Huano Grape Orange vs. Cherry MX Orange

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Grape Orange and the Cherry MX Orange offer distinct features that cater to different typing preferences. The Huano Grape Orange is renowned for its incredibly light actuation force of just 40g, providing an effortless typing experience that is ideal for long hours of typing without fatigue. This switch is categorized as a linear switch, meaning it offers a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback, allowing for rapid and uninterrupted input. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange showcases the classic characteristics of the original MX Orange switches, now enhanced with the MX2A generation improvements for better durability and performance. While retaining a linear design, the Cherry MX Orange offers a slightly more substantial feel, appealing to users who prefer a bit more resistance during each keystroke. Both switches have their unique advantages, making them suitable for different types of users depending on their typing style and needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Grape Orange Linear

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the Cherry MX Orange, the distinct differences in their top housings stand out prominently. The Grape Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic stems from the material's increased stiffness, which enhances resonance and clarity when typing. Conversely, the Cherry MX Orange incorporates a nylon top housing, a classic material celebrated for its softer properties that absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. The contrasting effects of these materials suggest that while the Grape Orange may provide a more vibrant sound suitable for RGB lighting aesthetics, the Cherry MX Orange would deliver a richer and more rounded sound profile that many users may prefer for a more subdued typing experience.

Despite the variations in the top housing, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing materials, as both utilize nylon. This consistency means that the sound and feel produced upon bottoming out when a key is pressed will retain certain characteristics regardless of the top housing material. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and more muted sound regardless of the sharper polycarbonate or deeper nylon top, allowing for a cohesive auditory response during actuation. Therefore, while the top housings influence the key release sound and overall resonance, the bottom housings serve to anchor the typing experience; thus, both switches can achieve similar auditory results during key presses, even though they differ when keys are released.

In summary, while the Huano Grape Orange and the Cherry MX Orange switches are equipped with differing top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a notable cohesiveness in overall performance. This interplay suggests that users may still enjoy a satisfying bottom-out experience while the type of sound produced when releasing the key will be influenced by the materials of the top housing. Therefore, both switches cater to different preferences in sound profile while fulfilling a similar role in offering a consistent typing sensation and experience, making each a solid choice depending on the user's auditory and tactile desires.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch with the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force. The Grape Orange requires a relatively light actuation force of 40 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, whether for extended work sessions or prolonged gaming. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, catering to those who favor a more substantial feel when typing. Regarding bottom out forces, the Grape Orange features a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the bottom out force for the MX Orange remains unknown. This means that the Grape Orange not only has a lighter actuation force but also a defined bottom out feel, whereas the Cherry MX Orange’s bottom out characteristics are unspecified. In summary, if you prefer a lighter switch for easier typing or gaming, the Huano Grape Orange would be the better choice, while the Cherry MX Orange offers a heavier actuation for those looking for a firmer touch.

Travel distance

The Huano Grape Orange linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Orange linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Grape Orange switch offers a shorter actuation distance compared to the MX Orange, which can provide a more responsive feel, particularly appealing to gamers who favor quick actions and faster response times. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange's longer travel distance of 4 mm may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial keypress, offering a sense of depth that some find more satisfying for typing or general use. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus keypress feedback, with the Grape Orange being the shorter option and the MX Orange being the longer of the two.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Huano Grape Orange switches produce a sound profile that is notably quieter than many other switches, thanks to their linear design, which lacks the tactile feedback or click sound found in other switch types. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Orange switches are designed to offer a subdued audio experience as well. Although both switches are less noisy than tactile or clicky counterparts, the specific sound character may vary slightly based on the keyboard construction and keycap materials, but in general, users can expect a relatively calm atmosphere with either option.

When it comes to feel, the Grape Orange switches provide an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, offering a very soft actuation that many users find appealing for long typing sessions. In comparison, the Cherry MX Orange may be favored for those who appreciate a somewhat heavier resistance, yet still deliver a linear experience. While both switches ultimately fall within the linear category, the Grape Orange's ultra-low actuation force creates a more floaty sensation, while the MX Orange offers a more controlled, steady feel beneath the fingers.

In conclusion, both the Huano Grape Orange and Cherry MX Orange linear switches cater to users seeking quieter operation and a smooth typing experience, but they differ in actuation forces that influence the overall feel. The Grape Orange is lauded for its ultra-light touch, making it ideal for prolonged use, whereas the MX Orange provides a bit more resistance, appealing to those who prefer a solid typing feedback without tactile bumps or clicks. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding how light or firm one prefers their switches during long typing sessions.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch ultimately comes down to your typing preferences and intended usage. If you're someone who values a light touch and an effortless typing experience, especially during long work or gaming sessions, the Grape Orange switch with its ultra-low 40g actuation force will likely be more to your liking, as it provides a comfortable feel that minimizes finger fatigue. However, if you prefer a more traditional approach with enhanced durability and a reputation for quality stemming from its reissue, the Cherry MX Orange switch might be the better choice for you. It offers a solid performance rooted in reliability, making it excellent for those who enjoy a reputable switch from a well-established brand. Additionally, while both switches might have different sound profiles and tactile feedback, you should consider which one aligns best with your personal sound preferences and typing style. Ultimately, recognizing these subtle yet impactful differences will help you make an informed decision tailored to your specific needs.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn more