Huano Grape Orange vs. Outemu Gold

Overview

When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Gold offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Grape Orange switch is celebrated for its linear design, featuring an ultra-light 40g actuation force that allows for a smooth and effortless typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who engage in long typing sessions without the fatigue that heavier switches can impose. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold switch is characterized by its clicky feedback, providing satisfying auditory and tactile responses with each keystroke. This switch appeals to users who enjoy the audible confirmation of their actions and prefer a more engaging typing experience. While both switches have their merits—one prioritizing speed and comfort, the other emphasizing feedback and engagement—each serves a unique purpose for different users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Huano Grape Orange Linear

Outemu Gold Clicky

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and Outemu Gold switches share striking similarities, particularly in their choice of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate to create a sharp and crisp sound profile. This is due to the inherent properties of polycarbonate, which is a stiffer plastic, allowing for better sound resonance and clarity. As they both feature clear top housings, users can expect a visual enhancement when utilizing RGB lighting, which is particularly appealing for those who enjoy a vibrant aesthetic in their keyboards.

When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Grape Orange and Gold switches employ nylon, which contrasts with the polycarbonate used above. Nylon's softer texture contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. This characteristic allows for a smoother typing experience, contributing a rounder sound quality when keys bottom out. The combination of the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing leads to a well-rounded auditory experience, blending the sharpness of the top with the depth of the bottom.

While the Grape Orange and Outemu Gold switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, they each deliver distinct sound qualities that can be both contrasting and complementary. The polycarbonate top housing enhances the clarity and resonance of key releases, while the nylon bottom housing induces a softer, more muted response upon key pressing. As a result, despite the differing sound profiles, the overall performance of both switches can yield similar auditory experiences, making them both suitable choices for enthusiasts focused on sound customization and aesthetic appeal.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Grape Orange features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, such as when using a keyboard for extended periods at work or during long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Gold switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel and tactile feedback. Consequently, the Grape Orange is positioned as the lighter choice, while the Gold is heavier, catering to different typing preferences.

Travel distance

The Huano Grape Orange linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Gold clicky switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance suggests that the Grape Orange may provide a more responsive experience, making it ideal for gamers who value speed and quick response times. In contrast, the Outemu Gold, with its longer travel distance, offers a more pronounced tactile feedback that some users may prefer for a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, if you lean towards a lighter and quicker keystroke, the Grape Orange could be the better choice, whereas the Outemu Gold may appeal to those who enjoy a more deliberate and deeper press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch is generally quieter, lacking the distinct auditory feedback often associated with clicky switches. This makes it a suitable option for those who prefer a more subdued auditory experience when typing, which is beneficial in shared environments or during long work sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Gold clicky switch produces a pronounced "click" sound with each keystroke, providing an audible confirmation that can enhance typing satisfaction for users who thrive on auditory feedback. This clickiness not only adds character to the typing experience but also serves as a satisfying indicator of actuation.

When it comes to feel, the Grape Orange switch offers a very smooth and linear experience, characterized by its light actuation force of 40g, which allows for effortless key presses. This makes it particularly appealing for users who engage in extensive typing or gaming, where rapid key presses are beneficial. The Outemu Gold switch, on the other hand, features a tactile bump combined with its clicky sound, providing distinct feedback that signals when a key has been actuated. This tactile sensation can enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate a more interactive feel under their fingers, allowing for better typing accuracy and a satisfying response.

In summary, the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch cater to different preferences. The Grape Orange is ideal for users looking for a lightweight, quiet switch that offers a smooth typing experience, making it perfect for prolonged use. The Outemu Gold delivers a more pronounced auditory and tactile experience, appealing to those who favor feedback in their keystrokes. Choosing between these switches will depend largely on whether you prioritize a quieter, smoother action or a more engaging clicky response during your typing sessions.

Conclusion

In summary, when considering whether to go for the Huano Grape Orange linear switch or the Outemu Gold clicky switch, it's essential to match these choices to your typing style and preferences. If you favor a light and effortless typing experience, particularly for long periods, the Grape Orange is an excellent choice due to its low actuation force of 40 grams and lower bottom-out resistance of 50 grams. This makes it ideal for those who prioritize speed and comfort, particularly in touch typing or gaming scenarios where rapid keypresses may be necessary and fatigue should be minimized. On the other hand, if you enjoy the tactile and auditory feedback of a clicky switch, coupled with a slightly firmer feel with a bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Outemu Gold might be more to your liking. The satisfying click sound and feel can provide a more engaging typing experience, making it preferable for those who appreciate clear auditory feedback and a more tactile response. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize a smooth, lightweight action for extended use or a more robust, interactive experience with a noticeable click.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Gold Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more