Huano Grape Orange vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches can make all the difference, and two popular options among enthusiasts are the Huano Grape Orange and the KTT Orange switches, both of which are linear switches. The Grape Orange is well-known for its exceptionally light 40g actuation force, making it ideal for long typing sessions where comfort and ease of use are paramount. In contrast, the KTT Orange switches offer a bouncy typing feel thanks to their unique 22mm long spring, along with premium materials like a polycarbonate milky top housing and a low-pitched sound profile that provides a smooth, frictionless experience. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Grape Orange excels in effortless key presses, while the KTT Orange delivers a more dynamic, tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities, so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials utilized in the Huano Grape Orange and the KTT Orange exhibit both similarities and differences that influence the overall acoustic qualities and performance of the switches. Both switches share polycarbonate as the material for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic arises from polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature, allowing for enhanced resonance and clarity when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate not only contributes to the aesthetic appeal of the switches but also enhances their compatibility with RGB lighting. Thus, in terms of the top housing, both switches will produce a similar auditory experience, demonstrating how polycarbonate can elevate sound quality.
Conversely, the bottom housing materials of the Grape Orange and the KTT Orange diverge significantly, leading to differing impacts on the typing experience. The Grape Orange employs nylon for its bottom housing, a classic material known for delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer properties. This softness allows nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a more subdued, rounded auditory feedback. In contrast, the KTT Orange features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which mirrors the crispness found in its top housing. Consequently, this configuration leads to a sharper and more resonant sound profile when typing, emphasizing the importance of housing material in delivering a distinctive feel and sound during use.
In summary, while both the Huano Grape Orange and the KTT Orange share a common top housing material—polycarbonate—leading to similar high-pitched auditory qualities, they diverge markedly in their bottom housing materials. The combination of nylon in the Grape Orange offers a fuller sound experience, while the compatibility of polycarbonate in both housings of the KTT Orange generates a more consistent, crisp sound profile throughout. Thus, the interplay between the different housing materials creates varied auditory experiences that are essential when evaluating the overall performance of these switches. Understanding this relationship is key when selecting a switch that aligns with personal preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, notable differences are evident 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 particularly suitable for users who favor a lighter touch for typing or gaming over extended sessions. In contrast, the KTT Orange has a medium-light actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, appealing to those who prefer a bit more resistance for a more substantial typing experience. As a result, the Huano Grape Orange is the lighter option, while the KTT Orange is the heavier switch. Although both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback, the Grape Orange caters to those looking for a more effortless keystroke, whereas the KTT Orange balances between lightness and resistance, making it versatile for varied user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, the Grape Orange measures 3.6 mm, while the KTT Orange has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The difference is minimal, but it does highlight the Grape Orange as the longer option and the KTT Orange as the shorter one. For gamers who prioritize quick response times, the KTT Orange may be the more appealing choice due to its reduced travel distance. However, those who appreciate a more substantial feel during key presses might prefer the Grape Orange. Despite their close measurements, the slight variance could lead to differing tactile experiences, making your choice dependent on personal preference for either responsiveness or depth in a switch.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange 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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Huano Grape Orange and the KTT Orange switches, there's a notable distinction. The Grape Orange's sound characteristics aren’t explicitly detailed, but given its focus on a light typing experience, it's reasonable to infer that its acoustic output may lean towards a more subtle presence. In contrast, the KTT Orange switch is defined by its low-pitched sound profile, which is typically described as mellow and bass-heavy. This means you can expect a smoother auditory experience that pairs well with its designed typing action, creating a serene environment that many typists find appealing.
In terms of feel, the Grape Orange switch is known for its ultra-low 40g actuation force, which provides an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, ideal for prolonged use without fatigue. This lightweight characteristic contrasts with the KTT Orange, which is designed to deliver a bouncy feel thanks to its 22mm long spring. This "bouncy" sensation provides a lively rebound effect when keys are pressed, contributing to a energetic typing experience. Furthermore, the factory-lubed POM stem in the KTT Orange offers a frictionless key travel, enhancing the ease of each keystroke and allowing for fluid mobility. While the Grape Orange prioritizes minimal weight for prolonged typing comfort, the KTT Orange emphasizes a dynamic tactile feedback paired with an exceptionally smooth action.
In conclusion, both the Huano Grape Orange and KTT Orange switches present unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences. The Grape Orange’s lighter actuation makes it suitable for extended sessions, while the KTT Orange's bouncy and frictionless characteristics can be exhilarating for those seeking a lively typing feel. If sound is a primary concern, the low-pitched nature of the KTT Orange may be preferable for those wanting a mellower sound, but the Grape Orange can still offer a gentle typing experience. Overall, with these distinct qualities, both switches can provide satisfying results, whether you prioritize a lightweight touch or a bouncy, engaging typing sensation.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, your preferences and typing habits will guide your choice. If you prioritize a lightweight and effortless typing experience, especially for extended sessions, the Huano Grape Orange with its ultra-low 40g actuation force and smooth feel is an ideal choice. This switch is fantastic for those who enjoy a light touch and may find themselves typing for long hours without fatigue. On the other hand, if you favor a bit more feedback and a lively typing experience, the KTT Orange with its slightly higher bottom-out force of 53 grams and a bouncy feel would be more suitable. This switch provides a slick, frictionless key travel and a low-pitched sound profile that offers a satisfying sensation during each keystroke. Therefore, your decision should reflect your individual requirements—whether that’s maintaining a light, quick touch with the Grape Orange or enjoying the more dynamic and refined feedback of the KTT Orange.
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