Huano Grape Orange vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Grape Orange and Outemu Silent Ocean present two intriguing options for typists and gamers alike, both featuring linear characteristics that cater to a smooth keystroke experience. The Grape Orange switches, celebrated for their exceptionally light 40g actuation force, offer an effortlessly responsive typing feel, making them ideal for those who engage in extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean is designed to provide a quieter typing experience, which can be advantageous in noise-sensitive environments or for shared workspaces. While both switches aim for seamless linear performance, the Grape Orange emphasizes a light touch for speed, whereas the Silent Ocean focuses on reducing auditory distractions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that meets your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Silent Ocean share a significant similarity in their top housing—both switches utilize polycarbonate. This choice contributes to a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic that resonates well during key presses. The translucency of the material also makes it ideal for RGB lighting setups, as it allows for the illumination to shine through clearly. Therefore, from an aesthetic and functional perspective, both switches benefit similarly from their polycarbonate tops, enhancing not only the visual appeal but also the auditory experience of users looking for vibrant lighting effects.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Grape Orange and the Silent Ocean switch to nylon, which plays a crucial role in shaping the sound profile when typing. The use of nylon introduces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer texture, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a more muted and rounded auditory experience that contrasts nicely with the crispness offered by the polycarbonate top. As a result, while both top and bottom housings contribute distinct qualities to the overall sound profile, the nylon material in the bottom housing of both switches produces a richer sound that complements the clarity of the polycarbonate top.
Ultimately, the combination of a polycarbonate top and a nylon bottom in both the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Silent Ocean allows users to achieve a balanced sound experience. The polycarbonate enhances the initial keystroke sound with its sharpness, while the nylon adds depth and richness upon bottoming out. This harmonious blend of materials means that even though the individual qualities of each housing differ, together they create a dynamic typing experience, ensuring that users will enjoy the engaging auditory feedback characteristic of both switches. While there may be variances in switch feel and other specifications, the consistent housing materials reveal a shared commitment to sound quality and performance.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Huano Grape Orange features an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option that is ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions without inducing fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean requires a slightly stronger actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. This additional weight offers a more substantial typing experience, which some users may prefer for a firmer feel. Overall, the Grape Orange is the lighter switch, while the Silent Ocean is heavier, catering to different preferences based on typing style and comfort.
Travel distance
The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch differ in their travel distances, which can significantly impact the typing experience. The Grape Orange has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter than the Silent Ocean's 4 mm. This shorter distance may be preferable for gamers or those who favor rapid response times, as it allows for quicker actuation. Conversely, the Silent Ocean's longer travel distance might appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke feel, providing a greater sense of depth while typing. Consequently, individuals who prioritize responsiveness may lean towards the Grape Orange, while those who prefer a more traditional and tactile feel might opt for the Silent Ocean.
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 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 sound profile of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch is characterized by its quiet, subdued tones that make it a great fit for environments where noise is a concern. This subtle sound is primarily the result of its construction and design, which dampens keystrokes and keeps a low acoustic footprint. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch has a reputation for being silent; however, there are no specific details available regarding its sound characteristics. It’s important to note that sound can vary significantly depending on the keyboard and keycap materials used, so both switches may produce different audio experiences based on their respective setups.
When it comes to feel, the Grape Orange switch stands out for its remarkably light actuation force of only 40g, leading to a smooth and effortless typing experience. This gentle resistance is especially beneficial for those who type for long periods, as it reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the feel of the Silent Ocean switch is not clearly defined, as there is little information available regarding its tactile response or overall typing experience. It can be assumed that since it's also classified as a linear switch, it may offer a smoother response similar to that of the Grape Orange, but specific qualities remain a mystery.
In conclusion, both the Huano Grape Orange and Outemu Silent Ocean linear switches present unique advantages, particularly in creating a quieter typing environment. The Grape Orange excels with its lightweight feel, making it ideal for extended typing tasks, while the Silent Ocean is expected to share certain characteristics, though without detailed descriptions. Ultimately, if you're looking for a linear switch with a light touch and subdued sound, the Grape Orange is a clear choice, whereas the Silent Ocean, while less characterized, may still provide a similarly smooth experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience for prolonged typing sessions, the Grape Orange switch with its low actuation force of 40 grams will serve you well, allowing for a smooth and fatigue-free experience. Additionally, if you prefer a switch that produces a more tactile feel and might be used for general typing and gaming without excess noise, the Grape Orange is an excellent choice for casual environments. On the other hand, if you find comfort in a firmer keypress and are accustomed to a medium-heavy switch, the Silent Ocean may be better suited for you. With a bottom-out force of 65 grams, this switch can provide more resistance, which some users appreciate for improving typing accuracy and control, especially in high-stakes gaming situations. Also, if sound level is a concern for you, the Silent Ocean is designed to operate quietly, making it an appealing option for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions where you want to minimize noise. Therefore, consider your typing habits and environment to select the switch that aligns best with your needs.
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