Huano Grape Orange vs. Outemu Crystal Brown

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can drastically affect your typing experience, and two popular options are the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Crystal Brown. The Grape Orange switches are celebrated for their linear design, featuring a remarkably light actuation force of just 40g, which translates to an effortless and smooth typing experience that’s especially beneficial for prolonged use. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown switches offer a tactile response, providing a noticeable bump to help users feel when a key has been activated, making them ideal for typists who appreciate feedback with each keystroke. While the Grape Orange is tailored for those who prefer fluid and speedy typing, the Crystal Brown caters to individuals who thrive on that satisfying tactile sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Huano Grape Orange Linear

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes to their sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profiles. The choice of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, results in a clearer and more resonant audio experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind, as the light can effectively shine through the housing, enhancing the aesthetic appeal. Since both switches share this material for the top housing, they are likely to deliver similar auditory outcomes when pressed, providing users with a bright and pronounced sound.

In contrast, the two switches diverge in their bottom housing materials. The Grape Orange employs a nylon bottom housing, known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer nature. As nylon is adept at absorbing sound, it contributes to a duller and rounder auditory experience, enhancing the tactile sensation when typed upon. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, mirroring the Grape Orange's characteristics. This similarity ensures that both switches will provide a similar feel and sound upon bottoming out, reinforcing the impact and response during use.

When considering both the top and bottom housing configurations, the Grape Orange and the Crystal Brown switches ultimately yield a comparable sound profile due to their shared materials. The polycarbonate top enhances the brightness and clarity of each keypress, while the nylon bottom ensures a fuller, quieter finish—qualities that, while distinct, come together to create a cohesive typing experience. Since the sound characteristics of a switch are influenced by both the top and bottom materials, users can expect a consistent auditory performance from both the Grape Orange and Crystal Brown switches despite their differences in bottom housing impact.

Weight

The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch present notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, influencing user experience based on individual preferences. The Grape Orange has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer easy, long-duration typing or gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the Crystal Brown features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, appealing to users who favor a more substantial tactile experience while typing. Overall, users seeking a lighter switch for extended use would gravitate towards the Grape Orange, while those who enjoy a firmer feel might choose the Crystal Brown. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences, their actuation and bottom out forces highlight the distinct characteristics that can enhance typing or gaming experiences.

Travel distance

The Huano Grape Orange linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you choose the Grape Orange, you'll experience a more responsive keypress due to its shorter distance, which is often favored by gamers looking for quick response times. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown offers a deeper tactile feedback with its 4 mm travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Grape Orange provides a more immediate feel, while the Crystal Brown allows for a more pronounced actuation, making them suitable for different user preferences in terms of tactile response and depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Huano Grape Orange linear switch produces a sound profile that is generally quiet, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. The absence of a tactile bump means that feedback is more subtle and smoother, lending itself to a less distracting auditory experience during typing. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch likely has a more pronounced sound due to its tactile nature, though specific descriptions of its acoustic quality are unavailable. Like the Grape Orange, the sound produced by the Crystal Brown will also depend heavily on the keyboard housing and keycap material used, which can further influence the overall auditory experience.

When it comes to feel, the Grape Orange switch is characterized by its lightweight and smooth action, requiring only a 40g actuation force. This results in a very effortless typing sensation, reducing finger fatigue over long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown switch, though lacking specific descriptions, typically provides a noticeable tactile bump that signals actuation. This tactile feedback could enhance typing accuracy for some users but may also feel heavier compared to the Grape Orange due to the tactile resistance. The two switches cater to different preferences, with the Grape Orange being well-suited for those who prefer a silky-smooth and lightweight typing experience.

In summary, the Huano Grape Orange offers a light touch and quiet operation, making it excellent for daily typing and long sessions without fatigue. The Outemu Crystal Brown, while less defined in its description, likely presents a more tactile experience that may appeal to those who enjoy a bit of feedback during their key presses. Both switches will provide unique experiences, making them suitable for different typing styles, preferences, and environments, and users will have to consider what aspects resonate most with them when choosing between the two.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch largely depends on your specific typing preferences and intended usage. If you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience, especially for long durations, the Grape Orange with its 50-gram bottom-out force and ultra-low 40g actuation force is an excellent option. This switch offers a smooth feel and is ideal for fast-paced typing, allowing you to glide over keys with minimal resistance. On the other hand, if you enjoy receiving tactile feedback while typing and prefer a slightly heavier actuation, the Crystal Brown's medium-light 55 grams bottom-out force might suit you better. While the specifics about its sound and feel weren't detailed, tactile switches like the Crystal Brown generally provide a satisfying bump that can enhance your typing experience, especially during writing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you favor a smoother, lighter action or a tactile feel to guide your keystrokes.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more