Huano Grape Orange vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Silent White 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 White offer distinct features that cater to different typing preferences. The Grape Orange switch is renowned for its ultra-low actuation force of just 40g, providing an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience—ideal for users who spend long hours typing and seek a responsive feel without the strain. In contrast, while the Outemu Silent White switch shares the linear profile, making it smooth and consistent in keypresses, it excels in quieter environments as its design is tailored to minimize noise, making it a suitable choice for those working in shared spaces or recording environments. Both switches present unique benefits, the Grape Orange emphasizing speed and comfort, while the Silent White prioritizes discretion. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
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
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Silent White both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute significantly to their sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is crisp and clear. This characteristic helps both switches to resonate well, making them ideal for users who appreciate a pronounced auditory feedback when typing. Furthermore, due to its translucency, polycarbonate is adept at showcasing RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing aesthetic enhancement, which is a common trait shared by both switches.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials diverge, with the Grape Orange utilizing a nylon bottom housing while the Silent White also employs nylon. This similarity means that both switches will provide a deeper, fuller sound profile on the bottom-out impact. Nylon, being a softer plastic relative to polycarbonate, absorbs sound waves more effectively, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. This key distinction highlights how the bottom housing influences the overall feel and sound of the switch when keys are fully pressed down, shaping the user’s tactile experience.
In summary, while both the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Silent White share polycarbonate top housings that generate a clear and crisp sound, they both utilize nylon bottom housings that yield a deeper auditory feedback. This duality in materials means that the switches will produce a complementary sound profile when pressed, with the higher-pitched notes from the top housing balancing against the fuller tones from the nylon bottom housing. Consequently, users can expect a harmonious blend of auditory feedback that reflects the strengths of both materials, regardless of the specific switch they choose.
Weight
The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch offer distinct actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different user preferences. The Grape Orange is lighter, with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions, as users may find less fatigue with such light forces. In contrast, the Silent White features a medium actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel for those who prefer a firmer keystroke. While both switches can facilitate a satisfying typing experience, the Grape Orange’s lighter forces may be preferable for users seeking comfort during long periods of use, whereas the Silent White's heavier forces might appeal to those desiring a more tactile and pronounced typing experience.
Travel distance
The Huano Grape Orange linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Grape Orange the longer of the two options, which may be preferable for users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience when pressing their keys. Conversely, the shorter 3.3 mm travel distance of the Silent White caters to those who favor a quicker response time, often favored by gamers seeking fast and efficient key presses. As a result, individuals looking for responsiveness might lean towards the Silent White, while those who appreciate a more substantial feel could opt for the Grape Orange. Overall, the difference in travel distances illustrates how varied user preferences can influence the choice of switches.
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 White 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
In terms of sound, the Huano Grape Orange switch is characterized by a relatively quiet keystroke, with a smooth action that minimizes any audible feedback during typing. This makes it a good choice for environments where noise levels must be kept to a minimum, such as offices or shared spaces. The Outemu Silent White, known for its focus on providing a quiet typing experience, also produces a subdued sound profile. However, the exact auditory qualities of the Silent White are less documented, so it’s challenging to delve deeper into the comparison. Overall, both switches are aimed at reducing sound, making either a suitable option for noise-sensitive setups.
When considering the feel, the Grape Orange switch stands out for its ultra-light 40g actuation force, which contributes to an exceptionally light and seamless typing experience. This makes it particularly appealing for long typing sessions, as the reduced resistance can help decrease fatigue. On the other hand, details about the feel of the Outemu Silent White switch are less well-defined, but it is crafted to provide smooth linear travel similar to other linear switches. As such, while the exact tactile feedback might vary, both switches are oriented towards delivering a smooth and uninterrupted experience.
In conclusion, both the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Silent White switches prioritize a quiet and smooth typing experience, making them excellent choices for users looking for linear options. The Grape Orange excels with its notably light actuation force, ideal for extensive typists. The Silent White, while less defined in its attributes, also aims for a subdued auditory experience. While specific details on the Silent White's feel remain elusive, those seeking a gentle typing experience will likely find satisfaction in either option.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience, especially if you plan on typing for long periods, the Grape Orange would be an excellent choice. Its ultra-low actuation force of 40 grams allows for quick key presses with minimal finger fatigue, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, if you are looking for a slightly firmer feel with a bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Silent White may be more suitable for you. Although this switch is also a linear option, its medium force can provide more resistance, which some users prefer for a more controlled typing experience. Furthermore, if you're concerned about noise, the Silent White is specifically designed for quieter operation, making it a better fit for shared workspaces or environments where sound might be an issue. In essence, choose the Grape Orange for a lightweight and comfy type feel, but consider the Silent White for a more tactile feedback with quieter functionality.