Huano Grape Orange vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Lotus both offer appealing options for users who favor linear switches, but they cater to slightly different preferences. The Grape Orange switch is widely praised for its exceptionally light actuation force of just 40g, which promotes an effortless typing experience that can be particularly advantageous during long typing sessions. On the other hand, while the Outemu Lotus lacks specific accolades, it is known for its smooth keypress and reliability, making it a solid choice for gamers and typists alike. While the Grape Orange might attract those who prioritize a featherlight touch, the Outemu Lotus could be favored by users seeking a balanced yet consistent linear feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Lotus switches exhibit distinct characteristics that profoundly influence their acoustic profiles. The Grape Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucence. This combination results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that enhances the clarity and resonance during key presses, making it particularly suitable for users who prefer a crisper auditory feedback while typing. The use of polycarbonate also allows for effective use with RGB lighting, as its clear nature showcases vibrant lighting effects, adding an aesthetic appeal to the overall user experience. In contrast, the Outemu Lotus utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer than polycarbonate. This material absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a deeper and rounder sound profile as compared to the Grape Orange. The two materials set the stage for different auditory experiences, which cater to varying preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Grape Orange and Lotus employ nylon, giving them similar foundations in terms of sound absorption and tactile feedback. Nylon is recognized as a classic material for switch housings and contributes a fuller, deeper sound profile across both switches. This shared characteristic allows users to expect a certain level of consistency in the bottom-out feel and sound, as the nylon absorbs vibrations and dampens sound during key presses. While the Grape Orange may exhibit a sharper sound due to its polycarbonate top, the nylon bottom serves to mellow the overall profile, creating a balanced experience regardless of the top housing material. Conversely, the Lotus, with its entirely nylon construction, maintains a consistent sound signature throughout. The emphasis on a fuller sound in both switches can appeal to users who enjoy a warmer auditory feel while typing.
In summary, the differing top housing materials of the Grape Orange and Outemu Lotus result in contrasting sound profiles while their shared nylon bottom housing provides a unifying characteristic in tactile response. The Grape Orange's polycarbonate top produces a clear, bright sound ideal for RGB exposure, while the Lotus's nylon top offers a softer experience that produces a deeper and rounder sound. Ultimately, despite their differences, both switches deliver compelling performances through the integration of nylon for the bottom housing, ensuring that users experience rich sound quality that enhances their typing experience. Whether one opts for the bright clarity of the Grape Orange or the warm, rounded tones of the Outemu Lotus, both provide unique yet gratifying results premised on thoughtfully chosen materials.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, both are categorized as light options, but they differ slightly in their actuation forces. The Grape Orange requires an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Lotus is slightly lighter with only 35 grams needed to register a keystroke. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, which means that the bottoming out experience is consistent for both, offering a similar tactile feedback at full depression. The lighter actuation force of the Outemu Lotus may appeal to users looking for ease during long typing sessions or extended gaming, while the Grape Orange offers a bit more resistance for those who prefer a more substantial feel in their keystrokes. In summary, if you lean towards a lighter typing experience, the Outemu Lotus would be your best choice, whereas the Huano Grape Orange offers a stronger push feel without differing in bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Grape Orange features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lotus has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that if you prefer a switch that offers a more pronounced depth and a gradual actuation, the Grape Orange may be the better choice for you. In contrast, if you're seeking a quicker response time typical of shorter travel, the Lotus would suit your needs. Ultimately, the Grape Orange provides a more substantial feel with its longer travel distance, while the Lotus prioritizes speed and responsiveness with its shorter distance.
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 Lotus 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 has gained a reputation for providing a very quiet typing experience, making it an excellent option for environments where noise may be a concern. Its smooth linear design contributes to a gentle sound profile, while the lighter actuation force reduces the likelihood of any auditory feedback from bottoming out. In contrast, the Outemu Lotus switch does not have a clear sound profile available for comparison; however, sound produced by any switch can be significantly influenced by the keyboard's construction and the keycap materials used.
When it comes to feel, the Grape Orange switch is widely appreciated for its light and effortless action, boasting an ultra-low actuation force of just 40g that caters to extended typing sessions without fatigue. This makes it particularly appealing for typists who favor a softer touch. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus switch lacks detailed information regarding its feel, leaving potential users in the dark about its tactile characteristics.
In summary, while the Huano Grape Orange linear switch is recognized for its lightweight touch and quiet operation, the Outemu Lotus switch offers an unknown feel and sound quality due to a lack of specified details. If you are looking for a smooth and light typing experience, the Grape Orange is a standout choice, whereas the Lotus may require further investigation or firsthand experience to determine its suitability for your typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Lotus linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and how you expect to use your keyboard. If you favor a light and effortless typing experience, especially for extended sessions, the Grape Orange is an excellent choice due to its ultra-low actuation force of 40 grams, allowing for quick and smooth keystrokes without significant fatigue. Its tactile feedback and sound—though not specified here—are generally praised for providing a satisfying experience that enhances both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a straightforward, no-frills switch that performs consistently without the specific highlight features of the Grape Orange, the Outemu Lotus could be the right option for you. Although it lacks the distinctive feel and sound coveted by enthusiasts, it still offers a comparable bottom-out force and a reliable performance that can cater to daily tasks or casual gaming. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a more nuanced and pleasant typing experience or a dependable and simplistic option for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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