Huano Grape Orange vs. Cherry MX Black

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Grape Orange and Cherry MX Black offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Grape Orange is renowned for its incredibly light actuation force of just 40g, which promotes an effortless typing experience, making it an ideal choice for those who engage in long typing sessions. This switch is categorized as linear, providing a smooth keypress without any tactile bump or audible click, favoring a fast and fluid input style. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black, also a linear switch, boasts a firmer feel with its higher resistance and a textured smoothness thanks to Cherry's innovative Hyperglide tooling. With its low-pitched and deep sound profile, the MX Black is often favored by typists who appreciate a more substantial and deliberate key press, adding a reassuring weight to each stroke. Each switch brings its own set of advantages: whether you prioritize a lightweight and rapid response like the Grape Orange, or a sturdier and more tactile typing experience like the MX Black. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Grape Orange Linear

Cherry MX Black Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$4.00 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the Cherry MX Black switches, a key distinction lies in their top housing compositions. The Grape Orange utilizes polycarbonate, a material known for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper, more resonant sound profile. This contributes to a higher-pitched auditory feedback when typing, especially beneficial for those who prefer a crisper sound during use. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black employs a nylon top housing, which offers a softer touch and absorbs sound more effectively. This results in a deeper and rounder audio experience. Thus, while the Grape Orange's polycarbonate top allows for a brighter sound that resonates under RGB lighting, the MX Black's nylon top produces a more subdued auditory response.

On the other hand, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material, as both the Grape Orange and MX Black utilize nylon. This choice of material provides a uniform depth of sound, as nylon’s softer plastic absorbs vibrations, leading to a consistently fuller sound when bottoming out the keys. In this instance, the sound profile produced by both switches remains similar, highlighting how the bottom housing's characteristics unify their acoustic responses. For players who prioritize a balanced sound while typing or gaming, this common feature may provide a desirable consistency in feedback regardless of the switch type being engaged.

Ultimately, the differences between the Grape Orange and MX Black are most pronounced in their top housings, where polycarbonate and nylon produce divergent sound profiles that influence the overall typing experience. The Grape Orange's sharper, more resonant sound contrasts with the MX Black's deeper tones, fostering distinct auditory environments. However, the shared nylon bottom housing contributes to a similar depth in sound when the keys are pressed down, allowing for a cohesive experience in terms of bottom-out feedback across both switches. Users can thus expect variability in typing sound based on the switch's top housing material while enjoying a common sound quality from the nylon components at the bottom.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, notable differences emerge that cater to diverse typing preferences. The Huano Grape Orange features an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option that is ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming due to its lower resistance. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a firmer typing experience. This fundamental distinction indicates that users who favor a lighter touch may gravitate toward the Huano switch, while those who appreciate a stronger action might prefer the Cherry MX Black. Thus, the Huano Grape Orange can be considered more suitable for long hours of use, while the Cherry MX Black caters to those who enjoy a heftier keystroke feel.

Travel distance

The Huano Grape Orange linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Black linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, the Grape Orange will feel more responsive due to its shorter travel distance, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who favor quicker response times. In contrast, the MX Black switch provides a more substantial depth with its longer travel distance, appealing to users who prefer a more pronounced key press that can feel more satisfying. Therefore, if responsiveness is your priority, the Grape Orange is the preferable choice, while those seeking a deeper feel may gravitate towards the Cherry MX Black.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Grape Orange linear switches offer a more subdued auditory experience that is often characterized by a lack of distinct noise during operation, making them well-suited for quiet environments and prolonged use without disturbing others. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switches produce a low-pitched sound that is deeper and more resonant, which can add a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. This bass-heavy tone appeals to users who appreciate a mellow auditory profile, although the sound can slightly vary depending on the keyboard and keycap choices.

Regarding the feel, the Grape Orange switches are known for providing an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, making them ideal for long typing sessions without causing much strain on the fingers. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switches feature a textured and stiff feel, requiring more force to actuate. The noticeable friction enhances tactile feedback for some users but might be less appealing for those who prefer a smoother experience. As a result, the typing feel between the two switches can be quite different, catering to varying preferences in how keys engage and respond during use.

Combining this information, it is clear that the Huano Grape Orange and Cherry MX Black switches cater to distinct user preferences in both sound and feel. The Grape Orange offers a lighter, quieter typing experience, making it excellent for long periods of use, while the Cherry MX Black provides a satisfying auditory depth and a more tactile resistance that appeals to enthusiasts who enjoy a significant feedback sensation. Ultimately, your choice will largely depend on your typing style and environment, as both switches provide unique experiences in their own right.

Conclusion

To conclude, when selecting between the Huano Grape Orange and Cherry MX Black linear switches, your choice should primarily reflect your typing style and comfort requirements. If you prioritize a lighter, more effortless typing experience, especially during long sessions, the Grape Orange switch, with its low actuation force of just 40 grams, will cater to your needs perfectly. It is ideal for those who prefer a soft touch and less resistance, making it a great choice for both casual typing and gaming where rapid keystrokes are crucial. Conversely, if you favor a more robust feel with a higher bottom-out force of 80 grams, the Cherry MX Black might be your go-to. Its textured, low-pitched sound creates a satisfying auditory feedback that can enhance your typing experience, especially if you enjoy the tactile sensation of a firmer key press. Furthermore, MX Blacks are designed for those who may inadvertently bottom out frequently or require precise keystrokes, as their heavier resistance allows for more intentional typing. Ultimately, assess your priorities—comfort versus tactile feedback—and choose the switch that best aligns with your preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Black Linear

$4.00 per 10

Learn more