Huano Grape Orange vs. Outemu Brown

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Brown offer very distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Grape Orange, a linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force of just 40g, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience ideal for those who engage in long typing sessions without the fatigue of heavier keys. In contrast, the Outemu Brown features a tactile bump that can enhance typing accuracy by giving users noticeable feedback with each keystroke, making it well-suited for both typing and gaming enthusiasts who appreciate feedback without the loudness of clicks. While the Grape Orange excels in smoothness and low resistance, perfect for speed typists, the Outemu Brown caters to those seeking that satisfying tactile response. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Grape Orange Linear

Outemu Brown Tactile

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Brown switches share a significant similarity in their housing materials, particularly in the use of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances resonance and clarity when the key is pressed and released. Additionally, being translucent, the polycarbonate top is ideally suited for RGB lighting applications, which can enhance the aesthetic appeal of any keyboard setup with vibrant lighting effects.

In contrast, while both switches utilize a nylon bottom housing, they experience a notable shift in sound profile from the polycarbonate top. The nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively than its stiffer counterpart, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This characteristic can influence the overall acoustic experience, as the two materials work in tandem; while the top housing sharpens and enhances the higher notes in the sound profile, the nylon housing on the bottom muffles and rounds off the lower frequencies, providing a balanced auditory experience. Thus, pressing down on the switches predominantly showcases the nylon qualities, whereas releasing them highlights the crispness of the polycarbonate.

Ultimately, both the Huano Grape Orange and Outemu Brown switches capitalize on the unique properties of their materials to deliver distinct sound profiles. While their top and bottom housings are the same in terms of material composition — polycarbonate for the tops and nylon for the bottoms — this integration creates a hybrid sound experience that rounds out the upper frequencies while deepening the lower ones. Consequently, even though the two switches are similar in terms of material use, the interaction between these materials allows them to provide a stylistically coherent yet varied auditory feedback during use.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Grape Orange features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions and gaming, as less force is required to engage each keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Brown switch has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer. As a result, those who favor a lighter switch for prolonged use would find the Grape Orange more suitable, while individuals seeking a firmer feel would benefit from the Brown switch. Ultimately, these differences underscore the personal preferences that dictate the choice between a lighter and heavier switch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, we see a notable difference. The Grape Orange has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Brown offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Grape Orange the shorter option, which could appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter travel distances are often favored for faster keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Brown, with its greater depth, might provide a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy tactile feedback and a more traditional keystroke feel. Ultimately, your preference between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more reassuring depth in your typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Huano Grape Orange linear switch offers a noticeably quieter typing experience compared to the Outemu Brown tactile switch. Linear switches like the Grape Orange typically produce less noise since they do not have the tactile bump that can generate sound upon actuation. In contrast, the Outemu Brown, known for its tactile feedback, has a perceptible bump when a key is pressed, which creates a more pronounced sound during use. However, the actual sound profile of both switches can be influenced by the choice of keyboard, construction, and keycaps, so achieving a similar acoustic outcome with different switches is possible depending on these factors.

When it comes to feel, the Grape Orange excels in providing a smooth and effortless typing experience, with a very light actuation force of only 40g. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prefer a soft touch and minimal resistance, especially during prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch boasts a tactile response that offers a noticeable bump at the actuation point, allowing typists to feel when their input has registered without bottoming out. This tactile feedback can help enhance typing accuracy, though it may be less suitable for those who prefer a completely smooth keystroke.

In summary, if you're seeking a lightweight, quiet typing experience, the Huano Grape Orange linear switch would be the ideal choice, particularly for long sessions where comfort is essential. Conversely, if you appreciate tactile feedback that enhances typing assurance and aids in accuracy, the Outemu Brown switch should suit your needs well. While the auditory and tactile experiences differ significantly, both switches can be tailored to individual preferences depending on the keyboard setup, ensuring that users can enjoy a satisfying typing experience regardless of the chosen style.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and how you use your keyboard. The Grape Orange switch is ideal for you if you prioritize a smooth and light typing experience, as its low actuation force of 40 grams makes it an excellent choice for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue. Its linear nature ensures that you won't experience any tactile bump, which is particularly beneficial if you appreciate a quiet keyboard for a distraction-free environment. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback when typing and don’t mind a bit more resistance, the Outemu Brown switch might be your better option, especially for typing and gaming where you want to feel each keystroke. The medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams gives it a satisfying push that can enhance your control and precision. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you enjoy a soft, seamless experience or a more pronounced tactile feel, as both switches cater to distinct typing styles and user preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more