Huano Grape Orange vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Grape Orange and the KTT Laurel present compelling options, each catering to different typing preferences. The Grape Orange is renowned for its exceptionally light actuation force of just 40g, making it perfect for those who engage in extended typing sessions without experiencing fatigue. Its smooth linear feel allows for quick key presses, enhancing speed and efficiency for gamers and typists alike. In contrast, the KTT Laurel boasts a medium-light linear design, featuring a full POM housing and a long pole that offers a balance of responsiveness and comfort. Its subtly low-pitched sound profile, combined with a snappy feedback, provides an intriguing auditory experience for users who appreciate a bit more tactility in their keystrokes. While the Grape Orange excels in lightness and prolonged use, the Laurel offers a harmonious blend of comfort and auditory satisfaction. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
The Huano Grape Orange and KTT Laurel switches utilize different materials for their top housings, leading to distinct sound profiles. The Grape Orange features a polycarbonate top, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This resonance is attributed to polycarbonate's relative stiffness, making it an excellent choice for enhancing clarity in sound. On the other hand, the Laurel’s top housing is composed of POM, which yields a unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper end of the audio spectrum, giving it a more muted and rounded quality. This difference in material leads to a noticeable variation in auditory experience, with the Grape Orange providing a more vibrant sound and the Laurel delivering a softer, more rich tone.
Examining the bottom housings reveals another distinction and yet an echo of similarity. The Grape Orange employs a nylon bottom housing, characterized by its ability to absorb sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Conversely, the Laurel utilizes a POM bottom housing, which offers a likewise deep and muted sound. Relatively softer than other plastics and similar to nylon, the POM used in the Laurel is likely to contribute to a comparable level of sound absorption. However, the key difference lies in the level of resonance produced—while both switches can achieve a rich sound, the Grape Orange’s nylon bottom will deliver a slightly more pronounced depth compared to the Laurel's POM.
Ultimately, the interaction of both housing types plays a crucial role in the overall feel and sound realization of each switch. The Grape Orange’s polycarbonate top imparts a bright touch-release sound, while its nylon bottom contributes to a fuller bottom-out experience. In contrast, the Laurel combines its POM top’s muted release with a similarly rich bottom feel from the POM bottom housing. While users may find that both switches can deliver satisfying auditory feedback, the differing properties of their respective materials offer distinct experiences, highlighting how top and bottom housing materials interact to create unique tactile and acoustic results.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, both options offer a light typing experience, but they do have slight differences in their actuation forces. The Grape Orange has an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Laurel requires a slightly heavier 43 grams to actuate. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, which contributes to a similar feel when fully depressed. As a result, those who prefer lighter switches for longer typing or gaming sessions might lean towards the Grape Orange for its lower actuation force, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance during typing may find the slightly heavier Laurel appealing. Overall, both switches provide a light touch, but the Grape Orange is the lighter option in terms of actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange and the KTT Laurel linear switches, the Grape Orange measures 3.6 mm while the Laurel has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Grape Orange offers a more profound keypress experience, appealing to those who favor a hearty depth in their switches. Conversely, the KTT Laurel, with its shorter travel distance, may provide gamers and typists seeking quicker response times with a more immediate feedback during use. If you're looking for a switch that enhances responsiveness, the KTT Laurel would be the preferable choice due to its marginally shorter distance. However, if you appreciate a deeper keypress feel, you might opt for the Huano Grape Orange. In summary, while both switches offer a similar experience in terms of feel, the Grape Orange's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those wanting more depth, while the Laurel's 3.5 mm distance supports faster actuation.
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 KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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
When considering the sound profile of the Huano Grape Orange and KTT Laurel linear switches, the Grape Orange does not have a defined sound descriptor listed, leaving an air of ambiguity regarding its acoustic characteristics. In contrast, the KTT Laurel is characterized by a subtly low-pitched sound profile, which tends to produce a bass-heavy and mellow tone—creating a more subdued auditory feedback that many typists find pleasant and less distracting during intense typing sessions. As sound can also depend on individual setups, these switches might yield different auditory results based on the keyboard and keycap choices one makes.
In terms of feel, the Grape Orange switches provide an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, with an ultra-low actuation force of 40g that makes them particularly suited for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel switches offer a snappy feel, marked by a medium-light resistance that allows for responsive feedback during key presses. The Laurel's design, featuring a short travel distance and long pole, enhances its overall responsiveness and comfort, making it ideal for users who enjoy a lively typing sensation. While both switches cater to different preferences, they each deliver an engaging typing experience.
In summary, the Huano Grape Orange and KTT Laurel linear switches provide distinct yet appealing attributes for different types of users. The Grape Orange excels in delivering effortless actuation for long-term comfort, whereas the KTT Laurel balances responsiveness and comfort with its snappy feedback. Sound-wise, the Grape Orange leaves much to the imagination, while the KTT Laurel boasts a subtly low-pitched, mellow tone. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your specific preferences for feel and sound, with the understanding that both can offer satisfying and enjoyable typing experiences tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Grape Orange and the KTT Laurel linear switches largely depends on your typing style and preferences. If you prioritize lightness and ease of use during prolonged typing sessions, the Grape Orange switches are an excellent option due to their ultra-low actuation force of just 40 grams, which can minimize fatigue and enhance comfort. These switches are especially suited for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience without sacrificing speed. Conversely, if you're looking for a balance between responsiveness and comfort, the KTT Laurel switches might be more fitting. With their medium-light bottom-out force of 50 grams and their snappy feel, these switches engage users with a satisfying tactile response while still maintaining a low-pitched sound profile that can create a more pleasant typing atmosphere. Ultimately, consider how you type most often; if you need swift actions with a little more feedback, go for the Laurels, but if you're in it for long typing marathons, the Grape Oranges will serve you well.
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