Huano Grape Orange vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, and two popular contenders are the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Spring Breeze. The Grape Orange, a linear switch, is celebrated for its incredibly light actuation force of just 40g, allowing for an effortlessly fluid typing experience that can enhance productivity during long sessions of typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze, a clicky switch, offers audible feedback and a tactile bump that many users find satisfying and engaging, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy the sound of their keystrokes and want to feel each activation. While the Grape Orange is ideal for users seeking a smooth and quiet environment, the Spring Breeze caters to those who thrive on tactile and auditory cues. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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 Outemu Spring Breeze switches exhibit significant differences, particularly in their top housing components. The Grape Orange utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and superior sound transmission. This material contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile that enhances the clarity of each keystroke. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it a favored choice for setups featuring RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant illumination to shine through. In contrast, the Spring Breeze features a nylon top housing, which lends a softer texture and results in a deeper, warmer sound profile. This difference in material leads to distinct auditory experiences; while the Grape Orange favors brightness and clarity, the Spring Breeze emphasizes depth and warmth.
When we examine the bottom housings of both switches, the Grape Orange and the Spring Breeze reveal similarities by utilizing nylon material. This choice ensures that both switches provide a fuller and rounder sound profile when typing, as nylon’s softer properties effectively absorb sound and vibration. Consequently, the experience of bottoming out on either switch is characterized by a muted, cushioned feel, which contributes to overall typing comfort. While the Grape Orange houses contrast between a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, the Spring Breeze’s consistent use of nylon in both top and bottom encapsulates a more harmonious sound profile throughout the entire switch mechanism.
Ultimately, while the Huano Grape Orange and Outemu Spring Breeze differ in the material of their top housings, they share a common ground in their nylon bottom housings, which allows for similar auditory experiences when it comes to the fundamental keystroke feel. The polycarbonate top of the Grape Orange introduces a sharper, more resonant sound upon key release, whereas the nylon top of the Spring Breeze leads to a consistent, rounded note throughout. This interplay of materials means users can appreciate both the vibrancy of the Grape Orange and the warmth of the Spring Breeze, with members of each switch family delivering unique yet pleasurable typing experiences rooted in the dualities of their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, both switches exhibit an actuation force of 40 grams, making them similar in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. This shared characteristic can provide a comparable typing experience regarding the initial actuation. However, the bottom-out forces differ, with the Grape Orange at 50 grams and the Spring Breeze a bit heavier at 55 grams. This means that while the initial keystroke feels the same, the Outemu Spring Breeze requires a slightly greater force to reach the bottom, resulting in a more substantial feel on bottoming out. As a result, users looking for a lighter switch for extended use might prefer the Grape Orange, while those favoring a stronger push and tactile feedback could lean towards the heavier Spring Breeze. Overall, the Grape Orange is the lighter option between the two.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, there is a notable difference. The Grape Orange features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Spring Breeze has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. Consequently, if you prioritize rapid response times and a more responsive key feel, the Grape Orange might be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a greater depth, the Spring Breeze would be preferable as it offers that extra millimeter. This differentiation caters to different typing preferences, with the Grape Orange providing a snappier feel and the Spring Breeze presenting a more traditional approach.
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 Spring Breeze 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 Huano Grape Orange linear switch offers a sound profile that leans towards being quiet and unobtrusive, which enhances the typing experience, particularly in shared or quiet environments. This minimal noise level makes the Grape Orange a great choice for those who need to focus or prefer a more subdued auditory feedback during their typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch typically produces a pronounced click sound that is sharp and distinct, which provides auditory satisfaction and feedback upon actuation. This clicky feedback can help typists determine that their keystrokes have registered, making it an engaging option for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound with their keys.
When it comes to feel, the Grape Orange switch excels in providing an exceptionally light and smooth typing experience. With an actuation force of just 40g, it allows for quick, effortless keystrokes, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. This linear feel creates a seamless typing flow, making it appealing for those who prioritize speed and comfort. Conversely, the Spring Breeze switch delivers a tactile bump followed by a click, offering a more engaging and responsive feel with each press. This tactile and audible feedback can enhance the typing experience for users who enjoy a more pronounced interaction with their keyboard but may not be as suited for those looking for a smooth, uninterrupted stroke.
Overall, the choice between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch comes down to personal preference regarding sound and feel. The Grape Orange is ideal for those seeking a quiet, smooth, and effortless typing experience suitable for long durations, while the Spring Breeze caters to users who appreciate the satisfying click and tactile feedback that enhances their engagement with each keystroke. Each switch offers unique qualities that can influence your typing experience, so selecting the one that aligns with your preferences will ultimately lead to satisfaction in your mechanical keyboard journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a smooth, effortless typing experience for extended periods, the Grape Orange is the better option due to its ultra-low 40g actuation force and light bottom-out weight of 50 grams. This makes it particularly suited for tasks requiring prolonged typing, such as programming, writing, or similar activities where speed and comfort are paramount. On the other hand, if you enjoy the tactile feedback and audible click of a clicky switch, then the Spring Breeze, with its medium-light bottom-out weight of 55 grams, could be the right choice. Although it may not have the same typing experience features as the Grape Orange, it can be satisfying for those who appreciate auditory feedback and a slightly firmer feel to enhance their typing rhythm. Ultimately, choose the Grape Orange for a quieter, smoother experience or the Spring Breeze if you thrive on auditory feedback while you type.
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