Huano Grape Orange vs. Cherry MX Red

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, both the Huano Grape Orange and Cherry MX Red offer distinct advantages, appealing to different types of users despite being classified as linear switches. The Grape Orange switch is celebrated for its remarkably light actuation force of just 40 grams, creating an effortlessly smooth typing experience that is particularly beneficial for gamers or those engaged in lengthy typing sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red switch provides a slightly heftier feel and a deeper sound profile, often characterized as "thocky" and "low-pitched," which can enhance the tactile satisfaction for users who appreciate an auditory feedback while typing. While the Grape Orange excels in comfort and speed, the Cherry MX Red stands out for its robust build and auditory depth. 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 Red Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$5.90

$4.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Huano Grape Orange and the Cherry MX Red switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, which significantly affect their sound profiles during use. The Grape Orange utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, imparting a sharper and crisper sound quality due to the stiffness of the material. This enhances the resonant characteristics of the switch, giving it a more pronounced higher-pitched tone. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer texture. This softness helps absorb sound, leading to a deeper and more muted sound profile when the switch is actuated. The difference in housing materials translates to a notable divergence in auditory feedback and overall user experience between these two switches.

In terms of bottom housings, both switches employ nylon materials, leading to more similarities than differences in this aspect of their design. Both the Grape Orange and MX Red share the characteristics of nylon, which is well-regarded for its sound-absorbing qualities. This results in a fuller and deeper sound profile on the bottom-out, contributing a rich auditory experience when the key is fully pressed. Therefore, while the upper sections bring distinct qualities—sharp and resonant for the Grape Orange versus deep and muted for the MX Red—the bottom housings echo similar qualities, emphasizing a rounder sound whether engaging or disengaging keys.

Overall, the varied housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the user experience and acoustic signature of each switch. The contrasting top housings of the Grape Orange and MX Red lead to a pronounced differentiation in the sound heard during key releases, while their shared nylon bottom housings create a consistent foundation for sound absorption upon bottoming out. Users can expect a lively and bright auditory feedback with the Grape Orange from the polycarbonate structure, while the MX Red will offer a smoother, muted experience. Nonetheless, those who value both switches can appreciate how their different materials produce unique outcomes; if one were to use both, the overall typing experience would converge into a harmonious blend of sharpness and depth, leveraging the strengths of both housing materials to achieve varied but complementary sounds during use.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams to the Cherry MX Red linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams and an unknown bottom out force, we can see some clear distinctions in their characteristics. The Grape Orange is lighter overall, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions, as less force is required to actuate each key. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red is slightly heavier when it comes to actuation, which may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a stronger push during typing. The bottom out force for the MX Red is unknown, but as the Huano Grape Orange has a defined bottom out force, it allows for a better comparison between the two in terms of key feel. Ultimately, if you're looking for a lightweight switch that promotes longer typing without fatigue, the Grape Orange may be the better choice, while the Cherry MX Red may appeal more to users who appreciate a firmer feedback in their keystrokes.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, the Grape Orange measures 3.6 mm, while the MX Red has a travel distance of 4.0 mm. This makes the Grape Orange the shorter of the two, appealing to gamers and those who favor faster response times due to its more responsive feel. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial and traditional keystroke experience for users who prefer a deeper press. The differences in these travel distances suggest varying user experiences; individuals who appreciate a quick and responsive action might gravitate toward the Grape Orange, while those seeking a more tactile depth could opt for the Cherry MX Red.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Huano Grape Orange switch has not been explicitly defined in this context, leaving its acoustic characteristics a bit of a mystery. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red switch is recognized for its distinct thocky and low-pitched sound profile. This means that when you type on an MX Red, you can expect a deep, rich auditory feedback akin to a soft knock, which can enhance the overall experience of typing and gaming. The auditory depth of the MX Red adds a satisfying layer to each keystroke, contributing to a more enjoyable typing atmosphere.

As for feel, the Grape Orange switch remains undefined, so we can't delve into the intricacies of its tactile experience. Conversely, the Cherry MX Red is known for a textured sensation, which offers a bit of friction when pressed. This texture can be appreciated by users who enjoy a more engaged typing experience, fostering an intimate connection with each keystroke. However, those who favor a smooth and frictionless experience might find the MX Red less appealing compared to other options with refined tactile feedback.

In summary, while the Huano Grape Orange switch boasts an exceptionally light actuation force that is great for long typing sessions, it lacks clarity in both sound and feel based on the available information. In comparison, the Cherry MX Red switch stands out with its satisfying thocky sound and a textured feel, catering to users who appreciate those qualities. If the subjective experience of sound and feel with the Grape Orange were known, we could better assess how they might align or differ from the Cherry MX Red, but as it stands, each switch brings its unique flair to the tabletop.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, your preferences and typing habits will ultimately guide your choice. If you favor a lightweight and responsive feel for long typing sessions, the Grape Orange is an excellent option, offering an effortless experience with its low 40g actuation force. This makes it ideal for those who prioritize speed and comfort, especially if you find yourself typing for extended periods. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more substantial and tactile keystroke accompanied by a satisfying sound profile, the Cherry MX Red may be the better fit. With its characteristic thocky sound and a textured feel, the MX Red can provide a more robust typing experience that many users find reassuring. In essence, your decision should be influenced by the type of feedback and sound you enjoy, as well as how much force you prefer when typing.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Red Linear

$5.90

$4.00 per 10

Learn more