Huano Grape Orange vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Huano Grape Orange and the Gateron Mini i highlights the diversity in user preference, especially between linear and tactile options. The Huano Grape Orange is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force of just 40 grams, providing an effortless typing experience that is especially appealing for users who spend long hours at their keyboards. This switch excels in delivering uninterrupted, fluid keystrokes, ideal for those who prioritize speed and smoothness over feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i switches cater to those who enjoy a tactile response with each keystroke. With gentle tactility and a muted sound profile, the Mini i balances satisfying feedback with a quiet nature, making it well-suited for professional environments where discretion is key. While both switches offer lightweight designs to enhance long-term comfort, their distinct characteristics cater to different typing preferences. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the Gateron Mini i switches, a distinct contrast emerges in the top housing materials. The Grape Orange utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile due to its relative stiffness. This material's translucent quality also enhances RGB lighting effects, making it visually appealing for those who prioritize aesthetics in their mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i’s top housing is made of nylon, a softer plastic that contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound waves. This contrast highlights how the choice of material can significantly influence the auditory experience and tactile feedback during use.
In terms of bottom housings, both switches share nylon as their material, resulting in similar performance characteristics. With nylon being a classic choice for bottom housings, its softer nature ensures that both the Grape Orange and Mini i elicit a deeper and rounder sound when typing. This similarity is crucial since the bottom housing plays a vital role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Therefore, while the top housings diverge in material properties and sound profiles, the consistency in nylon for both bottom housings fosters a shared sonorous quality that enhances the overall typing experience across both switch types.
Ultimately, the overall sound profile and typing experience of the Huano Grape Orange and Gateron Mini i switches will be a blend of both their top and bottom housing materials. The sharper, more resonant sound from the Grape Orange's polycarbonate top housing contrasts with the Mini i’s softer nylon top, leading to diverse auditory experiences when key releases are considered. Conversely, with both switches featuring nylon bottom housings, they align in producing a deeper and fuller sound upon actuation, illustrating how the combination of differing materials can yield both unique and shared acoustic qualities in mechanical keyboard switches. Users seeking a specific sound profile can mix and match these switches in their builds to achieve desired effects, playing with the contrasting characteristics effectively.
Weight
The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch both feature identical actuation and bottom out forces, with both requiring 40 grams of force to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out. This uniformity means that users can expect a similar typing experience from both switches, allowing for a light touch that is beneficial for extended typing sessions or lengthy gaming marathons. Since both switches are categorized as light, they cater to users who prefer less resistance in their keystrokes, enhancing comfort during prolonged use. For those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, these switches might not be the best fit, as neither offers the heavier force that some may prefer.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, the Grape Orange features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mini i has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Grape Orange offers a more pronounced key press, making it potentially better suited for users who prefer a more tactile depth in their typing experience. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Mini i caters to those who prioritize responsiveness and quicker key actuation, making it a preferable choice for gamers or anyone looking for rapid input. Thus, while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Grape Orange provides a longer press compared to the Mini i, which might feel more abrupt for some users.
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 Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00 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 comparing the sound of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch with the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it's clear that each offers a distinct auditory profile catering to different environments. The Grape Orange is often characterized by its near-silent operation due to its linear design, allowing for smooth key presses without the clicky sounds found in other switch types. This makes it an ideal choice for those who prefer a quiet typing experience, particularly in shared spaces. On the other hand, the Mini i features a neutral sound profile that balances between being muted and providing enough acoustic feedback for a satisfying typing experience. This subtlety is well-suited for professional settings where reducing noise is advantageous, yet still delivers a comforting auditory response to each keystroke.
In terms of feel, the Grape Orange switch is celebrated for its exceptionally light and effortless actuation, requiring only 40g of force to register a key press. This creates a fluid typing sensation that minimizes finger fatigue, making it superb for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. The Gateron Mini i, in contrast, offers a unique combination of tactility with its bouncy and gently responsive characteristics. It allows for a lively typing experience while being easy to press, requiring minimal effort. The switch's mild and subtle tactile feedback strikes a balance that many find appealing, especially in an office environment where comfort and smoothness during extended use are paramount.
In conclusion, both the Huano Grape Orange and Gateron Mini i switches cater to different preferences while still aligning in terms of specific typing needs. The Grape Orange's focus on light actuation and silent operation makes it perfect for those who prioritize a smooth, quiet experience. Meanwhile, the Mini i’s gentle tactility and muted sound add a refined touch for a professional atmosphere. Ultimately, the choice between them comes down to personal preference: if you prefer a linear, silent switch or a tactile, subtle switch that still maintains a level of feedback. Each switch delivers a comfortable typing experience, so either option will likely suit someone looking for high-quality keys tailored to their specific typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Huano Grape Orange linear switches and Gateron Mini i tactile switches ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you find yourself typing for extended periods and appreciate an exceptionally light and effortless experience, the Grape Orange switches are ideal for you. Their ultra-low 40g actuation force results in minimal finger fatigue, allowing for smooth and rapid keyboarding that is particularly beneficial for long writing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, if you prefer a more structured typing experience with a gentle tactile feedback, the Gateron Mini i switches offer a balanced option. Their subtle bounciness and muted sound profile cater well to quieter office settings or shared workspaces, making them a solid choice for those who want to maintain professionalism while still enjoying tactile feedback. In essence, choose the Grape Orange for a feather-light, quick experience and the Mini i for a satisfying, tactile yet unobtrusive feel. Your choice should reflect not only what feels best under your fingers but also how and where you intend to use your keyboard.
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