Huano Grape Orange vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Silent Green both offer unique benefits that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Grape Orange switch is renowned for its exceptionally light 40g actuation force, facilitating an effortless typing experience perfect for long sessions without fatigue. This makes it an excellent choice for typists or gamers who prioritize speed and comfort. Meanwhile, the Outemu Silent Green, although it lacks a specific standout feature, presents itself as a reliable linear switch that can appeal to users seeking a smooth and quiet operation. Both switches excel in providing a linear typing experience, yet they cater to different needs—one focuses on a light touch, while the other leans towards a more subdued auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Silent Green, it becomes evident that both switches employ polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in similar sound profiles. Both switches benefit from the inherent characteristics of polycarbonate, which is known for producing a sharper and more resonant sound due to its stiffness. This leads to a clear, high-pitched acoustical output that enhances the typing experience, particularly for enthusiasts who prioritize sound quality. Moreover, the translucent nature of the polycarbonate top housing makes it especially suitable for use with RGB lighting, allowing the colors to shine through and create a visually appealing effect while typing.
However, the differences arise when we consider the bottom housing materials. The Huano Grape Orange features a nylon bottom housing, contrasting sharply with the polycarbonate used in the Outemu Silent Green's bottom housing. Nylon is renowned for its ability to absorb sound more effectively than stiffer materials, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound that can create a more subdued typing experience. This dichotomy means that while the top housings of both switches contribute to a crisp and clear sound profile, the bottom housing of the Grape Orange engenders a rounder, more rounded auditory character, ideal for users seeking a softer typing experience.
In summary, the Grape Orange and Silent Green share a commonality in their polycarbonate top housings, delivering a harmonious and resonant sound profile. Contrastingly, the differences in their bottom housing materials—nylon for the Grape Orange versus polycarbonate for the Silent Green—mean that users will experience varied sonic textures. The bottom housing is critical in determining the overall auditory feel when a key is bottomed out. Therefore, while both switches can produce clear and vibrant sounds, those aiming for distinct auditory experiences may prefer the Grape Orange for its fuller tones or the Silent Green for its consistent crispness throughout the range of keystrokes.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Grape Orange features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, suitable for long hours of use. In contrast, the Silent Green requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial push feel when typing. This medium weight may be preferable for typists looking for a stronger tactile response. Ultimately, if a lighter feel is desired, the Huano Grape Orange is the way to go, whereas the Outemu Silent Green offers a firmer typing experience for those who appreciate a bit more resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, a distinct difference is observed. The Grape Orange has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Green measures 4 mm. This makes the Grape Orange the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, as shorter travel distances can facilitate faster key presses. On the other hand, the Silent Green, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, might be preferable for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback and hearty depth in their keystrokes. Therefore, while both switches cater to different preferences—responsiveness versus depth—the Grape Orange offers a slightly shorter travel distance, aligning well with the trends of modern gaming keyboards.
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 Silent Green 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
When considering the sound profile of the Huano Grape Orange and Outemu Silent Green switches, the Grape Orange is typically characterized by a softer, quieter sound, which contributes to a more subdued typing experience conducive to office environments or quiet settings. In contrast, the Silent Green is noted for its muted sound, designed specifically for silent operation, making it particularly suitable for situations where noise is a concern, such as at shared workspaces or for late-night gaming sessions. Both switches prioritize a quieter typing experience, ensuring that users can enjoy their mechanical keyboard without disturbing others.
In terms of feel, the Grape Orange switches offer an exceptionally light and smooth typing experience, thanks to their low actuation force of 40g, which facilitates effortless keystrokes, making them ideal for extended typing sessions. The lightness provides a sense of ease, reducing hand fatigue over time. On the other hand, the feel of the Silent Green switches is less specifically defined, but they are designed to prioritize silent operation while maintaining a linear feel. This means that while they may not provide the same level of lightness, they can still be expected to offer a reliable and smooth typing experience without the tactile feedback found in other switch types.
In conclusion, while the Huano Grape Orange linear switches offer an exceptionally light and comfortable typing feel with a soft sound profile, the Outemu Silent Green switches are crafted for silent operation, focusing on reduced noise for users needing a quieter experience. Both switches are excellent choices depending on your requirements: if you seek a light and effortless touch, Grape Orange is the way to go; if noise reduction is your top priority, the Silent Green is a fitting option. Ultimately, both switches ensure a satisfying typing experience, just tailored to different preferences and environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you value a light, responsive feel that promotes quick and effortless typing, especially during long typing sessions, the Grape Orange would be an excellent choice. With a very light actuation force of only 40 grams, it allows for rapid key presses without much resistance, making it suitable for both gaming and typing. However, if you prefer a more substantial feedback with a medium actuation force of 60 grams, the Silent Green may be more appealing. The extra resistance can enhance your typing accuracy and control, which some users find beneficial. Moreover, if noise is a concern—such as typing in a shared space or during late-night sessions—the Silent Green is designed to be quieter, which makes it advantageous for those looking to minimize sound disturbances. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing style: opt for the Grape Orange for lighter, faster key presses, and choose the Silent Green for a more deliberate typing experience with reduced noise.
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