Huano Grape Orange vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch that best suits your typing style, the Huano Grape Orange and Bsun Olive switches present two compelling yet distinct options. The Grape Orange switch is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force of just 40g, providing an effortless typing experience that is ideal for those who engage in extended typing sessions. This linear switch allows for quick keystrokes without the interruption of tactile bumps, making it a favorite among typists looking for smooth, uninterrupted flow. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switch offers a completely different experience; with its medium weight and pronounced tactile feedback, it boasts an invigorating sensation that's both satisfying and audible. The unique all-POM housing contributes to a deep, resonant sound, while the long pole stem ensures a crisp bottom-out, appealing to users who enjoy a more engaged typing experience. Each switch has its own advantages—whether you prioritize a light touch for fast-paced typing or a tactile feedback that enhances your connection with each keystroke. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the Bsun Olive switches demonstrate distinct characteristics that ultimately influence their acoustic profiles. The Grape Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a brighter, crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This quality ensures that when pressed, the sound generated is clear and resonant, making it particularly appealing when coupled with RGB lighting, as the transparency of polycarbonate adds an aesthetic dimension to the switch. In contrast, the Bsun Olive incorporates a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is reputed for delivering a deeper, more muted sound. Although POM also boasts a certain level of translucency, its sound profile tends to favor a softer auditory experience compared to the sharper tones produced by polycarbonate.
Examining the bottom housing materials reveals further contrasts between the two switches. The Grape Orange employs a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs sound waves, resulting in a more rounded auditory output that enhances the overall typing experience. Conversely, the Bsun Olive utilizes a POM bottom housing that similarly offers a unique sound quality—favoring deeper and more muted tones as well. Both the Olive and the Grape Orange thus share an affinity for forming a rich sound profile; however, the synergy of the Grape Orange's nylon bottom and polycarbonate top results in a clearer sound, while the Bsun Olive's consistent use of POM across both housing components leads to a more uniform but notably subdued auditory experience.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch affects their sound profiles in contrasting manners. In the Grape Orange, the melding of a stiffer polycarbonate top with a softer nylon bottom creates a distinctive sound signature that emphasizes the high tones during actuation while providing depth from the base. In comparison, the Bsun Olive’s uniform use of POM in both the top and bottom housings offers a more cohesive but deeper experience, lacking the brightness of the Grape Orange. If one were to seek similar auditory results from both switches, combining the unique qualities of each housing material in different configurations may yield balanced sound characteristics, allowing for a personal preference in auditory feedback during typing. Nonetheless, the inherent differences in hardness and sound absorption between polycarbonate and POM continue to shape the identity of each switch even in scenarios of material amalgamation.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch to the Bsun Olive tactile switch, we see a distinct difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Grape Orange features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Olive switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, catering to users who appreciate a more substantial and tactile feel in their keystrokes. This means that while the Grape Orange offers a softer touch and lighter feel, the Olive is designed for those seeking a firmer pushback, resulting in a more pronounced typing experience. Overall, if you favor a lighter switch for extended use, the Grape Orange would be the better option, while the Olive would be better for those who prefer medium-heavy resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, the Grape Orange features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Olive has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that offers a heartier depth with a more substantial feel, the Grape Orange would be the better choice, as it provides a longer travel distance. Conversely, if you prefer a switch that allows for quicker response times, the Olive would be more suitable due to its shorter travel distance. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences in tactile feedback and responsiveness, the Grape Orange is the longer option, and the Bsun Olive provides the shorter travel distance.
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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 it comes to sound, the Huano Grape Orange switches provide a quieter typing experience due to their linear nature, which minimizes noise during keypresses. This makes them an excellent choice for those who need a discreet workstation or prefer to keep ambient noise levels low. In contrast, the Bsun Olive switches boast a resonant, deep sound that adds an auditory layer to typing. The pronounced tactile feedback, combined with the long pole stem, contributes to a satisfying audible click at the bottom-out, creating a more pronounced acoustic signature that many find enjoyable and engaging. However, it is essential to note that the final sound profile can ultimately vary depending on the keyboard construction and keycap choices.
In terms of feel, the Grape Orange is celebrated for its ultra-light actuation force of 40g, resulting in an effortless typing experience that can be especially beneficial during long periods of use. This makes the linear switch feel smooth and fluid, which can be appealing to those who favor a soft touch. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switch is characterized by its medium weight and noticeable tactile feedback, making the typing experience more pronounced and engaging. Descriptions of the Olive switches indicate that they deliver a sharp and invigorating feel with a medium tactile response, providing a satisfying bump that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The snappiness of the Olive also enhances the overall interactive experience, making each keystroke feel crisp and responsive.
In summary, the Huano Grape Orange and Bsun Olive switches cater to different typing preferences. The Grape Orange’s linear and quiet nature offers smoothness and subtlety, making it ideal for those who prioritize a lightweight and serene typing experience. Conversely, the Bsun Olive switches provide a richer auditory and tactile experience with their pronounced feedback and deeper sound profile, appealing to users who enjoy a more dynamic and engaging feel. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you favor a light, seamless typing experience or a more textured and resonant interaction.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, consider your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience, especially for prolonged use, the Grape Orange is an excellent choice. Its low actuation force of 40 grams and gentle feedback make it ideal for tasks where speed and comfort are paramount, such as typing lengthy documents or code where minimal resistance is beneficial. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile sensation and richer auditory feedback, the Bsun Olive switch would suit you better. With a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and an invigorating, snappy feel, it provides a satisfying experience that enhances your engagement with each keystroke. The Olive switch strikes a balance between being tactile and not overly demanding, making it great for both typing and gaming, particularly if you appreciate the resonant sound characteristic of its unique design. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how much you value typing speed versus tactile feedback and sound, ensuring that you select a switch that enhances your overall experience.