Huano Grape Orange vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean both offer unique benefits that cater to different typing preferences. The Grape Orange switch is celebrated for its remarkably light actuation force of just 40g, providing an effortless typing experience that is especially advantageous for long typing sessions, reducing fatigue and strain on the fingers. In contrast, while the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean is also a linear switch, it boasts a quieter operation, making it an ideal choice for environments where noise minimization is a priority, such as shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. Both switches can enhance your typing experience, whether you prioritize a lighter feel or a more discreet sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean mechanical switches, it is clear that both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings and nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in some similarities in sound and feel. The choice of polycarbonate for the top housing in both switches contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This shared quality arises from the inherent stiffness of polycarbonate, which enables a clear and resonant sound during key releases. Additionally, both switches feature translucency in their top housings that makes them particularly suitable for RGB lighting, maximizing aesthetic appeal and illumination effects.
In contrast to the top housing, both the Grape Orange and the Dustproof Silent Ocean employ nylon for their bottom housings, leading to a noticeably different sound profile during key presses. Nylon is classified as a softer plastic, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials. As a result, typists will experience a deeper and fuller sound with both switches when the keys are pressed, contributing to a more muted bottom-out experience. This distinctive sound characteristic is essential for users who prioritize a quieter typing environment while still enjoying the tactile feedback of a mechanical switch.
Ultimately, the blend of polycarbonate and nylon in both switches illustrates how each material plays a unique role in shaping the overall auditory experience. With a polycarbonate top housing creating a vibrant sound on release and a nylon bottom housing producing a warm, muffled tone on actuation, users can expect a balanced acoustic profile from either switch. Thus, even though they boast different aesthetics and branding, the inherent qualities of the materials used ensure that typists can achieve similar results in terms of sound characteristics and typing experience with both the Grape Orange and the Dustproof Silent Ocean.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear 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 those who prefer a more effortless typing experience during extended sessions. In contrast, the Dustproof Silent Ocean has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, which caters to users who enjoy a more tactile and substantial feel while typing. Consequently, individuals who favor lighter switches might gravitate towards the Grape Orange for comfort, while those seeking a firmer response could opt for the Silent Ocean. Overall, these distinctions in force create different typing experiences, balancing between comfort and feedback according to personal preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, it's clear that there is a difference. The Grape Orange has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dustproof Silent Ocean features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Grape Orange switch requires a longer press to actuate, offering a more deep and substantial feel, which some users may prefer for a tactile experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean's shorter travel distance may provide a quicker response, catering to gamers who favor speed and rapid key presses. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference—whether one values the slightly longer travel of the Grape Orange or the responsiveness of the Dustproof Silent Ocean.
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 Dustproof Silent Ocean 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 switch is known for its extremely light and tactile sound profile, which contributes to a pleasantly muted typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch, while the specific sound characteristics are not detailed, typically emphasizes a quieter performance due to its silent design. While both switches will not produce loud acoustic feedback, the Grape Orange provides a more pronounced, albeit light, sound, which can enhance the sensory experience of typing without being disruptive.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Grape Orange switch is characterized by its ultra-low actuation force of 40g, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience that allows for rapid keystrokes with minimal effort. This makes it particularly suitable for typists seeking a lightweight feel during long typing sessions. The Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean, on the other hand, does not have specific feel qualities noted, but it is generally designed for smooth linear action which can also cater to those who prefer a fluid keypress without noticeable feedback.
In summary, while the Huano Grape Orange linear switch excels in offering a light and tactile yet quiet experience through its low actuation force, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch is crafted for minimalist acoustics with its silent operation, potentially providing a smooth feel. If you're looking for a quiet typing experience, both switches can deliver it, but they cater to slightly different preferences—one prioritizing a lighter actuation and the other promoting a serene environment for typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a lighter touch and are looking for a switch that allows for effortless typing, especially during long sessions, the Grape Orange is the ideal choice, with its low actuation force that minimizes finger fatigue. Its smooth, linear feel contributes to a satisfying, responsive experience, making it perfect for those who prioritize speed and comfort. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more resistance and want a more tactile response to your key presses, the Dustproof Silent Ocean is better suited for your typing needs, providing a medium-heavy bottom out force that can enhance your typing accuracy. Additionally, if noise reduction is a high priority for you—perhaps for a shared work environment—these silent switches will help maintain a more discreet atmosphere while still delivering a satisfying linear feel. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your specific usage scenarios: whether you're gearing up for marathon typing or seeking a balance of tactile feedback and quiet operation. Your choice will significantly impact your overall typing experience, so weigh these factors accordingly.