Huano Grape Orange vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Grape Orange and the Gateron Mountain Top both offer unique experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Grape Orange switches are celebrated for their incredibly light actuation force of just 40 grams, providing an effortless typing experience that can be especially beneficial during long typing sessions where fatigue could be a concern. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switches are designed with office environments in mind, delivering a balance of quiet operation and a pleasantly light feel that ensures discretion during use. While the Grape Orange promises a very smooth, bouncy typing experience, the Mountain Top leans towards a more subdued auditory profile, making it suitable for quieter office spaces. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize a lightweight touch for extended use or a quieter keypress that doesn't disrupt your surroundings. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal 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 Mountain Top switches, there are notable differences in their top housings. The Grape Orange utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This material's clarity enhances the resonance of the switch, making it particularly effective for users who prioritize sound crispness and the aesthetic advantage of RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. In contrast, the Mountain Top employs a nylon top housing, known for its softer nature that produces a fuller, rounder sound. This differentiation in materials contributes to a distinct auditory experience; the Grape Orange is designed for those who favor a more articulate sound, while the Mountain Top appeals to users seeking a warmer acoustic tone.
On the other hand, both switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material, leading to similar auditory characteristics in that regard. Nylon is revered as a classic switch housing material, and both the Grape Orange and Mountain Top benefit from its ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This absorption results in a deeper and mellower sound profile in both switches, allowing for a rich and enjoyable typing experience, regardless of the differences in their top housings. Therefore, while the aesthetic and tonal qualities during key release differ due to the top materials, the bottom housings ensure consistency in generating a satisfying sound and feel at the point of bottoming out.
In essence, while the Huano Grape Orange and Gateron Mountain Top switches use different top housing materials that contribute to their unique audio profiles, the use of nylon for both switches' bottom housings results in shared characteristics in their sound dampening and overall typing experience. Users who switch between these two options will experience contrasting auditory sensations during key presses and releases, but the common ground in the nylon construction helps achieve uniformity in terms of bottom-out feel and sound. Therefore, the choice between the two ultimately hinges on personal preference for sound clarity versus warmth, rather than any deficiency in performance or tactile responsiveness.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it's notable that both share the same actuation force of 40 grams, as well as an identical bottom out force of 50 grams. This similarity means users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of keystroke responsiveness and the feel of a full key press. Consequently, both switches are considered light, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons without causing excessive finger fatigue. Since the actuation and bottom out forces are equal, users will achieve similar results in terms of responsiveness and tactile feedback, regardless of the switch chosen, making either a good option for those who prefer a softer touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Grape Orange features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mountain Top has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Mountain Top the more responsive option, ideal for gamers seeking faster reaction times due to its reduced distance. Conversely, the Grape Orange's 3.6 mm travel distance may provide a more substantial tactile experience, which some users may prefer for its depth. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference: if one values quicker actuation, the Mountain Top is the superior choice; if a fuller keystroke is desired, the Grape Orange stands out.
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 Mountain Top 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 it comes to sound, the Huano Grape Orange switch has not been explicitly described, leaving its auditory experience somewhat ambiguous. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is engineered to provide a neutral sound profile. This means that while it ensures a relatively quiet operation—ideal for office environments—it doesn't completely eliminate sound. The Mountain Top's moderate sound signature could be beneficial for those who work in shared spaces, as it maintains a discreet presence without being overly disruptive. Overall, users should consider that the overall sound experience will still vary depending on the keyboard build and keycap material chosen.
In terms of feel, the Grape Orange switch offers an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, which significantly reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Although specific details about its tactile feedback are lacking, it is undoubtedly designed for comfort. The Mountain Top switch, on the other hand, stands out for its bouncy characteristics, providing a spring-like, elastic touch that enhances the overall typing experience. It is easy to press, requiring minimal force while delivering a lively response, making it ideal for extended use. Additionally, its mild and subtle qualities cater to a broad range of users, ensuring that the typing experience remains approachable without being overwhelming.
In summary, while both the Huano Grape Orange and Gateron Mountain Top linear switches cater to users seeking a light actuation force, they present different auditory and tactile experiences. The Grape Orange boasts an effortless typing feel, which is particularly advantageous for long sessions, despite lacking detailed information on its sound signature. Conversely, the Mountain Top switch offers a discreet sounding switch with a bouncy, spring-like feel and easy actuation, making it well-suited for office environments. Therefore, choosing between these two will largely depend on the specific requirements of the user, as they can both yield a satisfying typing experience under different conditions.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Grape Orange and Gateron Mountain Top linear switches largely depends on your specific needs and typing environment. If you're looking for a switch that offers a lightweight and effortless typing experience, particularly for long typing sessions, the Grape Orange is an excellent choice. Its ultra-low actuation force of 40 grams allows for minimal finger fatigue, making it ideal for users who prioritize comfort during extensive use. Additionally, if you're considering a more tactile and lively feel to your typing, the Grape Orange's characteristics are designed to enhance your engagement with each keystroke. Conversely, if you work in an office setting or shared workspace where discretion is key, the Gateron Mountain Top switches would likely serve you better. With their balanced sound profile and mild feedback, these switches support a more subdued typing experience without sacrificing the responsiveness you need for productive work. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize comfort and feel for long typing sessions or seek a quieter switch conducive to a professional environment.
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