An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Huano Grape Orange switches are celebrated for their extraordinarily light actuation force of just 40g, making them an ideal choice for those who favor a nimble and effortless typing experience, especially during marathon typing sessions. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White switches offer a more balanced approach with a medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, catering to users who seek a distinctive tactile feel without sacrificing smoothness thanks to their unique Ly stem. While the Grape Orange focuses on lightness for speed and comfort, the Neo White emphasizes a moderate feel that enhances typing satisfaction. Both switches have their own merits depending on what you're looking for in your typing experience, however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
40g
N/A
50g
58g
2.00 mm
2.00 mm
3.60 mm
3.60 mm
Yes
Yes
Partial box
Standard
POM
Ly
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate
Nylon
Nylon
PCB (5-pin)
PCB (5-pin)
22mm single-stage spring
Double-staged spring
The Huano Grape Orange and the Haimu Neo White share notable similarities in their housing materials, particularly in the use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches leverage polycarbonate’s unique properties to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that is highly favored in modern keyboard designs. The rigidity of polycarbonate contributes to a resonant audio output, ensuring clarity during typing sessions. Moreover, the translucency of the material enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, allowing for effective RGB lighting display. Since both switches utilize polycarbonate in the top housing, they promise a comparable performance in terms of sound quality and visual effects.
Contrasting these switches is their bottom housing material, where both employ nylon, a classic choice in switch design. The properties of nylon significantly influence the sound profile, providing a deeper and fuller auditory experience. Its softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic response. This distinction means that while both switches can achieve a high level of clarity and resonance from their polycarbonate tops, the nylon bottoms will add a depth to the overall sound profile that is unique to each switch. Consequently, the Grape Orange and Neo White will present different auditory experiences when bottoming out, despite their similar top housing materials.
In summary, while the Huano Grape Orange and Haimu Neo White utilize the same materials—polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom—the resulting sound profiles and aesthetic qualities will still differ due to the unique contributions each material makes to sound and feel. The polycarbonate tops focus on delivering clarity and brightness, while the nylon bottoms provide a fuller, more rounded tone when typing. This blend of materials allows for a rich auditory experience, where users can enjoy both the crisp articulation from the top and the warmth from the bottom, making both switches an excellent choice for different user preferences.
The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, making them suited for different typing preferences. The Grape Orange features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, allowing for effortless keystrokes and extended typing sessions without significant finger fatigue. In contrast, the Neo White switch has an unknown actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams. Given this information, the Neo White is expected to provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the Grape Orange is the lighter option, making it ideal for those who prioritize comfort and longer use, while the Neo White, with its heavier bottom out force, may cater to those seeking a more robust keystroke.
The travel distance of both the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch is the same, measuring 3.6 mm from top to bottom. This equal travel distance means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch, leading to consistent feedback and feel. Consequently, those who prefer one switch over the other can anticipate similar performance in terms of actuation distance, ensuring a uniformity that could enhance typing or gaming experiences.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 per 10 switches.
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.
The sound profile of the Huano Grape Orange is notably absent from the information provided, so it cannot be compared directly to the Haimu Neo White. The Neo White's sound is described as neutral, providing a moderate actuation force and sound profile that makes it versatile enough for use in various settings, from casual home use to a professional work environment. This neutrality ensures that it won't be overly intrusive, appealing to both beginners and advanced users.
When it comes to feel, the Grape Orange switch is recognized for its exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, featuring an actuation force of just 40g. This makes it suitable for lengthy typing sessions without causing fatigue. In contrast, the Neo White offers a medium weight with slightly reduced total travel, enhancing a smooth and satisfying keystroke thanks to its unique Ly stem. While the Grape Orange leans towards a lighter touch for a more fluid typing experience, the Neo White settles into a mild feel that balances gentleness with control.
In summary, while the Grape Orange and Neo White switches demonstrate different actuation forces and tactile characteristics, they both serve to provide distinct typing experiences suited to various user preferences. The Grape Orange focuses on a lightweight and effortless feel, making it ideal for prolonged use, while the Neo White delivers a smooth and balanced typing experience that appeals to a wider audience with its neutral sound and mild feel. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will hinge on your typing style and personal preferences.
To conclude, when considering whether to choose the Huano Grape Orange linear switch or the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it largely depends on your typing preferences and needs. If you find yourself typing for long periods and appreciate a light touch, the Grape Orange’s ultra-low actuation force of just 40 grams will feel effortless, ensuring comfort during extended sessions. Its lighter bottom out force of 50 grams further enhances this experience, making it a great option for those who prefer a softer key feel and rapid keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bit more resistance, the Neo White's medium bottom out force of 58 grams provides just that, offering a more tactile experience without sacrificing smoothness thanks to its unique Ly stem design. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate a neutral sound profile and a mild overall typing feel, which makes it versatile enough for various environments—be it at home or in an office setting. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should reflect your individual typing style, whether you lean towards a lighter, effortless feel with the Grape Orange or a slightly more robust and satisfying experience with the Neo White.