Huano Grape Orange vs. Outemu Purple

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Purple offer distinct experiences that cater to different types of users. The Grape Orange, known for its linear design, boasts an impressively low actuation force of just 40g, ensuring an incredibly smooth and effortless typing experience — an ideal choice for those who engage in long typing sessions or prefer a keyboard that requires minimal effort. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switch, categorized as a tactile switch, provides distinct feedback with its tactile bump, allowing users to enjoy a more pronounced sensation with each keystroke, making it suitable for those who thrive on tactile feedback while gaming or typing. Ultimately, if you favor a lightweight and seamless flow, the Grape Orange may be your ideal match, while the Outemu Purple could be the perfect companion for users who enjoy the comforting reassurance of tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Grape Orange Linear

Outemu Purple Tactile

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Purple switches share significant similarities that result in comparable acoustic profiles. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes to a sound characterized by clarity and a higher pitch. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, enhances the resonance and articulation of the sound produced when a key is pressed. Additionally, its translucent nature makes it an excellent choice for switches designed for RGB lighting, allowing illumination to shine through effectively. Both switches thus provide a consistent auditory experience that appeals to users who prefer bright and crisp sound feedback.

In contrast, the bottom housing of the Grape Orange and the Purple switches diverges slightly in its design choice, as both utilize nylon. This material is notable for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon contrasts with polycarbonate’s rigidity, and this combination creates a layered sound experience that enhances the overall tactile feedback of the switch. While both switches display similarities in their top housing materials, the nylon bottom housing in both switches allows for a rounded and subdued sound, contrasting the bright frequency response provided by the polycarbonate tops.

Ultimately, the interaction between the different housing materials in both switch designs creates a multifaceted acoustic profile. The polycarbonate top, present in both the Grape Orange and Purple switches, ensures a crisp top-out sound, while the nylon bottoms contribute to a deeper bottom-out feel. This synergy results in a balanced typing experience where users can enjoy the benefits of both materials: polycarbonate delivers clarity and brightness, while nylon softens the overall sound and enhances fullness. Thus, despite the contrasts in bottom housing design, the overall auditory characteristics remain harmoniously aligned, providing a satisfying experience for users across both switch types.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, there are notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force that cater to varying user preferences. The Grape Orange offers an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option that is ideal for long typing sessions or prolonged gaming, as it reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Purple switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, lending itself to a heavier feel; however, the bottom out force is unspecified, leaving a gap in understanding how it performs when pressed fully down. For users who appreciate a lighter typing experience, the Grape Orange is the clear choice, while those who favor a stronger push should consider the Outemu Purple for its heavier actuation force, although more information on its bottom out capability would provide a fuller comparison.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Grape Orange has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Purple features a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Grape Orange offers a shorter travel distance compared to the more traditional feel of the Purple switch. For gamers or users who favor quicker response times, the shorter travel distance of the Grape Orange may be preferable, as it allows for faster actuation. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple, with its longer travel distance, could provide a more satisfying, depth-oriented feel, which some users may find more enjoyable for general typing or gaming experiences. Ultimately, the choice between them hinges on personal preference regarding responsiveness versus depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound produced by the Huano Grape Orange linear switch is typically characterized as quiet with a soft thock when bottoming out, making it suitable for a more subdued typing environment. The Outemu Purple tactile switch, on the other hand, generally produces a more pronounced click with an audible bump, giving users a satisfying feedback on each keypress. However, the sound experience can greatly vary based on the keyboard plate material and keycap selection, so individual results may differ even within similar switch types.

In terms of feel, the Grape Orange offers an exceptionally smooth and linear experience, allowing for swift, effortless actuation that is enjoyable during long typing sessions. This can lead to less finger fatigue and a more fluid typing rhythm. The Purple, being a tactile switch, provides a noticeable bump at the actuation point, giving a tactile feedback that some users find satisfying and easier for typing precision. However, the feel of the Purple may not be as smooth as the Grape Orange, which could influence preference depending on whether one values tactile feedback over a seamless travel.

In conclusion, the Huano Grape Orange linear switch excels in providing a light and smooth typing experience that minimizes fatigue, while the Outemu Purple tactile switch favors tactile feedback with its distinct actuation bump and sound. Each switch caters to different typing styles, and while they can deliver satisfying results individually, the choice between them largely hinges on whether one prefers a linear feel over a tactile response.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, consider your personal typing style and priorities. If you prefer a smooth, linear experience that is light and forgiving on your fingers, the Grape Orange is the clear choice. Its low actuation force of 40g allows for quick key presses, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming where speed is essential. This switch offers a quiet, seamless feel, ensuring minimal distraction as you work or play. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile feedback that gives you a clear indication of key actuation and prefer a bit more resistance, the Outemu Purple might suit your needs better. While the specific bottom-out force is unavailable, tactile switches generally provide a satisfying snap and some resistance, which can enhance typing accuracy for users who like to feel their inputs more distinctly. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches depends on whether you lean towards a softer, linear typing experience or favor the feedback and engagement of a tactile switch.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Purple Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more