Huano Grape Orange vs. Haimu Orange Sea

Overview

When choosing between the Huano Grape Orange and the Haimu Orange Sea mechanical keyboard switches, both appealing options for typing enthusiasts, it's essential to consider their unique characteristics and how they align with your preferences. The Grape Orange switches are celebrated for their exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, featuring an ultra-low 40g actuation force that makes them ideal for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are renowned for their impeccably smooth feel and neutral sound signature, making them a great choice for those who prefer a quiet yet satisfying tactile interaction with each keystroke. While both switches offer distinct advantages, such as the Grape Orange's feather-light actuation and the Orange Sea’s smooth performance, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Grape Orange Linear

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$2.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Huano Grape Orange and the Haimu Orange Sea switches utilize identical materials for their top housing, which is made of polycarbonate. This choice of material in both switches results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant auditory experience when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an advantageous option for those who want to incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows the light to pass through effectively, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. Given that both switches share this material for their top housings, users can expect similar sound characteristics when engaged in activities such as gaming or typing.

On the other hand, the bottom housing of both switches is made from nylon, which distinctly shapes the auditory feedback experienced during typing. Unlike the polycarbonate top, nylon is a softer material that absorbs sound more efficiently. This absorption creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, contrasting the sharper notes from the top housing. As a result, when users engage with either switch, the bottom-out sound and feel will evoke a more rounded and muted resonance due to the nylon's properties. Thus, while the Grape Orange and Orange Sea may produce a combination of sounds and tactile sensations, they achieve this through a harmonious blend of both rigid and soft materials.

In synthesis, while the top housings of the Grape Orange and Orange Sea deliver a similar auditory sharpness due to their polycarbonate construction, the bottom housing's nylon composition results in a unique depth to the overall sound profile. This dual-material approach ensures that users can benefit from a well-rounded typing experience, where the contrasting characteristics of each housing work in tandem. Therefore, despite the similarities, the nuanced auditory landscape provided through these different materials allows for a rich and varying typing experience, demonstrating how even small differences can impact performance in tactile applications.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch with the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, we see some interesting differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Grape Orange features a slightly higher actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Orange Sea's 37 grams, making the Orange Sea the lighter switch. In terms of bottom out force, the Grape Orange again takes the lead with a force of 50 grams, while the Orange Sea has a bottom out force of 45 grams. Both switches are considered light, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. However, for those who prefer a more substantial push feel, the Grape Orange provides a heavier experience at both actuation and bottom out. In contrast, the Orange Sea offers a lighter touch, ideal for users who favor a softer keystroke. Overall, users will find that while both switches are gentle on the fingers, the Grape Orange caters to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience, while the Orange Sea suits those seeking less resistance.

Travel distance

Both the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch feature the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users pressing down on either switch will experience an identical amount of key travel. This similarity ensures that both switches will provide comparable tactile feedback and responsiveness when typing or gaming, resulting in a consistent experience for users who prefer either option. Given that both switches have the same travel distance, one can expect similar performance outcomes in terms of key actuation and overall user satisfaction.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch is relatively neutral, largely characterized by a soft and muted noise during keypresses, which is typical of linear switches. This makes it suitable for environments where silent operation is preferred, such as shared workspaces or homes with others nearby. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch also boasts a neutral sound signature, which contributes to its sublime typing experience. While both switches lean towards a quieter operation, the specific sound can still vary based on the keyboard’s construction and the keycaps used, making it essential to consider these elements when aiming for the desired auditory experience.

When it comes to feel, the Grape Orange switch is celebrated for its incredibly light and effortless actuation, requiring just 40g of force to activate. This lightweight nature makes the Grape Orange especially appealing for those who engage in long typing sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue significantly. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea switch is known for its impeccably smooth feel, providing a seamless transition during keypresses. Although the actuation force for the Orange Sea is not specified, its smooth travel makes it a competitor in terms of comfort and enjoyment, suggesting that both switches can deliver a pleasant typing experience, albeit with differing actuation characteristics.

In conclusion, both the Huano Grape Orange and Haimu Orange Sea linear switches present unique advantages tailored to different preferences. The Grape Orange stands out with its incredibly light actuation force, making it ideal for prolonged use, while the Orange Sea is recognized for its smooth typing experience. Both have a neutral sound profile, ensuring a quieter workflow. Choosing between them will largely depend on whether you prioritize a lighter touch or a fluid feel, but either switch will lead to a satisfying typing experience, particularly in carefully selected keyboard configurations.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, it's important to consider your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a light actuation force for ease of typing, especially during long sessions, the Grape Orange switch is an excellent choice due to its ultra-low 40g actuation force and its light bottom-out force of 50 grams. This switch is designed for those who enjoy a swift and effortless keystroke. On the other hand, if you seek a smoother typing experience with a neutral sound signature that enhances focus without distraction, the Haimu Orange Sea switch could be your better option. Its light bottom-out force of 45 grams complements its impeccably smooth feel, making it suitable for both gaming and typing where acoustics matter. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prefer the Grape Orange for a lighter, more responsive touch or the Orange Sea for a smooth and more muted experience.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more