Huano Grape Orange vs. Outemu Maple Leaf

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style, exemplified by the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches. The Grape Orange, a linear switch, is revered for its exceptionally light 40g actuation force, allowing for a smooth and effortless typing experience that’s ideal for long hours at the keyboard, catering especially to gamers and typists who prioritize speed and fluidity. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf, a tactile switch, offers a noticeable bump at the actuation point, providing tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience for those who appreciate a more deliberate keystroke and want to feel each key press. While both switches cater to different preferences—one promoting speed and ease, and the other delivering a satisfying tactile experience—understanding their specific characteristics is key to making an informed choice. 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

Huano Grape Orange Linear

Outemu Maple Leaf Tactile

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches, a key distinction lies in the composition of their top housings. The Grape Orange employs a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, more resonant sound profile thanks to its stiffer nature. This characteristic makes typing on devices with polycarbonate housings feel more lively and gives a crisp auditory feedback. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances its compatibility with RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination effects that are aesthetically pleasing to users. In contrast, the Maple Leaf utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound energy, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic delivery that is often preferred by users seeking a warmer typing experience.

Despite the contrasting materials used in the top housing, both switches feature nylon in their bottom housings. The shared use of nylon in both the Grape Orange and the Maple Leaf means that users can expect a similar sound and feel when pressing down on either switch. The nylon bottom housing creates a fuller sound profile, as its absorption of sound waves results in a more muted bottom-out sound. This consistent use of softer plastic in the bottom housing establishes a familiar tactile experience for users, regardless of the differences in the top housing materials. Hence, while the auditory signature from the top housing diverges—creating a unique aural experience for each switch—the nylon bottom housing ensures some continuity in sound and feel when bottoming out the keys.

In summary, the primary contrast in housing materials between the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Maple Leaf lies in the top housing, with polycarbonate offering a brighter tone while nylon provides a softer auditory experience. Meanwhile, the uniformity of nylon in the bottom housing creates a consistent element that both switches share, providing users with a deep, full sound upon bottoming out. Thus, even though the switches have differing sound profiles due to their respective top materials, the commonality of nylon in the bottoms means that users will experience familiar results in terms of depth and richness when pressing keys on either switch. This duality of experience emphasizes the significant impact that each housing material can exert on both the auditory and tactile sensations of mechanical keyboard switches.

Weight

The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch differ notably in their actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for different typing preferences. The Grape Orange has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which can be advantageous for users who prioritize comfort during extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Maple Leaf's actuation force is 55 grams, with a bottom out force of 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. This heavier force provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer push feel. Ultimately, users looking for a lighter switch that facilitates prolonged use may prefer the Grape Orange, while those seeking more resistance in their keystrokes might gravitate toward the Maple Leaf.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, the Grape Orange features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Maple Leaf has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Grape Orange offers a more pronounced keypress feel due to its longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a depthier typing experience. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who favor quicker response times, making it suitable for gamers looking for agility in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference: if you're seeking a rapid, more responsive typing experience, the shorter 3.3 mm travel distance of the Maple Leaf switch would be advantageous, while the Grape Orange's 3.6 mm distance would be better for those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch is characterized by a smooth and relatively quiet operation, typical of linear switches that lack a tactile bump or click. This makes the Grape Orange a great choice for users who prefer a more subdued auditory experience, minimizing distractions in shared environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch does not have a defined sound signature provided, leaving its acoustic characteristics less certain; however, tactile switches generally produce a slight click or bump noise when activated, which could differ based on usage context, such as the keyboard build and keycap materials.

When it comes to feel, the Grape Orange prides itself on providing an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, thanks to its ultra-low 40g actuation force. This makes the switch easy to activate, allowing for rapid key presses without much exertion, ideal for long typing sessions. Conversely, the tactile nature of the Maple Leaf switch suggests it offers a pronounced tactile feedback upon actuation, delivering a different experience for typists who enjoy a noticeable bump to signal that their key press has registered. Without specific details on how the Maple Leaf’s tactile feedback manifests, it's difficult to draw direct comparisons in this regard.

In conclusion, the Huano Grape Orange and Outemu Maple Leaf switches cater to different preferences among typists. The Grape Orange offers a light, smooth feel and a quieter operation, making it suitable for an effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Maple Leaf, with its tactile feedback, might appeal to those who appreciate a more pronounced response for each keystroke. While one offers a linear experience suited for rapid typing, the other provides tactile engagement for those who prefer more interaction with their keyboard. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a light and quiet touch or prefer tactile feedback when typing.

Conclusion

Ultimately, when deciding between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, your personal preferences and usage scenarios will play a crucial role in your choice. If you value a lightweight and smooth typing experience, the Grape Orange switches are an excellent fit, especially for long typing sessions where you desire minimal finger fatigue. Their low actuation force of 40 grams allows for quick keystrokes, making them great for gamers or individuals who type a lot without needing tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel and appreciate the confirmation that comes with tactile feedback, the Outemu Maple Leaf switches, with their medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams, provide a noticeable bump that can enhance your typing accuracy and reduce accidental key presses. Additionally, if you're someone who enjoys the satisfying sound and feel of a tactile switch, the Maple Leaf may be more to your liking. In essence, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a light, fluid motion with the Grape Orange or a tactile experience that offers more feedback with the Maple Leaf. Consider your typing habits and preferences carefully, and you will find a switch that suits your style perfectly.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Maple Leaf Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more