Huano Grape Orange vs. Outemu Tom

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Tom presents some interesting contrasts. The Grape Orange, a linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptionally light 40g actuation force, offering a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke that can greatly reduce fatigue during long typing sessions—an ideal choice for those who prioritize speed and comfort. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom is characterized as a tactile switch, providing a noticeable bump at the actuation point, facilitating a more deliberate and satisfying typing experience that many users find helpful for enhanced typing accuracy and feedback. While the Grape Orange excels in seamless, swift key presses, making it perfect for gaming and effortless typing, the Tom offers the tactile engagement that can enhance typing confidence and control. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Grape Orange Linear

Outemu Tom Tactile

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Tom both feature polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes to their sound characteristics in a remarkably similar way. Polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, enhances the sound profile by producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This quality makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for vibrant light diffusion. Consequently, both switches will deliver a clear and resonant auditory experience when a key is released, highlighting the advantages of polycarbonate in their designs.

In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is made from nylon, a classic material in mechanical switch design. Nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties, which absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This means that while both switches will share similar sound characteristics produced by their polycarbonate tops, the tactile experience during a keypress is shaped by the nylon bottom housing, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that is felt more significantly when the key bottoms out. This combination creates an interesting interplay between the two materials, affecting both the auditory and tactile sensations.

Overall, the similarities in top housing materials lead to comparable sound qualities when keys are released, while the differences in bottom housing materials create a distinct typing experience. The polycarbonate top enhances clarity and brightness, setting the stage for a crisp sound on release, while the nylon bottom adds depth and fullness during the keypress. As a result, users of both the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Tom will experience a duality in sound that captures the benefits of both types of materials, making the mechanical switch experience rich and satisfying.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, we find distinct differences in their actuation forces. The Grape Orange features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer less resistance during typing or gaming, potentially reducing fatigue during extended use. In contrast, the Outemu Tom has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, which caters to users who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing keys. However, the bottom out force for the Tom switch is unknown, leaving it unclear how it compares in that regard. Overall, the Grape Orange is the lighter option, while the Tom is the heavier switch, aligning each with specific user preferences based on typing experience.

Travel distance

The Huano Grape Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Grape Orange provides a more pronounced keypress, which some users may prefer for a deeper feel and a more solid typing experience. Conversely, the Tom's shorter travel distance might appeal to gamers and those who favor quick response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Given these differences, if you're looking for a switch that offers a bit more depth and tactile feedback, the Grape Orange is the better choice, while the Tom would be suitable for those who prioritize rapid key presses and a less intrusive experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound produced by the Huano Grape Orange linear switch is generally characterized as quiet and subdued, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. This quality can contribute to a serene workspace, especially in quiet settings. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch has its own unique auditory signature, but specific details about its sound characteristics remain unspecified. It's worth noting that the sound of any switch can vary significantly depending on the keyboard build and keycap choices, so there’s potential for both switches to produce different auditory experiences based on their environment.

When it comes to feel, the Grape Orange switch stands out due to its ultra-low 40g actuation force, which provides a remarkably light and effortless typing experience. This can be especially beneficial during prolonged typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue. In contrast, the tactile feedback of the Outemu Tom remains undefined, which leaves some uncertainty about its overall sensory experience. Without explicit details about the tactile feedback, one can only speculate that it may cater to users looking for varying degrees of resistance or a different kind of engagement while typing.

In conclusion, the Huano Grape Orange linear switch offers an exceptionally light and quiet typing experience, making it ideal for extensive typing sessions, while specifics about the Outemu Tom tactile switch remain elusive, particularly in terms of sound and feel. Users seeking a seamless, whisper-quiet linear switch may find the Grape Orange highly suitable, whereas those in pursuit of a tactile switch may need to explore the Tom further to gauge its unique properties. Overall, if sound and feel align in terms of personal preference, both switches can deliver an enjoyable typing experience tailored to the individual's needs, making careful selection crucial.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a light and smooth typing experience, the Grape Orange's low actuation force of 40 grams makes it an excellent option, particularly for extended typing sessions where comfort is essential. Its linear design ensures that you won't feel any tactile bump, allowing for fast, uninterrupted keystrokes, which can be beneficial for gamers or those who enjoy a fluid typing experience. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers tactile feedback, the Outemu Tom would cater to those who enjoy a more traditional typing experience with a noticeable bump when the actuation point is reached, providing a satisfying sensory engagement with each keystroke. While we haven't discussed specific sound characteristics, consider how the sound profile of each switch might affect your environment, as the Grape Orange may be quieter compared to the more pronounced sound of the Tom. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing habits, whether you lean towards a light, uninterrupted flow or prefer the tactile feedback that adds character to your typing.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Tom Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more