Huano Grape Orange vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between the Huano Grape Orange and the Gateron Ink Yellow, both of which offer unique benefits tailored to different preferences. The Grape Orange, with its ultra-light 40g actuation force, provides an exceptionally effortless typing experience that's particularly well-suited for those who spend long hours typing, making it a favorite among productivity-focused users. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch delivers a distinctive typing sensation characterized by its smoothness and mild clackiness, offering a blend between the feel of a laptop keyboard and a traditional mechanical one, ideal for users who appreciate a snappy tactile response without the conventional loud click. While both switches excel in their own right, your choice will ultimately depend on your 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
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and Gateron Ink Yellow switches offer distinct sound profiles that reflect the characteristics of their respective materials. The Grape Orange features a top housing made from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for generating a sharper, more resonant sound. This quality is enhanced by the material's translucency, making it particularly advantageous for use with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow employs a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which also yields a high-pitched, yet not overly sharp sound. While both switches achieve a pointed sound profile with their top materials, the Grape Orange’s polycarbonate may provide a slightly crisper note compared to the clackier tone of the Ink Yellow.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the differences between the two switches become more pronounced. The Grape Orange utilizes nylon, a classic switch material that absorbs sound and creates a deeper, fuller sound profile. This softer plastic dampens the higher frequencies, resulting in a more subdued bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow’s bottom housing, crafted from the proprietary INK blend, maintains a pointed and high-pitched sound profile similar to its top housing. As a result, while the Grape Orange emphasizes a rounder sound experience due to its nylon bottom, the Ink Yellow retains a consistent clackiness throughout its construction.
Ultimately, the interaction of the different materials in both switches demonstrates how varying housing materials can affect the typing experience. For the Grape Orange, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a division in sound quality, where the top housing provides a sharper sound and the bottom contributes to a fuller experience. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Yellow’s synchronized use of the INK blend for both top and bottom housings results in a more uniform sound profile. Despite these differences, if one were to adjust the typing technique or keyboard configuration, similar results could be approached, particularly in creating a balanced sound profile across both switches.
Weight
The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch present contrasting options regarding 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 more suitable for users who favor prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as the reduced resistance allows for less strain over time. In contrast, the Ink Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users prefer for its tactile feedback. This means that the Grape Orange is the lighter option, while the Ink Yellow is heavier. Ultimately, users will have different experiences based on their preference for actuation and bottom out forces, with the Grape Orange promoting ease of use and the Ink Yellow offering a robust feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, the Grape Orange measures 3.6 mm, while the Ink Yellow has a slightly shorter distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you're looking for a bit more depth in your keystrokes, the Grape Orange is the better option, offering a more substantial press. On the other hand, if you prefer a more responsive and quicker reaction—common among gamers—the Ink Yellow's slightly shorter travel distance may suit your needs better. Ultimately, while the difference between the two switches is minimal, it can influence your typing experience based on your preferences for depth and responsiveness.
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 Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 is characterized by its subtlety, which is ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. This is particularly beneficial in shared workspaces or quiet environments, as it minimizes noise disruption. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch offers a more diverse acoustic experience. It's classified as both neutral and clacky, producing a moderately bright and crisp sound that can be appealing for a variety of settings. This means it retains a pleasant audibility without being overwhelmingly loud, making it suitable for both home and office use, especially for those who appreciate an engaging auditory feedback during their typing sessions.
When it comes to feel, the Grape Orange switch provides an exceptionally light touch with its 40g actuation force. This characteristic allows for an effortlessly smooth typing experience, especially during extended typing periods, making it a top choice for users who prioritize comfort. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch presents a more balanced typing feel, described as mild and polished. Its design ensures a gentle experience that avoids excessive fatigue, wrapping you in a smooth and refined journey with each keystroke. The reduction of friction with the polished quality allows for an overall seamless interaction, catering well to both casual typists and those transitioning from laptop keyboards.
In summary, both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Huano Grape Orange is perfect for those seeking a light, quiet experience conducive to long typing sessions, while the Gateron Ink Yellow appeals to those who value auditory feedback and a balanced, polished tactile experience. Combining these qualities, users can find options that align closely with their typing style and environment, ensuring a satisfactory mechanical keyboard experience regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Grape Orange and Gateron Ink Yellow linear switches largely depends on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you're looking for. If you value a light and effortless typing experience that allows for long typing sessions without fatigue, the Grape Orange with its ultra-low 40g actuation force and a bottom-out force of 50 grams might be your best bet. This switch is particularly suited for those who prefer a linear feel without the distraction of sound, perfect for a quiet workspace or late-night typing sessions. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more substantial tactile feedback and are looking for a typing experience that bridges the gap between laptop and mechanical keyboards, the Gateron Ink Yellow, with its medium-heavy 67 grams bottom-out force, can provide a more grounded feeling. This switch's smoother finish and pleasant clackiness make it enjoyable for both typing and gaming, making it a versatile choice for various applications. In essence, your decision can be guided by whether you prioritize lightweight and quiet operation or a firmer, more engaging typing experience with a bit of auditory charm.
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