Huano Grape Orange vs. Kailh BCP
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Kailh BCP switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Grape Orange and the Kailh BCP present two distinct yet appealing options for typists and gamers alike. The Grape Orange is renowned for its exceptionally light actuation force of just 40g, allowing for an effortless typing experience that is particularly beneficial during long typing sessions. Its linear design offers a smooth keystroke without the tactile bump found in other switch types, making it ideal for those who prefer a subtle keypress feel. In contrast, the Kailh BCP brings a unique twist with its custom-molded design reminiscent of the iconic Black Cherry Pie switches, providing a bouncy and elastic feel that adds a delightful engagement to each keystroke. The BCP is also known for its signature poppy and clacky sound profile, catering to users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. Both switches have their strengths, appealing to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community; 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
52g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Huano Grape Orange and Kailh BCP switches exhibit distinct characteristics when it comes to their housing materials, particularly in their top housings. The Grape Orange utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for its stiffness and capability to produce a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. This material's translucency also enhances RGB lighting effects, allowing for visually striking illumination. In contrast, the Kailh BCP employs a nylon top housing, which tends to absorb sound more effectively due to its softer composition. This results in a deeper and rounder sound profile, providing a warm and muted acoustics experience. The difference in materials leads to notable variations in auditory feedback during typing, giving each switch a unique character.
When considering the bottom housings of both switches, it becomes apparent they share the same material—nylon. Both the Grape Orange and the Kailh BCP utilize nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a similar, fuller sound profile characterized by its ability to dampen vibrations and absorb sound. This acoustic property contributes to a satisfying typing experience, as the bottom-out sound feels more rounded and less sharp. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out feel, users can expect a consistent tactile response from either switch, despite the contrasting sounds created by their respective top housing materials.
Ultimately, while the Huano Grape Orange and Kailh BCP switches differ in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—their bottom housings are aligned in materiality, which leads to a shared auditory experience when bottoming out. The divergence in the top housing’s compositions results in a gap between their sound profiles, but the shared nylon bottom brings cohesion in how the switches function. Users who appreciate the deep and full sound that nylon offers will find satisfaction in both switches, while those seeking a sharper, more resonant response will lean towards the Grape Orange due to its polycarbonate top. Thus, even with differences in top housings, one can achieve similar results in terms of bottom housing response and satisfaction.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, notable differences emerge. The Grape Orange has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Kailh BCP switch features a heavier actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, catering to those who enjoy the more substantial feel of a heavier switch. This means that if you're looking for a switch that requires less effort to actuate, the Grape Orange is the better option, whereas the BCP offers a firmer feedback for a more pronounced typing experience. Overall, the distinctions in force characteristics highlight different user preferences, with the Grape Orange being the lighter choice and the BCP being the heavier one.
Travel distance
The Huano Grape Orange linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Kailh BCP linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Grape Orange the option with a longer travel distance, providing a deeper feel with each keystroke, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Conversely, the Kailh BCP's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers or individuals seeking quicker response times, enhancing the overall speed and efficiency of their inputs. Both switches offer a relatively close travel distance, but if you favor a more pronounced depth when pressing keys, the Grape Orange would be the preferable choice.
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 Kailh BCP has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.75.
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 linear switch is generally characterized by a subdued and soft acoustics, which tends to produce a quieter typing experience compared to many tactile or clicky switches. This makes them an excellent choice for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. In contrast, the Kailh BCP linear switch exhibits a more pronounced auditory character with its poppy and clacky sound profile. This livelier sound can add a certain enjoyment to typing, though it might be less suitable for quieter settings. While both switches cater to different preferences in sound, careful consideration of board and keycap choices can influence the overall audio experience for each.
When it comes to feel, the Grape Orange switch is known for its exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, driven by its ultra-low actuation force of 40g. This makes it particularly appealing for extended typing sessions, as the lightness can reduce finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP switch offers a uniquely creamy and bouncy feel that is elastic in nature, providing a tactile experience that many users find satisfying. This dynamic quality can lead to a different sensation during key presses, appealing to those who enjoy a responsive typing experience which might make it feel more lively compared to the Grape Orange.
In conclusion, the Huano Grape Orange and Kailh BCP linear switches offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different user preferences. The Grape Orange excels in providing a quiet and light feel suitable for prolonged use, while the BCP delivers a more auditory and satisfying experience with its bouncy and elastic qualities. Both switches, through their unique characteristics, can lead to an enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience, but the choice ultimately depends on whether one prioritizes a lighter, quieter action or a more engaging tactile feedback with sound.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Grape Orange and the Kailh BCP linear switches, your choice should primarily depend on your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you desire. If you prioritize a lightweight and effortless typing experience, especially during long sessions, the Grape Orange switch is an excellent choice with its low actuation force of 40 grams and a total bottom-out force of 50 grams. This switch allows for quick and comfortable keystrokes, making it ideal for typists who lean towards quick, repetitive inputs. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly firmer feel and a more dynamic auditory feedback, the Kailh BCP switch might be better suited for you. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams and its unique poppy and clacky sound profile, the BCP offers a more engaging typing experience, great for both gaming and typing where distinct tactile and auditory feedback can enhance your overall interaction. Ultimately, your decision should align with the type of feedback, firmness, and sound that resonate with your personal style and use case.
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