Huano Grape Orange vs. Gateron Luciola

Overview

When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, two notable options are the Huano Grape Orange and the Gateron Luciola, both of which are categorized as linear switches. The Huano Grape Orange is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force of just 40 grams, providing an effortlessly smooth typing experience that makes it ideal for long hours of writing or gaming without finger fatigue. Meanwhile, the Gateron Luciola stands out not only for its smooth and bouncy feel but also for its unique glow-in-the-dark feature, adding an aesthetic touch to your setup. The Luciola's medium heft contributes to a satisfying typing experience, enhanced by a distinct sound profile reminiscent of a shaken spray paint can. While each switch offers its own unique advantages—be it the feather-light touch of the Grape Orange for rapid-fire typing or the tactile enjoyment and visual flair of the Luciola—individual preferences will ultimately dictate the best choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Grape Orange Linear

Gateron Luciola Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the Gateron Luciola switches, it is evident that both switches utilize distinct materials that contribute uniquely to their sound profiles. The Grape Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, crisper sound profile. This rigidity aids in achieving a clearer resonance, especially advantageous for showcasing RGB lighting due to the material's translucency. In contrast, the Luciola's top housing is made from a proprietary INK blend, which claims to deliver a pointed yet relatively high-pitched sound profile described as satisfying and clacky. Although both switches exhibit high-pitched sound characteristics, the Grape Orange's use of polycarbonate gives it a more pronounced clarity compared to the unique tonal qualities of the Luciola's INK blend.

The bottom housings of both switches present a more significant contrast in their materials and resulting sound profiles. The Grape Orange utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, a classic switching material that enhances the depth and fullness of the sound by absorbing more noise, yielding a duller and rounder experience during keystrokes. On the other hand, the Luciola also employs the proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, which surprisingly parallels the sound design intentions highlighted in its top housing. The INK blend's contribution aims for a clacky yet pointed sound profile that resonates with the lightness of the overall switch, suggesting a less pronounced sound dampening effect when compared to nylon.

Despite the differences in material, a combination of these characteristics allows both switches to deliver distinct auditory experiences while sharing high-pitched sound qualities across their respective top and bottom housings. The Grape Orange’s firm polycarbonate top meshes energetically with its softer nylon base to create a hybrid sound that is both clearer and more substantial. Conversely, the Luciola’s use of the INK blend for both top and bottom components results in a cohesive sound that remains predominantly high-pitched but potentially lacks the depth contributed by the Grape Orange’s nylon bottom. Ultimately, while both switches offer unique tactile and auditory profiles rooted in their materials, they can achieve similar performance in terms of resonance and overall auditory experience, largely determined by the interaction between their individual design choices.

Weight

The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different user preferences. The Grape Orange features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a softer feel, which can reduce fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Luciola has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a firmer resistance. Therefore, the Grape Orange is the lighter option while the Luciola is the heavier switch. This contrast allows users to choose based on their desired typing feel—light and easy with the Grape Orange versus a more tactile and forceful engagement with the Luciola.

Travel distance

The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch both have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable feel when pressing down on the keys for both switches, resulting in a nearly identical typing experience in terms of travel distance. Since the travel distance is the same, both switches will provide similar tactile feedback and responsiveness when pressed, making them a suitable choice for those who prefer linear switches with consistent travel characteristics.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Huano Grape Orange switch lacks a definitive character description, which makes it somewhat of a blank slate compared to the Gateron Luciola's more vivid acoustic profile. The Luciola switches are notably characterized by their clacky, chirpy, and high-pitched sounds that create a vibrant auditory experience. This combination lends a lively tone to typing sessions, reminiscent of a can of spray paint being shaken—sharp, bright, and percussive. If you value a distinct sound while typing, the Luciola would offer a more dynamic and expressive auditory landscape compared to the more muted characteristics of the Grape Orange.

In terms of feel, the Grape Orange switch is renowned for its exceptionally light actuation force of only 40g, which facilitates a typing experience that's both effortless and fatigue-free, especially during extended usage. Unfortunately, there is no specific descriptor provided for how the Grape Orange feels. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola switches provide a notably engaging experience with their snappy, buttery, and polished tactile qualities. The snappiness results from its responsive design, while the buttery element indicates a fluid keystroke experience and the polished finish enhances the overall smoothness. The Luciola thus suggests a more lively and refined typing experience compared to the Grape Orange.

In conclusion, while both the Huano Grape Orange and Gateron Luciola switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, their qualities make them suitable for distinct types of users. The Grape Orange offers a light and effortless typing experience, which is ideal for prolonged use, whereas the Luciola combines a compelling sound profile with a rich tactile experience, making it more suitable for those who appreciate feedback in both auditory and physical forms. Therefore, should you seek an engaging sensory experience while typing, the Luciola would be a worthy choice, while the Grape Orange excels in comfort and ease of use.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a lightweight and effortless typing experience, especially for long typing sessions, the Grape Orange, with its low actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom-out force of 50 grams, would be an ideal choice. These switches provide a satisfying bounce without requiring much effort, making them perfect for those who type extensively or prefer a more relaxed feel. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a medium heft that offers a more tactile engagement and enjoy the allure of glowing switches, then the Luciola, with its 60 grams bottom-out force, would suit you better. Its snappy and polished feel, coupled with a unique clacky sound profile, provides a dynamic typing experience that is both engaging and visually striking. In essence, your decision should hinge on whether you value a light touch for extended periods or a more robust switch accompanied by engaging acoustics and aesthetics.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more