typing feel, actuation force, and sound should guide your choice. If you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience, especially for prolonged use, the Grape Orange is an excellent option, with its exceptionally low 40g actuation force making each keypress feel notably easy and comfortable. This makes them particularly suitable for intensive typing tasks, such as programming or writing, where you might appreciate a lighter touch. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced typing experience that still maintains a smooth feel with a bit more heft, the Gateron Ink Red would be more appropriate for you. With its 60g bottom-out force, it provides a moderate resistance that can feel more satisfying to those who enjoy a solid feel under their fingers. Additionally, the Ink Red’s ultra-smooth and polished typing experience, along with its neutral yet slightly chirpy sound profile, can be appealing whether you are at home or in an office setting. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your comfort level and the type of typing experience you desire.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more