Huano Grape Orange vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Huano Grape Orange and the Cherry Nixie offers a fascinating glimpse into the nuances of typing experiences. The Huano Grape Orange stands out for its remarkably light actuation force of just 40 grams, providing an easy and fluid typing experience that many users find ideal for long hours of work or gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie switches are celebrated for their substantial heft and textured feel, offering a beautifully balanced tactile experience complemented by the innovative improvements from the recent MX2A update. These switches are characterized by their 'thocky' sound profile and low-pitched feedback, making them a favorite among typists who appreciate a more traditional yet sophisticated feel. While the Grape Orange caters to those who prioritize a lightweight and swift typing experience, the Nixie appeals to users seeking depth and texture in their keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the Cherry Nixie switches, we see a marked difference in their top housing compositions. The Grape Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material's clarity allows for improved resonance, particularly advantageous for RGB lighting applications due to its translucency. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie employs a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound waves, creating a rounder affect that leads to a muted, warmer auditory experience. Thus, the fundamental difference between the two switches lies in their top housing materials, which distinctly influence the sound characteristics when a key is released.
Conversely, both the Grape Orange and the Nixie utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This shared material results in a consistent deeper sound profile across both switches when typing, as nylon's properties enhance the auditory perception by absorbing more sound. This means that while the top housing of the Grape Orange delivers a crisper sound during key release, the overall typing experience from both switches feels similar due to the nylon's dampening effects in the bottom housing. Therefore, even though the two switches diverge considerably in their top housing materials, they align in their bottom housing composition, leading to comparable feedback when pressing the keys.
In essence, the different top housing materials of the Grape Orange and Nixie delineate a clear distinction in sound characteristics, while the shared nylon bottom housing ties the two switches together in terms of typing feedback. This interplay demonstrates the principle of how the distinct properties of each housing contribute to the overall acoustic and tactile experience of a mechanical switch. While users may enjoy the bright clarity provided by the Grape Orange’s polycarbonate top, they will not miss out on the rich, deep feel that both switches offer thanks to their common nylon bottom housing. As a result, enthusiasts can expect a comprehensive sound experience that is simultaneously nuanced and fulfilling, showcasing how variations in material can create diverse yet complementary switch profiles.
Weight
The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, influencing their overall typing experience. The Grape Orange features a relatively light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie offers a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial and tactile feel when typing. Consequently, while the Grape Orange is more forgiving for long durations of use, the heavier Nixie provides a firmer response that some may find satisfying for precise keystrokes. Overall, if you are seeking a lighter switch for comfort and endurance, the Grape Orange is the preferable option; conversely, for those who appreciate a stronger push, the Nixie stands out with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, the Grape Orange offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Nixie has a slightly longer distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance reflects varied user preferences; gamers might favor the shorter Grape Orange switch for its quicker response time, making it ideal for rapid typing and gameplay. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie, with its longer travel distance, can provide a more pronounced tactile feedback, which some users might find more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. Therefore, those who prioritize responsiveness may prefer the Grape Orange as the shorter option, whereas individuals looking for a deeper feel might opt for the Nixie as the longer alternative.
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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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
When comparing the sound of the Huano Grape Orange and Cherry Nixie linear switches, it is clear that they offer distinct auditory experiences. The Grape Orange is known for its quiet operation, providing a more subdued and unintrusive sound profile that makes it suitable for environments where noise is a concern. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie switches produce a thocky sound that is deep and satisfying, akin to a low-pitched thud or soft knock as keys are pressed and released. This richer acoustic characteristic, enhanced by the combination of modern and traditional design elements, appeals to users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing.
In terms of feel, the Grape Orange switches are lauded for their exceptionally light typing experience, featuring an ultra-low actuation force of 40g. This makes them ideal for long typing sessions, as users can type with minimal effort and fatigue. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie switches are characterized by their textured feel, which introduces noticeable friction during key presses. This texture can enhance tactile feedback for some users, but others may prefer the smoother experience offered by lighter switches like the Grape Orange.
Overall, both the Huano Grape Orange and Cherry Nixie switches cater to different user preferences, with the Grape Orange focusing on a lightweight and quiet experience, while the Nixie offers a more tactile and acoustically satisfying typing experience. If you're seeking an effortless typing experience with minimal noise, the Grape Orange may be the better choice. However, if you value richer feedback from both sound and feel, the Nixie is likely to prove more enjoyable. Your ideal preference will largely depend on your typing style and environment, but either switch can provide a fulfilling experience tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Grape Orange and Cherry Nixie linear switches ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience, especially for extended periods, the Grape Orange is an excellent choice with its low actuation force of just 40 grams. This makes it particularly well-suited for those who enjoy rapid key presses, such as gamers or heavy typists who seek a softer landing with minimal finger fatigue. Conversely, if you prefer a more tactile and weighty experience, the Cherry Nixie might be the superior option. With a heavier bottom-out force of 80 grams, it offers a satisfying "thocky" sound and a textured feel that many enthusiasts appreciate, particularly for more deliberate typing and gaming. The Nixie’s deeper sound profile and robust resistance can enhance your overall tactile engagement with each keystroke. Thus, your decision should hinge on whether you value a lighter touch for speed or a heavier and more textured key press for feedback and control.
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