Huano Grape Orange vs. Outemu Lime (V3)
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Lime (V3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Lime often comes down to personal preference in typing feel and experience. The Grape Orange switches are celebrated for their extraordinarily light actuation force of just 40g, offering a smooth, linear typing experience that makes them especially suitable for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switches provide a unique combination of lightweight tactile feedback and a silenced operation, catering to those who appreciate a touch of tactility without overwhelming noise. This makes them a fantastic choice for tactile enthusiasts who prefer a subtle yet engaging typing experience. Both switches have distinct advantages—whether you prioritize a buttery smooth keystroke or a gentle tactile response—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
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Huano Grape Orange and Outemu Lime switches present a fascinating contrast that significantly impacts their acoustic profiles and tactile experiences. The Grape Orange's top housing is made from polycarbonate, which is known for its rigidity and translucence. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a clarity that stands out, especially when RGB lighting is employed. In contrast, the Outemu Lime features a nylon top housing, which is typically softer and tends to absorb sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Consequently, while the Grape Orange may offer a crisper sound that resonates more clearly, the Lime provides a rounder, more muted audio experience due to the differences in their respective top housing materials.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a consistent auditory experience. In both cases, nylon's sound-absorbing qualities lead to a deeper and fuller sound, making it the common element that balances out the disparities observed in their top housings. The bottom housing's impact is substantial, especially when considering bottom-out sounds during use, guiding tactile feedback and enhancing the typing experience. Thus, while the Grape Orange may have its sharper sound profile highlighted by the polycarbonate upper, the shared nylon bottom links the two in creating a rich auditory experience.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housings and their effects create a nuanced stylistic distinction between the Grape Orange and the Outemu Lime switches. Users looking for a brighter, more resonant acoustic characteristic might gravitate toward the polycarbonate-topped Grape Orange, while those preferring a warmer, more muted sound may find the Outemu Lime's nylon top housing more appealing. However, because both switches share nylon for the bottom housing, they both ultimately deliver a rich and rounded sound, ensuring that regardless of the individual top materials, the overall impact of the switches remains complemented and cohesive.
Weight
Comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch reveals some interesting differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Grape Orange switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams compared to the 35 grams needed for the Lime switch, making the Lime the lighter option. Additionally, the bottom out force for the Grape Orange is 50 grams, which is again heavier than the Lime's 45 grams. Both switches fall into the "light" category, making them suitable for users who favor less resistance during long typing sessions or gaming. However, if a user prefers a more substantial typing experience, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Grape Orange may be more appealing. Overall, those looking for a lighter feel would likely prefer the Outemu Lime, while those desiring a bit more weight might gravitate towards the Huano Grape Orange.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, a notable difference emerges. The Grape Orange has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Lime is slightly shorter at 3.3 mm. This means that if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Lime switch might be your better option, as it allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced depth in your keystrokes, the Grape Orange with its longer travel distance would be more suitable. In summary, the Grape Orange provides a deeper and potentially more tactile experience, whereas the Lime offers a shorter and more immediate response, catering to different user preferences in mechanical switches.
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 Outemu Lime (V3) comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 linear switch is relatively quiet and produces a smooth, continuous tone without any distinct clicking or clacking, making it suitable for environments where noise might be a concern. In contrast, the Outemu Lime tactile switch has a sound profile that is characterized as neutral and muted. This means it offers a moderate volume level, which strikes a balance between audible feedback and quiet operation, reducing the typical mechanical keyboard noise. Both switches provide a sound experience that is mindful of shared spaces, but the Grape Orange leans more towards silence, while the Lime maintains a soft yet noticeable auditory presence.
In terms of feel, the Grape Orange is celebrated for its remarkably light actuation force of 40g, providing an incredibly effortless typing experience perfect for long sessions. This switch gives a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke that makes it great for users who prioritize fast and fluid typing without any additional tactile bump. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime tactile switch also emphasizes a lightweight feel but incorporates a mild tactile feedback, contributing a subtle, pleasant sensation during each keystroke. The Lime's characteristics are described as feathery and polished, offering a comfortable experience for extended use while minimizing finger fatigue, which may appeal to users who enjoy a gentle, tactile response without the heavier resistance found in more pronounced tactile switches.
In conclusion, while both the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch are designed to enhance the typing experience with their lightweight qualities, they cater to slightly different preferences in sound and feel. The Grape Orange offers a quieter, linear experience perfect for uninterrupted typing, while the Lime provides a soft tactile feedback coupled with a muted sound profile. Users seeking minimal effort during typing sessions will find satisfaction in both switches, though the choice ultimately comes down to whether one prefers a purely linear experience or a lightly tactile one with a more pronounced touch.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize an exceptionally light and smooth typing experience for prolonged use, the Grape Orange is an excellent choice due to its ultra-low actuation force of 40 grams, making it ideal for extensive typing or intense gaming sessions without causing finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit of tactile feedback while still enjoying a lightweight feel, the Outemu Lime is the better option, offering subtle tactility along with a muted sound profile. This makes it suitable for shared environments, allowing you to type quietly without disturbing others. Therefore, if you’re looking for that effortless glide of a linear switch, go for the Grape Orange. If you want a more balanced feel with soft tactile feedback, opt for the Lime—both will serve you well depending on your unique requirements.
Mentioned in this article
