Huano Grape Orange vs. KTT Mallo

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Huano Grape Orange and the KTT Mallo can significantly influence your typing experience. The Grape Orange, a linear switch, is renowned for its exceptionally light actuation force of just 40g, allowing for an effortless typing experience—ideal for those who engage in extended typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo, classified as a tactile switch, strikes a delicate balance with its subtle tactile feedback that provides just enough sensation to enhance typing precision without being overwhelming. Its medium-light feel and neutral sound signature make it a versatile option suitable for varied typing environments, catering to those who enjoy a bit of character in each keystroke. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you favor the smoothness and lightness of the Grape Orange or the mild tactility and nuanced feedback of the Mallo. 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

KTT Mallo Tactile

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$5.50

$4.40 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Grape Orange and KTT Mallo switches both employ polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This choice of material is not merely functional but also aesthetic, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visibility of RGB lighting effects, providing a visually appealing experience. Given that both switches utilize the same top housing material, users can expect similarly bright and resonant acoustic qualities when the keys are pressed. The use of a stiffer plastic like polycarbonate ensures that the sound produced is clear and resonates well, making both switches favorable options for those who prioritize sound clarity and aesthetic appeal.

On the other hand, both the Grape Orange and KTT Mallo switches feature nylon for their bottom housings. This traditional material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, contrasting with the brighter tones produced by the polycarbonate top. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound as compared to harder plastics, leading to a sound that is rounder and less piercing. As a result, while both switches share a commonality in their upper housing, the nylon bottom contributes to a sound that is more muted and warm. This duality adds complexity to the auditory experience when using these switches, with the top housing delivering clarity during key release and the bottom housing enriching the acoustics when a key bottoms out.

In summary, the key difference between the Huano Grape Orange and KTT Mallo resides in the combination of their housing materials. Both switches exhibit an identical sound characteristic due to their polycarbonate top housing, resulting in clear and sharp sounds during engagement, while the nylon bottom housing of both switches adds a deeper layer to the overall auditory experience. This synergy provides a balanced sound profile, where users can enjoy the bright, resonant qualities of the top housing alongside the rounded, fuller sounds facilitated by the nylon bottom. Therefore, while the materials differ in their contributions, they work cohesively to provide a satisfying typing experience that highlights the strengths of each housing type.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch to the KTT Mallo tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Grape Orange has a relatively light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions and gaming due to its lighter touch. In contrast, the KTT Mallo’s actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is medium-light, suggesting a slightly firmer feel when the key is fully depressed. While the Grape Orange provides a lighter overall experience, the Mallo may offer a more substantial tactile feedback due to its bottom out pressure being higher. Therefore, for those who prefer a lighter switch for comfort in long usage, the Grape Orange is the better choice, while the Mallo may cater to users who appreciate a bit more resistance.

Travel distance

The Huano Grape Orange linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Mallo tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Grape Orange the shorter option, appealing to users who value responsiveness and quicker key presses, a characteristic often sought after by gamers. In contrast, the Mallo's travel distance provides a more pronounced feel, catering to those who appreciate a deeper key press and a more tactile experience. Overall, if you prefer faster response times and a snappier feel, the Grape Orange would be the ideal choice, while the Mallo is better suited for users who enjoy a more substantial key actuation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Huano Grape Orange linear switch is not explicitly detailed, but typically linear switches are known for their smooth and quiet operation without any tactile feedback to create additional sound. This characteristic means they are often less intrusive, making them suitable for quiet environments. In contrast, the KTT Mallo switch features a neutral sound profile that is subdued, striking a balance that makes it versatile for various settings. Its dampened sound ensures that it doesn't dominate the auditory landscape, making it suitable for workspaces where noise might be a concern.

In terms of feel, the Grape Orange switch offers an extremely light and effortless typing experience, requiring only 40g of actuation force. This makes it ideal for prolonged typing sessions, as the lightness helps to reduce finger fatigue. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo switch is characterized by a feathery and mild typing feel, coupled with gentle tactility. The stepped tactile feedback provides a subtle cue without overwhelming the typist, making the typing experience approachable and comfortable. While the Grape Orange focuses on minimal resistance, the Mallo adds a touch of tactile feedback without being pronounced.

In summary, while the Huano Grape Orange and KTT Mallo switches both offer comfortable typing experiences suitable for extended use, they cater to slightly different preferences. The Grape Orange is ideal for those who seek a particularly light, linear experience, while the Mallo offers a more tactile yet still gentle typing sensation with its nuanced feedback. Both switches will ultimately deliver a satisfying experience, but your choice may depend on whether you prefer the smooth simplicity of linear switches or a touch of tactility.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, your personal preferences, typing habits, and intended use will play a significant role. If you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience, the Grape Orange is an excellent choice, especially for extended sessions where minimizing finger fatigue is crucial. With its low actuation force and subdued sound profile, it’s ideal for both gaming and casual typing without overwhelming your surroundings. On the other hand, if you lean towards a balanced tactile feedback without being too pronounced, the Mallo switch may be the better option. Its medium-light feel and subtle tactility provide just enough feedback to enhance your typing experience while still being approachable for both beginners and seasoned typists. Additionally, the neutral sound signature of the Mallo makes it versatile enough for professional environments where noise control is a consideration. Ultimately, consider your comfort, the environments you’ll be typing in, and whether you prefer a rapid, smooth keystroke or gentle tactile cues when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

KTT Mallo Tactile

$5.50

$4.40 per 10

Learn more