Huano Grape Orange vs. KTT Peach
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the KTT Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Grape Orange and KTT Peach offer distinct yet appealing options for typists and gamers alike, both classified as linear switches. The Grape Orange is celebrated for its exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, featuring a notably low actuation force of just 40g, making it an excellent choice for those who engage in long typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the KTT Peach excels in delivering a syrupy smooth feel combined with a deep, thocky sound profile, which many users find satisfying and pleasant during use. While the Grape Orange focuses on a feather-light touch that promotes speed and comfort, the KTT Peach combines smoothness with acoustic feedback for a more tactile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of both the Huano Grape Orange and the KTT Peach exhibit striking similarities, particularly in their choice of polycarbonate for the top housing. The polycarbonate material contributes to a sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity, resulting in a higher-pitched and crisper auditory experience when typing. Due to its rigidity, polycarbonate enhances resonance, leading to an overall more vibrant sound. Moreover, the translucence of polycarbonate makes it particularly desirable for applications involving RGB lighting, allowing for an aesthetic appeal that complements the visual effects produced by illuminated keys. Since both switches utilize this material in their top housings, users can expect a similar sound quality and visual presentation from either option.
In contrast, the bottom housing of each switch employs nylon, a classic choice known for its capacity to absorb sound. This softer plastic yields a deeper and fuller sound profile, distinguishing it from the more rigid polycarbonate. The nylon material, with its sound-dampening properties, contributes to the overall typing experience by providing a softer bottom-out feel and a rounder sound upon actuation. This contrast between the stiffer top housing (polycarbonate) and the softer bottom housing (nylon) allows for a division of sound qualities. While both switches share the same bottom housing material, the distinctions arise through the interplay between the nylon and polycarbonate, which influences the auditory experience at various stages of the keypress action.
Ultimately, the similar materials used in the top and bottom housings of the Huano Grape Orange and KTT Peach facilitate a cohesive typing experience across both switches. While users will perceive a notable difference in the impact each material has on the sound, this harmony allows for a balanced auditory profile overall. The polycarbonate top emphasizes clarity and sharpness, while the nylon bottom enriches the experience with deeper tones. This combination means that while each switch retains its unique characteristics, the end results regarding sound and feel will appeal to those who appreciate the qualities each housing brings to their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the KTT Peach linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Grape Orange has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, especially during extended sessions or when portability is a factor. In contrast, the KTT Peach requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which falls into the medium-light category. This means that the Peach offers a more substantial push feel, appealing to those who appreciate a firmer response while typing or gaming. Overall, the Grape Orange is the lighter option, while the KTT Peach is the heavier choice, providing users with distinct tactile experiences depending on their preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the KTT Peach linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Grape Orange has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Peach boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Grape Orange will provide a more responsive experience, catering to those who prefer quick key presses, such as gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the KTT Peach, with its greater travel distance, offers a more pronounced depth that some users appreciate for the tactile feedback it provides. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that delivers quicker activation, the Grape Orange would be the preferable choice; conversely, if you favor a more traditional feel with deeper keystrokes, the KTT Peach would be your best bet.
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 KTT Peach comes in at $2.91 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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Grape Orange switch is known for its unique tonal characteristics, providing a sound profile that is generally smoother and less resonant. This allows for a quieter typing experience, ideal for settings where noise might be an issue. In contrast, the KTT Peach switch is noted for its low-pitched sound, which tends to be deeper and thocky. This gives the Peach switch a more satisfying and pronounced auditory feedback, often appreciated by users who enjoy a richer sound when typing. It’s important to remember that sound is also influenced by the choice of keyboard, board materials, and keycap design, so individual experiences may vary.
In terms of feel, the Grape Orange switch offers an exceptionally light typing experience, thanks to its ultra-low actuation force of 40g. This makes it suitable for prolonged typing sessions, as the effort required to actuate each key is minimal. On the other hand, the KTT Peach switch provides a mild and syrupy smooth experience. It maintains an approachable feel that can be very appealing, especially for those who might find stiffer switches tiring. While the Grape Orange focuses on being lightweight, the Peach strikes a balance between smoothness and comfort, making it a versatile option for users across various preferences.
In conclusion, while both the Huano Grape Orange and KTT Peach linear switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences, they nonetheless serve the same purpose of enhancing your typing experience. If you prefer a silent and light feel, the Grape Orange might be your go-to, while the KTT Peach will appeal to those who appreciate deeper sounds and mild feedback. Ultimately, choosing between them comes down to personal preference; you can expect satisfying results from either switch, depending on your prioritization of sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the Huano Grape Orange and KTT Peach linear switches ultimately comes down to your personal typing preference and intended usage. If you prioritize an exceptionally light typing experience for extended sessions, the Grape Orange's ultra-low 40g actuation force will suit you well, making it ideal for long hours of typing or gaming where fatigue could be a concern. This switch is perfect if you enjoy a less strenuous keystroke while still maintaining responsiveness. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced typing feel with a bit more resistance, the KTT Peach switch's 53g bottom-out force offers a medium-light experience that blends comfort with a satisfying tactile response. The Peach's syrupy smooth operation and deep, thocky sound profile make it a joy to type on, especially if you appreciate auditory feedback and a more robust sound. In summary, lean towards the Grape Orange for lightness and effortless typing, while the Peach will cater to those seeking a moderate feel accompanied by a pleasing sound aesthetic.