Huano Grape Orange vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Grape Orange and the Durock Mamba both offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Grape Orange is celebrated for its ultra-light 40g actuation force, delivering an effortlessly smooth typing experience that is particularly well-suited for those who engage in extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba, a tribute to the late Kobe Bryant, is designed to provide a gliding typing sensation complemented by a rich, creamy auditory feedback, making it a delightful choice for users who appreciate both performance and sound. While the Grape Orange's light touch appeals to those prioritizing comfort and speed, the tactile richness of the Mamba stands out for gamers and typists who enjoy a deeper sensory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Huano Grape Orange and the Durock Mamba exhibit distinct differences in their housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles and tactile characteristics. The Grape Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, noted for its stiffness and translucency, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This quality is particularly advantageous for users who prioritize RGB lighting effects, as the clear polycarbonate enhances the illumination. In contrast, the Mamba employs a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing, which produces a sound profile that is brighter but not as piercing as that of the polycarbonate. This distinct material choice enables the Mamba to maintain auditory clarity while promoting a more pleasant sound experience that is less aggressive than that of the Grape Orange.
When exploring the bottom housing materials, the Grape Orange utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer properties contribute to a rounder auditory experience by absorbing sound more effectively than its harder counterparts. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba features a POM bottom housing that elicits a deep and muted sound. The softer nature of nylon in the Grape Orange allows for a more pronounced bottom-out feel during typing, offering a richness to the sound signature. Conversely, the POM in the Mamba creates a pleasing sound that is distinctively unique, with a more subdued character compared to the Grape Orange’s nylon.
In summary, while both the Huano Grape Orange and Durock Mamba utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, their respective sound profiles reflect a well-considered balance of features. The sharpness and brightness of the Grape Orange's polycarbonate top are complemented by the deeper, fuller sound from its nylon bottom. Similarly, the Mamba's polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend provides a pleasing auditory experience when paired with the muted depth of its POM bottom housing. Despite the differences, both switches achieve unique and favorable sound profiles that cater to varying preferences, indicating that both configurations can offer satisfying performance in a typing experience.
Weight
The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Grape Orange has a notably lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer prolonged typing or gaming sessions without tiring their fingers. In contrast, the Mamba’s actuation force is unknown, but it features a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Grape Orange's 50 grams. This higher bottom out force suggests that the Mamba may provide a more pronounced tactile experience, appealing to users who favor a substantial feel when typing. Thus, users looking for a lighter switch should gravitate towards the Grape Orange, while those who prefer a heavier switch experience might opt for the Durock Mamba, if its actuation force is to their liking. Overall, the lighter Grape Orange promotes an easier press, while the Mamba, with its undefined actuation force and heavier bottom out, offers a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, we find that the Grape Orange has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mamba measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This means that the Grape Orange offers a bit more depth in each key press, which might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Mamba's shorter travel distance aligns with the growing trend towards more responsive switches, making it potentially better suited for gamers seeking quicker activation. Ultimately, if you prioritize a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Grape Orange may be the better choice, while for those who desire faster response times, the Mamba's shorter travel distance would be preferable.
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 Durock Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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
The auditory profile of the Huano Grape Orange switch is less defined in the provided information, making it challenging to draw direct comparisons. However, the Durock Mamba, with its neutral sound and thocky character, offers a rich auditory experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. The lighter actuation force of the Grape Orange may produce a subtler sound, potentially leaning toward a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the deep, resonant "thud" of the Mamba switches could provide a more satisfying auditory feedback, especially for those who enjoy the robust sound of their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches for sound may come down to personal preference, especially since other factors like keycap and board material can influence the overall noise profile.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Huano Grape Orange is known for its exceptionally light actuation force of 40g, which facilitates an effortless typing experience. This is ideal for long typing sessions where minimal resistance is desired. In contrast, the Durock Mamba switches offer a mild yet polished feel, which balances comfort and smoothness. Their mild characteristics cater to a broader audience, making them approachable for both novices and experienced users. The polished finish of the Mamba further enhances the typing experience by reducing friction, making each key press smooth and enjoyable. Thus, while the Grape Orange excels in lightness, the Mamba provides a refined touch with its gentle resistance and smoother operation.
In summary, while the Huano Grape Orange and Durock Mamba switches are both linear switches, they offer distinct experiences. The Grape Orange provides an ultra-light and potentially quieter typing experience, making it ideal for extended use, while the Mamba is characterized by its thocky sound and smooth feel, appealing to those who enjoy a more satisfying auditory and tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a light touch or a rich auditory and tactile experience, with both switches promising enjoyable typing sessions in their respective domains.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, consider your typing preferences and intended use. If you prioritize an exceptionally light typing experience with minimal resistance, making it ideal for long typing sessions, the Grape Orange switches will be your go-to option thanks to their ultra-low actuation force of 40 grams. This light touch can help reduce fatigue during extended use, making them suitable for writers or anyone who types frequently. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more balanced typing feel with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, and you enjoy a thocky sound profile combined with a smooth gliding sensation, then the Mamba switches may be more appealing. Their polished finish and mild characteristics make them versatile enough for both professional and casual environments, providing a pleasant auditory experience while typing. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, sound preference, and comfort during prolonged use.
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