Huano Grape Orange vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that cater to different preferences are the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Cream Yellow. The Grape Orange switches are celebrated for their exceptionally light actuation force of just 40g, which provides a smooth and effortless typing experience, making them ideal for long hours of writing or gaming without causing hand fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow switches offer a tactile feedback that appeals to those who appreciate a responsive typing experience, providing satisfying feedback with each keystroke. While the Grape Orange is perfect for those who prioritize speed and comfort, the Cream Yellow is designed for users who enjoy a more pronounced feel when typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and Outemu Cream Yellow switches highlight distinct acoustic profiles influenced by their differing top housings. The Grape Orange features a polycarbonate top housing that enhances sound clarity, producing a sharper and crisper audio experience. On the contrary, the Cream Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing, which tends to absorb sound and thus results in a deeper, fuller sound profile. As polycarbonate's stiffer nature contributes to its resonant qualities, it harmonizes well with RGB lighting thanks to its translucency. This creates a visual and auditory synergy when activated, making the Grape Orange particularly appealing for users who prioritize aesthetics as well as sound clarity in their typing experience.
Despite the differences in their top housings, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housings, which are made of nylon. This similarity creates a unified sound experience when pressing down on either switch. The nylon composition in both cases provides a deeper and rounder auditory sensation due to its ability to absorb sound. Consequently, the tactile experience when bottoming out remains consistent across both switch types, allowing users to enjoy a comfortable and rich feedback regardless of which switch is being used. As the bottom housing is crucial for the bottom-out sound, users of both switches can expect a similar resonance profile during this phase of the keystroke.
In conclusion, while the Grape Orange and Cream Yellow switches contrast in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—their shared nylon bottom housing ensures a level of consistency in the bottoming out sound and feel. The distinct characteristics of the top housings contribute uniquely to the overall audio experience, with the Grape Orange delivering sharpness and clarity, while the Cream Yellow offers depth and warmth. Thus, users can select their preferred switch based on aesthetic and sound profile preferences, knowing that the bottom housing will provide a familiar tactile feedback across both models.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Grape Orange features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an appealing choice for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially during long sessions or while working. In contrast, the Cream Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may favor for a firmer tactile feedback. This means that users looking for a lightweight switch should gravitate toward the Grape Orange, while those preferring a stronger push should consider the Cream Yellow. Overall, the Grape Orange is the lighter option, whereas the Cream Yellow is the heavier one, offering distinct experiences for different preferences in typing dynamics.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch at 3.6 mm is slightly longer than that of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference provides distinct tactile experiences: the Grape Orange, with its superior depth, offers a feel that some users may find more satisfying, while the Cream Yellow's shorter travel distance could appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. If you value responsiveness, the Cream Yellow might be the better fit, whereas those who prefer a more hearty depth should consider the Grape Orange. Overall, the Grape Orange offers a more profound travel distance, making it the longer option compared to the Cream Yellow.
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 Outemu Cream Yellow comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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
The Huano Grape Orange linear switch is known for its very light actuation, resulting in a sound profile that is generally soft and muted due to its linear nature. Linear switches, such as the Grape Orange, tend to produce minimal auditory feedback when pressed, leading to a quiet experience that many users appreciate for its uninterrupted typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow has an unspecified sound profile, which may suggest variability depending on the individual board and keycap choices. This factor can make it difficult to pinpoint a precise auditory experience, but one can expect that, like other tactile switches, it might produce a more pronounced sound when compared to linear switches, especially if designed for a more tactile typing experience.
When discussing the feel of these switches, the Grape Orange shines with its ultra-low 40g actuation force, offering a remarkably light and smooth typing experience that is effortless for extended use. This feature is particularly appealing for users who type for long periods, as it reduces finger fatigue and provides a seamless key press without any tactile resistance. In contrast, the Cream Yellow's feel is currently unspecified, but typical tactile switches are known for a distinct bump at the actuation point, providing tactile feedback that some users enjoy during typing. Those who prefer the feel of a tactile switch may find the Cream Yellow appealing if they favor a more dynamic typing experience with discernible feedback at the actuation.
In summary, the Huano Grape Orange linear switch offers a quiet and effortless typing experience that is particularly suited for long sessions, while the Outemu Cream Yellow lacks detailed information on its sound and feel characteristics. The Grape Orange's lightweight actuation can lead to a smoother experience, while the Cream Yellow's tactile nature could cater to users who appreciate feedback when typing. Prospective users looking for an ultra-light linear feel may gravitate towards the Grape Orange, while those intrigued by tactile feedback should seek further details about the Cream Yellow’s performance. For both switches, individual preferences and configurations can significantly influence the overall experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, consider your typing style and what you prioritize in your keyboard experience. If you prefer a lighter touch that allows for quick and effortless typing, particularly during long sessions, the Grape Orange with its low actuation force of 40g and bottom out force of 50g is an excellent choice. This switch is particularly suited for those who favor speed and fluidity, as it provides a smooth linear experience without the resistance of a tactile bump. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more deliberate typing experience and appreciate the feedback of a tactile switch, the Cream Yellow, with its medium 60g bottom out force, may be the better option for you. The tactile bump can enhance your typing accuracy, especially for those who enjoy the distinct feel and auditory feedback it provides. Ultimately, your decision should align with your personal typing preferences: go for the Grape Orange for effortless speed or the Cream Yellow for a more engaged and tactile feel.
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