Huano Grape Orange vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Grape Orange and Cherry MX Silent Red offer distinct features that cater to different preferences and needs. The Grape Orange is celebrated for its incredibly light actuation force of just 40g, providing users with an effortless and smooth typing experience that is especially beneficial during long typing sessions. This linear switch emphasizes a quick responsiveness without the fatigue that heavier switches might introduce. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red, while also a linear switch, strikes a balance between weight and sound, delivering a slightly heavier feel compared to the Grape Orange. What sets the Silent Red apart is its remarkably quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for those who require a more subdued environment or frequently work around colleagues or family. Both switches present compelling reasons to choose them based on typing style and surroundings; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Huano Grape Orange and Cherry MX Silent Red switches present an intriguing comparison in their choice of housing materials, particularly in their top housings. The Grape Orange utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for delivering a sharper and more resonant sound profile due to its stiffer composition. This allows for a crisper auditory experience, particularly beneficial for users seeking the clarity that polycarbonate provides. Conversely, the MX Silent Red features a nylon top housing, which tends to produce a deeper and fuller sound. Here, the nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a more muted auditory feedback. This fundamental difference in material not only affects the acoustic qualities of the switches but also indicates a distinctive typing experience, highlighting how diverse housing materials can create varied sound profiles.
While the top housing materials differ, both switches share the same nylon material for their bottom housings. This commonality allows for some similarities in their overall sound profiles, particularly during key presses. Both switches leverage the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon, which helps create a duller and rounder sound that is generally well-received by users who prefer a quieter typing experience. The complete absorption of sound by the bottom housing means that, regardless of the top housing material, both switches will feel and sound deeper when bottomed out. This consistency in the bottom housing material mitigates the impact of the top housing differences, influencing the overall sound and tactile feedback when the switches are activated.
Ultimately, the juxtaposition of sound profiles between the Huano Grape Orange and Cherry MX Silent Red reveals a nuanced interplay between their different top housing materials and unified bottom housing construction. While the polycarbonate top of the Grape Orange enhances clarity and pitch, the MX Silent Red’s nylon top fosters a softer undertone. However, both switches utilize nylon in their bottoms, ensuring a shared acoustic depth. Consequently, those selecting between these two may base their choice not only on sound preference but also on the aesthetic qualities, especially regarding RGB lighting factors due to the Grape Orange’s clear top housing. Thus, they cater to distinct user preferences while maintaining some continuity in sound experience through the shared nylon bottom.
Weight
The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch present differing characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Grape Orange features an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option, ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions due to its ease of activation. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, suggesting a more substantial push feel for users who prefer that typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Silent Red is unknown, leaving a gap in a full comparison regarding how it feels when pressed down completely. Without this information, it's challenging to determine how the bottomed-out experience of the MX Silent Red compares to that of the Grape Orange. Overall, users who prioritize a lighter touch will likely find the Huano Grape Orange more suitable, while those who prefer a firmer keystroke may gravitate towards the Cherry MX Silent Red, despite not having complete information on its bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Huano Grape Orange features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that users who prioritize faster response times might find the Grape Orange to be a better option due to its shorter distance, providing a more responsive feel, which is often preferred by gamers. In contrast, the slightly longer travel of the MX Silent Red may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke experience, as it tends to feel less abrupt. Thus, if you're looking for a quicker actuation, the Grape Orange is the shorter choice, whereas the MX Silent Red offers a longer travel for those who favor a deeper feel.
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 Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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
The sound profile of the Huano Grape Orange switch remains undisclosed, making it difficult to directly compare it with the Cherry MX Silent Red. However, the MX Silent Red is designed for a peaceful typing experience, characterized as muted, thocky, and low-pitched. This combination results in a soft and quieter sound, minimizing distractions for both the user and anyone nearby. Users in noise-sensitive environments will surely appreciate the subdued nature of the MX Silent Red, which offers a significant advantage over more traditional, noisier switches.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Grape Orange switch is recognized for providing an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience with its ultra-low 40g actuation force. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red feels slightly heftier, akin to its classic Red counterpart, but includes a textured quality that may be perceptible to users—adding a unique twist to the experience. While the Grape Orange aims for a smooth and easy press, the Silent Red’s textured sensation may introduce a level of friction that could be polarizing among typists.
In conclusion, the Huano Grape Orange and Cherry MX Silent Red switches cater to different preferences in the realm of mechanical keyboards. The Grape Orange offers a lightweight actuation ideal for prolonged use, while the Silent Red presents a quiet typing experience with a somewhat heftier and textured feel. Collectively, these qualities indicate that while both switches serve particular typing styles, their distinct attributes allow users to find the ideal match based on their specific needs, whether it be sound, feel, or overall experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch largely depends on your typing style and environment. If you prioritize a lightweight and effortless typing experience, the Grape Orange switch is ideal for long typing sessions, thanks to its low actuation force of 40 grams. This makes it particularly suitable for users who prefer or require fast and responsive keystrokes without fatigue. On the other hand, if you need a quieter switch for a noise-sensitive environment, the MX Silent Red offers a satisfying typing experience akin to the classic MX Red but operates silently, reducing disturbance to those around you. While the Grape Orange may not provide the same muted soundscape, it excels in providing a light and enjoyable feel during use. Ultimately, choosing the Grape Orange or the Cherry MX Silent Red hinges on whether you value a lighter switch for extended use or a quieter operation for shared spaces. Consider your preferences and usage scenarios to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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