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Huano Grape Orange vs. TTC Light Cloud V2

An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the TTC Light Cloud V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Grape Orange and the TTC Light Cloud V2 present distinct yet appealing options for typists and gamers alike. The Grape Orange switch is renowned for its exceptionally light actuation force of just 40g, facilitating an effortless typing experience ideal for long hours at the keyboard, making it a fantastic choice for those who appreciate speedy and fluid keystrokes. On the other hand, the TTC Light Cloud V2 shines with its whisper-quiet operation and refined typing feel, making it a go-to option for users seeking a more subtle yet responsive touch, characterized by its mild, muted, and feathery characteristics. While both switches excel in providing a lightweight typing experience, the Grape Orange leans towards an exhilarating speed, while the Light Cloud V2 focuses on a quiet and nuanced feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique needs.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

40g

Actuation force

45g

Bottom-out force

50g

Bottom-out force

58g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

1.20 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

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

Gold-plated double-staged spring

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the TTC Light Cloud V2, it becomes clear that their top and bottom housings differ significantly. The Grape Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's rigidity, which promotes clarity and resonance, making it an ideal choice for switches intended for use with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Light Cloud V2 uses a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile around the keypress. As nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a more muted and rounder tonal characteristic when typing.

Despite the distinct differences in top housing materials, both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material. This commonality signifies that both the Huano Grape Orange and the TTC Light Cloud V2 will produce a relatively similar fuller sound when pressing down on the keys. Nylon’s sound-absorbing qualities ensure that both switches deliver a deeper, less harsh sound during operation, showcasing how the shared material can balance out the varying top housing effects. Thus, while the Grape Orange provides a more pronounced sound when releasing a key due to its polycarbonate top, the tactile experience during the actuation remains grounded in the familiar feel brought about by the nylon bottom for both switches.

Ultimately, when evaluating the overall performance of these two switches, one can expect different auditory characteristics based on the respective top housing materials. The polycarbonate of the Grape Orange will stand out with its clearer, brighter sound when the key is released, while the nylon top of the Light Cloud V2 contributes a warm and subdued sound. The combination of materials in both switches allows for a balanced experience, ensuring that while the auditory profiles may differ notably on release, the impact and feel of the bottom housing create a common ground that enhances the typing experience as a whole.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch to the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, we see notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Grape Orange features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions, as users can press the keys with minimal effort. In contrast, the Light Cloud V2 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a more substantial feel when typing, which may appeal to those who prefer a firmer tactile experience. Overall, the Grape Orange is the lighter option, while the Light Cloud V2 offers a heavier response, catering to distinct user preferences.

Travel distance

The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch have slightly different travel distances, with the Grape Orange measuring 3.6 mm and the Light Cloud V2 at 3.5 mm. This makes the Light Cloud V2 the shorter option, while the Grape Orange offers a bit more depth in its travel. Both are closer to the trend of shorter distances favored by gamers seeking quick response times; however, the Grape Orange provides a marginally deeper feel, which might appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two may come down to personal preference: if one values responsiveness, the Light Cloud V2 might be the best choice, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke might lean towards the Grape Orange.

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 TTC Light Cloud V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Cloud V2 for $5.49.

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 it comes to sound, the Huano Grape Orange switch provides a unique auditory experience that is currently unspecified, which leaves a degree of subjectivity in terms of user preference. In contrast, the TTC Light Cloud V2 switches are designed to produce muted sounds, contributing to a quieter typing environment, making them particularly suitable for office settings or quiet spaces. The neutral profile of the Light Cloud V2 ensures that the actuation sound is not intrusive, appealing to users who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback without compromising the feel during typing.

Regarding the tactile experience, the Grape Orange switches offer an effortlessly light keystroke with a remarkably low actuation force of just 40 grams, making them perfect for those who wish to type without feeling strain on their fingers. This creates an inviting feel for users engaging in long typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the TTC Light Cloud V2 switches are characterized by a milder touch, providing a gentle resistance that allows for a smooth typing experience. They are also described as easy-to-press and feathery, which aligns with the objective of minimizing finger fatigue over prolonged use. Both switches aim to create a comfortable typing experience, although the Grape Orange feels more instantly liberating due to its lighter resistance.

In summary, both the Huano Grape Orange and the TTC Light Cloud V2 switches cater to users seeking a lightweight typing experience, albeit with some differences in sound and nuanced feel. The Grape Orange's lightness facilitates extended use with minimal fatigue, while the Light Cloud V2 prioritizes quiet operation and a refined touch. Ultimately, depending on one's preference for sound or slight nuances in feel, you can find a satisfying experience with either switch, making them both ideal candidates for newcomers venturing into the world of mechanical keyboards.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Huano Grape Orange and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you're looking for an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, especially during long typing sessions, the Grape Orange's lower actuation force of 40 grams and lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams make it an ideal choice. It's great for those who prioritize comfort and minimal finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a more refined and nuanced typing experience that balances a light touch with a slightly more substantial feel, the Light Cloud V2 is likely to be more appealing. With its 58-gram bottom-out force and more muted sound profile, it offers a mild and easy-to-press sensation, making it suitable for both quiet environments and extended use. In essence, your choice should reflect your typing habits—whether you lean towards a feather-light experience with the Grape Orange or a balanced, versatile option with the Light Cloud V2 that suits quiet workspaces.

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