Huano Grape Orange vs. Outemu Silver

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Silver both stand out as popular linear options, each offering unique benefits tailored to different typing preferences. The Grape Orange is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force of just 40 grams, which results in an effortless and smooth typing experience—ideal for users seeking comfort during long hours of work or gaming. In comparison, while the Outemu Silver does not have a distinct reputation like the Grape Orange, its linear design offers a smooth and consistent keystroke feel that many typists appreciate for rapid key presses and gaming. Ultimately, these two switches cater to different user needs, with the Grape Orange prioritizing lightness and comfort, while the Outemu Silver focuses on a reliable linear response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing style.

By the numbers

Huano Grape Orange Linear

Outemu Silver Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and Outemu Silver switches share significant similarities, particularly in the use of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness ensures a clearer and more resonant sound when typing. Additionally, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, which enhance RGB lighting effects, adding an aesthetic appeal that gamers and typists alike appreciate in their keyboard setups. The shared qualities of the top housing mean that users can expect a similar auditory experience from both switches in terms of sound clarity and brightness when the keys are pressed.

On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, which introduces a contrasting sound profile to the overall switch performance. Nylon is inherently softer than polycarbonate, allowing it to absorb more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This property creates a more rounded auditory experience that complements the sharper notes produced by the polycarbonate top housing. Therefore, while the Grape Orange and Silver switches might have identical top housing materials, their nylon bottom housings enhance their individual sound characteristics, exhibiting a harmonious blend of high and low frequencies when typing.

In summary, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms in the Huano Grape Orange and Outemu Silver switches creates an appealing duality in their sonic profiles. While they share the same materials for the top and bottom housing, the differing attributes of these materials lead to a unique sound experience for users. The polycarbonate provides the crispness and brightness associated with each key's release, while the nylon introduces warmth and depth with its absorbing qualities during typing. Consequently, both switches deliver a well-rounded auditory feedback that caters to various typing preferences, making them equally enjoyable for those who value sound performance in mechanical keyboards.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Grape Orange features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Silver has a medium-heavy actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, offering a more substantial push feel that some users might favor for a robust typing experience. This means that the Grape Orange is the lighter option, whereas the Silver is heavier, catering to different user preferences. Overall, if you're looking for a switch that emphasizes ease of use and endurance, the Huano Grape Orange is the better choice; however, if you prefer a stronger tactile feedback, the Outemu Silver would suit you better.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Grape Orange has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silver measures at 4 mm. This makes the Grape Orange the shorter option, appealing to gamers or users who favor a more responsive key press due to the reduced travel distance. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, may provide a more satisfying depth for users who prefer a sturdier feel while typing. Therefore, while both switches have their own advantages, the choice between them will largely depend on whether you prioritize quick response times or a more substantial typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Huano Grape Orange linear switch is notably quiet, allowing for a smooth and unobtrusive typing experience. This makes it ideal for office environments or shared spaces where noise can be a concern. While the specific sound characteristics of the Outemu Silver linear switch are not well-documented, it can be inferred that it may also offer a relatively subdued audible signature, as many linear switches tend to minimize sound during actuation. Ultimately, both switches may provide a similar level of noise output, depending on the specific build and keycap choices, making them potentially suitable for those seeking a quieter typing experience.

When it comes to feel, the Grape Orange switch stands out due to its ultra-light 40g actuation force, creating an effortless typist experience that is especially favorable for long typing sessions. Users often appreciate how this lightness allows for swift keystrokes and reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, there is insufficient information available about the tactile characteristics of the Outemu Silver, limiting our ability to compare their feel directly. However, if this switch is also linear, it may provide a similar smoothness in actuation that characterizes less resistance and a fluid typing experience.

In summary, the Huano Grape Orange switch excels at providing a light and quiet typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who type for extended periods. While the Outemu Silver lacks specific quality descriptors, it's likely to possess some complementary features, particularly if it shares the linear switch design. For beginners, selecting either switch could yield a satisfying result, especially if ease of use and comfort are top priorities.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the Huano Grape Orange and Outemu Silver linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and needs. If you value an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, particularly during long typing sessions, the Grape Orange switch is an excellent choice. Its low actuation force of 40 grams and bottom-out force of 50 grams means you can type quickly with minimal finger fatigue. This can be especially beneficial for those who type extensively, whether for work or leisure. On the other hand, if you prefer a firmer feel that provides more resistance while typing, the Outemu Silver switch may be more suitable for you, as its bottom-out force of 65 grams offers a medium-heavy feel that some users find satisfying for a more deliberate typing experience. While the Grape Orange is perfect for a light, speedy touch, the Silver may cater to those who appreciate a bit more tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice will reflect your personal typing style and how you want your keyboard to feel during use.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silver Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more