Huano Grape Orange vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Huano Grape Orange, renowned for its ultra-low 40g actuation force, offers an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who spend long hours typing and prefer a smooth, linear feel. This switch is ideal for users who enjoy swift and consistent key presses without tactile feedback interruptions. In contrast, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) presents a tactile experience that is hard to match. With a distinctive sharp tactile bump during both downstroke and upstroke, these switches provide a more pronounced feel that is especially satisfying for typists who thrive on feedback and require a more structured typing experience. The Moyu Blacks, crafted with a premium PBT housing, evoke a unique blend of responsiveness and impact that can enhance the overall typing satisfaction. While both switches cater to different preferences—lightness and smoothness versus tactile feedback and robustness—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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches, distinct differences emerge, particularly in the types of plastics used for the top housings. The Grape Orange switch utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is primarily due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, enhancing sound resonance, making it an ideal choice for those who desire a clear auditory feedback during typing sessions. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch is equipped with a PBT top housing that offers more neutral sound characteristics. As a result, the Moyu Black’s sound profile is less pronounced, being described as neither particularly crisp nor dull. Thus, while both switches can deliver satisfying auditory experiences, they cater to different preferences based on the acoustics produced by their respective top housing materials.
In terms of bottom housing, the Grape Orange employs nylon, a material known for its classic characteristics in switch design, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer properties allow it to absorb sound, creating a more rounded auditory sensation. Conversely, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) uses PBT material for its bottom housing as well, which contributes to a similarly neutral sound profile, mirroring the PBT used in its top housing. This can lead to less pronounced overall differences in bottom-out sound dynamics compared to the nylon bottom housing of the Grape Orange. Therefore, while both switches utilize durable materials at the bottom, the variations in auditory feedback align with the housing choices, reinforcing the notion that specific sound qualities are linked to the materials employed within the switch construction.
Ultimately, when a switch features different materials for its top and bottom housings—as seen in the Grape Orange and Moyu Black switches—the resulting sound profiles are influenced by the interplay between these materials. The impact of each housing material emerges through user experience: the nylon bottom of the Grape Orange contributes to a more substantial and rounded feel during key presses, while the polycarbonate top accentuates the sharpness of keystrokes. In contrast, the Moyu Black maintains a more consistent neutral tone throughout its structure due to the use of PBT across both housings. Regardless, enthusiasts can derive enjoyment from both switches, appreciating their unique auditory feedback and tactile sensations, while acknowledging the specific characteristics imparted by the materials used in their construction.
Weight
The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch exhibit differing characteristics in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying user preferences. The Grape Orange features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience and longer gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, appealing to users who appreciate a more substantial push feel and tactile feedback. As a result, while the Grape Orange is the lighter option, the Moyu Black offers a more robust experience, which might better suit typists looking for a firmer keystroke. Overall, users should choose based on their typing preferences, with the lighter switch providing ease of use and the heavier switch delivering a more grounded sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Grape Orange has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Moyu Black measures 4 mm. This means that the Grape Orange provides a shorter travel distance, making it potentially better suited for gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate actuation. In contrast, the Moyu Black, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and deeper key presses, as it allows for a more gradual feel when typing or gaming. Therefore, if you're looking for a more responsive switch, the Grape Orange would be the optimal choice due to its shorter travel distance, while the Moyu Black would be ideal for those who enjoy a fuller typing experience with its longer travel.
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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 linear switches provide a relatively quiet typing experience, making them ideal for those who prefer to type without distracting auditory feedback. The absence of a tactile bump leads to a smoother, uninterrupted sound profile, which can be beneficial in quiet environments or shared spaces. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switches produce a resonant sound that is both clean and sharp. Their design allows for a higher-pitched sound during key presses, enhancing the auditory feedback that many typists cherish. This distinct sound profile not only enriches the typing experience but also contributes to a more immersive environment, especially for those who enjoy the clicky or punchy acoustics associated with mechanical keyboards.
In terms of feel, the Grape Orange switches are characterized by their extremely light actuation force of only 40g, leading to an effortless and fluid typing experience. This makes them particularly suited for users who type for long periods, as the reduced require effort can help minimize fatigue. Conversely, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches are designed with a strong tactile bump, offering a noteworthy sharpness that provides a satisfying feedback on each key press. The pronounced tactile sensation during both the downstroke and upstroke creates a hypertactile feeling that many typists find appealing. These switches strike a balance between being distinctively sharp without feeling scratchy, making them an engaging choice for those who enjoy tactile feedback in their typing.
In conclusion, both the Huano Grape Orange linear and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switches cater to different typing preferences while offering unique experiences. The Grape Orange excels in providing a quiet, light typing experience ideal for extended use, while the Moyu Black delivers a pronounced tactile feedback with an engaging sound profile. If you're seeking a typing experience that minimizes sound and effort, the Grape Orange might be your go-to. However, if you appreciate strong tactile feedback and a more resonant auditory experience, the Moyu Black could be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize sound, tactile feedback, or a combination of both in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch that offers an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, the Huano Grape Orange linear switch is your best bet. Its low actuation force of only 40 grams makes it ideal for long typing sessions, providing a smooth feel that minimizes finger fatigue. This switch suits you if you value speed and fluidity in your keystrokes, whether you're gaming or typing out lengthy documents. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile experience that delivers a satisfying feedback with every press, then the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch would be more appropriate. With its stronger 67-gram bottom-out force and pronounced tactile bumps, this switch excels in providing a sharp and snappy feel, making it perfect for users who enjoy a more engaging typing experience or those who appreciate the audible feedback from resonant switches. Ultimately, your choice should hinge on your typing style; opt for the Grape Orange for light, effortless strokes, or select the Moyu Black for a rich tactile sensation that enhances your interaction with each keystroke.