Huano Grape Orange vs. Outemu Blue Jade

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience. The Huano Grape Orange is a linear switch that boasts an impressively light actuation force of just 40g, ideal for users who prioritize a smooth, seamless typing experience, particularly during long hours of use. In contrast, the Outemu Blue Jade is a clicky switch that offers an audible and tactile feedback, catering to those who appreciate the satisfying sound and feel of each keystroke. This difference in feedback not only influences typing enjoyment but also enhances the overall experience, whether you are a gamer seeking quick responses or a writer needing comfort. Ultimately, the Grape Orange's effortless keystrokes suit those favoring a quieter environment, while the Blue Jade appeals to those who thrive on the emphatic clicks that provide an engaging and rhythmic typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Grape Orange Linear

Outemu Blue Jade Clicky

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Blue Jade both feature a nylon bottom housing, which results in a similar auditory quality when typing. Both switches leverage the properties of nylon—a softer plastic that absorbs sound—to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic not only contributes to a pleasurable typing experience but also results in a more muted acoustical feedback compared to harder materials. The consistency in the bottom housing means that both switches provide a rounder sound, making typing feel more cushioned and less jarring. Therefore, while the switches may differ in other aspects, the shared nylon bottom housing provides a solid foundation for similar auditory results.

In contrast, the top housing of the Grape Orange is made from polycarbonate, while the Blue Jade utilizes nylon, leading to divergent sound profiles when it comes to the actuation and release of the switches. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced upon key release, creating a sharper, higher-pitched auditory experience. This property makes the Grape Orange particularly appealing for users who prefer an audible feedback that is crisp and clear, especially when RGB lighting is involved. The translucent nature of the polycarbonate top allows for vibrant lighting effects that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Blue Jade contributes to a softer overall sound and a more subdued aesthetic—perfect for users who appreciate a more muted response.

In summary, while the Grape Orange and the Blue Jade share similarities in their nylon bottom housing, the differences in their top housing materials create diverse sound profiles and tactile experiences. The polycarbonate used in the Grape Orange elevates the high frequencies, granting clarity and responsiveness, while the nylon top in the Blue Jade lends a smoother, more rounded sound. This combination of qualities allows users to choose switches based on their personal preferences for both auditory feedback and visual appeal. Ultimately, selecting between these two options will depend on one’s priority—whether they lean towards a brighter sound or a deeper, fuller auditory feedback.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Grape Orange boasts a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended use in both work and gaming sessions. In contrast, the Blue Jade requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, which provides a more substantial push feel that some users may find more satisfying. This difference means that while the Grape Orange is easier to press and offers a smoother experience for long periods, the Blue Jade caters to those seeking a firmer tactile feedback during typing. Overall, if you prefer a lighter feel, the Huano Grape Orange is the better choice, while the Outemu Blue Jade is better suited for those who enjoy a heavier switch.

Travel distance

The travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch differ, with the Grape Orange featuring a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Blue Jade has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that the Grape Orange provides a shorter press, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate tactile feedback during gameplay. In contrast, the Blue Jade, with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, offers a deeper feel that some users might appreciate for its robust feedback and engagement during typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference for either a more responsive experience with the shorter Grape Orange or a more pronounced activation with the longer Blue Jade.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Huano Grape Orange linear switch is exceptionally quiet, offering a subdued typing experience that many users appreciate, particularly in office environments or shared spaces. The sound profile is very muted, allowing for a more focused atmosphere while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch produces a definitive auditory feedback with its pronounced click sound at the actuation point. This clicky sound adds a tactile element to the typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy auditory confirmations with each keystroke. As sound can vary depending on the keyboard and keycaps used, individual experiences may differ, but the general characteristics of these switches are quite distinct.

Feel-wise, the Grape Orange switch boasts an ultra-light actuation force of only 40g, which allows for a smooth and effortless typing experience that is ideal for prolonged use. The linear design means there are no tactile bumps or clicks, resulting in a fluid transition through each keypress. On the other hand, the Blue Jade switch offers a tactile sensation with its notable click at the actuation point, creating a more engaging typing experience. This texture can help enhance typing accuracy, especially for those who enjoy a pronounced feedback when pressing keys. Again, while the feel of a switch is influenced by the keyboard design and materials, the Grape Orange and Blue Jade presses represent two very different approaches to tactile feedback.

In summary, the Huano Grape Orange and Outemu Blue Jade switches cater to different preferences in typing experience, with the Grape Orange focusing on a light and quiet operation, while the Blue Jade emphasizes audible and tactile feedback. Choosing between them will largely depend on what qualities one prioritizes in their mechanical keyboard experience—whether it’s a low-profile, smooth, and quiet action or a pronounced, interactive click with every keystroke. Whichever you choose, both can deliver enjoyable typing experiences, tailored to the user's personal preference.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you find yourself engaging in long typing sessions and prefer a smooth, quiet experience, the Grape Orange, with its light 40g actuation force and 50g bottom-out force, will allow you to type effortlessly and comfortably without causing finger fatigue. Its linear nature also means you'll appreciate a consistent feel throughout your keystrokes without any tactile bumps or loud clicks, making it an ideal choice for both office environments and late-night gaming without disturbing others. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile and audible feedback when typing, the Blue Jade switch with its medium-heavy 65g bottom-out force might be more suitable for you. This switch provides a satisfying clicky sound that can enhance your typing experience, especially if you take pleasure in the classic feel and feedback of mechanical keyboards. Just keep in mind that the heavier actuation force might not be as forgiving during extensive writing or gaming sessions. Therefore, consider what aspects matter most to you—whether it’s a lighter and quieter experience with the Grape Orange or a more pronounced clicky feedback with the Blue Jade—and let that guide your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Blue Jade Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more