Huano Grape Orange vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, choosing the right switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular options stand out: the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Ocean switches. The Grape Orange is celebrated for its linear action, providing an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience with an ultra-low actuation force of just 40g. This makes it an ideal choice for users who engage in extended typing sessions and prefer smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean features a tactile response, offering distinct feedback upon actuation, which many typists appreciate for its satisfying click and the added sense of precision it brings to each keystroke. While the Grape Orange caters to those seeking a fast and fluid typing feel, the Outemu Ocean appeals to users who enjoy the tactile sensation, aiding in typing accuracy. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Ocean, it becomes evident that both switches share striking similarities in their construction. Both models feature a polycarbonate top housing, a material known for its ability to produce a sharp, high-pitched, and clear sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's rigidity, which allows for greater resonance compared to softer plastics. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate enables an aesthetic enhancement for users who utilize RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant illumination through the housing. Both switches therefore promise a visually appealing and sonically crisp experience for keyboard enthusiasts.
While the top housings of the Huano Grape Orange and Outemu Ocean are identical in material—polycarbonate—the bottom housings are equally aligned, with both utilizing nylon. Known as a classic choice in switch construction, nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, delivering a softer touch on key presses. The inherently softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively than its stiffer counterparts, yielding a sound that is warmer and more rounded. This characteristic is crucial for users who prefer a more muted auditory feedback while typing, creating a balanced auditory experience that complements the sharper appeal of the polycarbonate top.
In essence, the synergy between the materials used in the Huano Grape Orange and Outemu Ocean allows for a harmonious blend of sound profiles. The polycarbonate top contributes brightness and clarity, shaping the sound when keys are released, while the nylon bottom focuses on producing a weighted and richer sound on bottoming out. This duality is particularly beneficial for tactile feedback and auditory aesthetics, ensuring that each keystroke provides a satisfying experience. Thus, regardless of individual branding, the shared materials serve to produce similar outcomes, allowing users to enjoy distinct yet converging sound profiles in both switch executions.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch to the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, the differences in actuation force are quite significant. The Grape Orange features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to press, which is ideal for extended use during long typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a tactile response when typing. Additionally, the Grape Orange has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it requires a bit more pressure to bottom out, while the bottom out force for the Ocean is unknown. This lack of information on the Ocean's bottom out force prevents a complete comparison, but it can be assumed that its overall force may contribute to a firmer typing experience. Therefore, if you're seeking a lighter switch, the Huano Grape Orange would be the better option, while the heavier Outemu Ocean is recommended for those who prefer a more pronounced key press.
Travel distance
The Huano Grape Orange linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Ocean tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance can significantly influence the typing experience: the Grape Orange, with its shorter 3.6 mm travel, may cater more to gamers seeking rapid response times, providing a snappier feel. Conversely, the Ocean's 4 mm travel distance offers a more pronounced tactile feedback suitable for users who appreciate a deeper key press, which can feel more satisfying and deliberate. Thus, if you prefer a more responsive experience, the Grape Orange is the better option, whereas the Ocean might be preferable for those who favor a more substantial and traditional typing feel.
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 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 linear switch is characterized by its near-silent operation, delivering a subtle, smooth experience that makes it ideal for environments where noise minimization is preferred. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, while not specifically noted, generally produces a more pronounced sound due to its tactile bump design, which can lead to a slightly more audible feedback with each keystroke. However, the overall sound profile of both switches can be influenced by the choice of keyboard plate material and the type of keycaps used, meaning a user might experience varying auditory feedback regardless of the switch type.
When it comes to feel, the Grape Orange switch stands out for its exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, with an actuation force of only 40g. This allows for rapid, smooth keystrokes, making it a great choice for lengthy typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is built to provide a more noticeable bump at the actuation point, allowing typists to feel when a key has been registered. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy for some users, though the overall force required for actuation tends to be on the heavier side compared to the Grape Orange.
In summary, the Huano Grape Orange linear switch is designed for users seeking a lightweight and quiet typing experience ideal for long sessions, while the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is tailored for those who prefer a tactile feel that provides feedback through a bump at the actuation point. While the Grape Orange excels in a virtually silent operation, the Ocean switch generally leans towards a more resonant sound and tactile response, creating a distinct typing experience that suits different user preferences. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on whether you prioritize a light, smooth, and silent keystroke or a heavier, tactile feel for your typing endeavors.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a light and smooth typing experience, the Grape Orange is an excellent option thanks to its ultra-low 40g actuation force, which makes it ideal for long typing sessions without causing fatigue. Its linear design provides a seamless feel, allowing for rapid keystrokes, which is particularly beneficial if you are into gaming or require quick inputs. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile feedback and the satisfaction of hearing a click upon actuation, the Outemu Ocean could be your go-to switch, as it typically delivers a notable bump that enhances the typing experience and could help you feel more connected to your inputs. Ultimately, choose the Grape Orange for speed and comfort during long periods of use, while the Outemu Ocean may be more suitable for those who appreciate tactile responses and the distinctive sound that comes with each keystroke. Your choice should reflect not only your typing habits but also your experience of engagement with your keyboard.
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