Huano Grape Orange vs. KTT MoonRosa
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the KTT MoonRosa switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Grape Orange and the KTT MoonRosa both present enticing options for enthusiasts and casual users alike. The Grape Orange switch is renowned for its ultra-light 40g actuation force, making it an excellent choice for those who engage in prolonged typing sessions, as it reduces fatigue with a notably effortless touch. On the other hand, the KTT MoonRosa shines with its all-POM construction, delivering a remarkably smooth typing experience paired with a neutral sound signature, which appeals to users who prioritize acoustics and tactile feedback. While both switches fall into the linear category, they cater to different preferences—whether you prioritize lightness or a premium build quality. 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
37g
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
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The Huano Grape Orange and KTT MoonRosa switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles. The Grape Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, making it particularly effective for showcasing RGB lighting. In contrast, the MoonRosa utilizes a POM top housing, known for producing a deeper and more muted sound. The distinction between these two materials results in different acoustic experiences: the Grape Orange excels in delivering clarity and brightness, while the MoonRosa leans towards a warmer and softer tonal quality.
When considering the bottom housing materials, both switches utilize nylon and POM respectively, which further differentiate their sound characteristics. The Grape Orange's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and results in a duller resonance. Conversely, the MoonRosa's POM bottom housing also produces a unique, pleasing sound that is characterized by a deeper and more muted feel. The combination of the bottom housing materials plays a critical role in the overall tactile experience and bottom-out sound of the switches, with the Grape Orange providing a richer resonance while the MoonRosa maintains a more subdued sound signature.
In comparing these two switches, it's essential to note how each material's attributes contribute to their sound profiles. Although the Grape Orange and MoonRosa utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, they are both designed to offer distinct auditory experiences. The Grape Orange's polycarbonate top promotes crispness, while its nylon bottom captures deeper tones, whereas the MoonRosa's POM materials create a consistently muted acoustic quality throughout. Despite their differences, both switches can deliver enjoyable types of feedback, appealing to different user preferences. Ultimately, anyone considering one of these switches will find unique attributes in both, yet they can achieve satisfying sound results through their respective materials' interaction.
Weight
The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the KTT MoonRosa linear switch exhibit differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Grape Orange requires an actuation force of 40 grams to register a keystroke, while the MoonRosa has a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams. This makes the MoonRosa a better option for users seeking a lighter touch for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. In terms of bottom out force, the Grape Orange has a bottom out force of 50 grams, compared to the 45 grams of the MoonRosa. This difference in bottom out force suggests that the Grape Orange provides a more substantial feel when fully pressed down, while the MoonRosa offers a gentler experience. Overall, those who prefer a lighter typing experience might gravitate towards the KTT MoonRosa, while those desiring a heavier feel could opt for the Huano Grape Orange.
Travel distance
The Huano Grape Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT MoonRosa linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Grape Orange offers a bit more depth in its keystroke compared to the MoonRosa, allowing for a more pronounced tactile experience. For gamers seeking faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the MoonRosa may be more appealing, as it can facilitate quicker actuation. However, those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing might prefer the Grape Orange due to its longer travel distance, which can provide a satisfying depth during use. In summary, while both switches are relatively close in terms of travel distance, the Grape Orange is the longer option at 3.6 mm, whereas the MoonRosa is the shorter one at 3.5 mm.
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 KTT MoonRosa comes in at $4.88 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 switch presents a somewhat generic acoustic profile, but specific descriptive qualities are lacking. It's important to note that the sound produced can be heavily influenced by the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used. In contrast, the KTT MoonRosa switch is characterized by its low-pitched sound signature, which tends to provide a more bass-heavy and mellow auditory experience. This difference may lead users to perceive the Grape Orange switch as less defined in sound when compared to the more subdued and rich tone of the MoonRosa.
In terms of feel, the Huano Grape Orange shines with its ultra-light actuation force of just 40g, delivering an exceptionally effortless typing experience that is ideal for extended typing sessions. Its smoothness is acknowledged, though detailed descriptors for its tactile characteristics are missing. On the other hand, the KTT MoonRosa offers a mild typing feel that strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness. The easy-to-press nature of the MoonRosa switches aligns closely with the Grape Orange, as both emphasize a gentle resistance and a light touch. This harmony contributes to reduced finger fatigue, making both switches excellent options for long-duration use.
In summary, both the Huano Grape Orange and KTT MoonRosa linear switches cater to typists seeking comfort and ease of use, with the Grape Orange focusing on an ultra-light actuation while the MoonRosa adds a low-pitched sound dimension to the experience. Although the Grape Orange lacks specific details regarding its sound and feel, the shared qualities of lightness and smoothness between the two suggest that users can expect a satisfactory performance from either option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will hinge on personal preference regarding sound signature, with the MoonRosa likely appealing more to those who appreciate a mellower auditory experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Huano Grape Orange and the KTT MoonRosa linear switches really depends on your typing style and preferences. If you're looking for a switch that provides an incredibly light and effortless typing experience with minimal actuation force, the Grape Orange is an excellent choice, especially if you plan to engage in long typing sessions where comfort is key. Its 40g actuation force and smooth feedback can help you achieve quicker typing speeds while reducing finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth and slightly more subdued typing experience, the KTT MoonRosa might be the better option for you. With its all-POM construction, it offers a pleasant, mild feel that’s easy to press and a low-pitched sound signature that is less jarring than other switches. Ultimately, it all boils down to whether you prioritize an ultra-light actuation for speed and comfort or a smoother, quieter experience for a more versatile typing environment.