Huano Grape Orange vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can greatly influence your typing experience, and two popular options on the market are the Huano Grape Orange and KTT Pine switches, both of which are linear. The Grape Orange switch is celebrated for its incredibly light 40g actuation force, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a low-effort typing experience, ideal for long hours of use without fatigue. Conversely, the KTT Pine offers a medium-heavy feel, characterized by its smooth operation and polished, factory-lubed finish that significantly reduces friction during keystrokes. This switch delivers a notably buttery and creamy typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a slightly more tactile feedback without compromising on smoothness. While the Grape Orange may cater to those seeking an ultra-light touch, the KTT Pine is perfect for users looking for a richer acoustic experience with its low-pitched sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The top housing of both the Huano Grape Orange and the KTT Pine switches is made from polycarbonate, presenting a uniform characteristic that significantly influences their auditory profiles. Polycarbonate, being a relatively stiffer plastic, provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, enhancing the overall clarity of the key stroke. This material is particularly advantageous for those who utilize RGB lighting, as its translucency allows the lighting to shine through beautifully, bringing an aesthetic appeal to keyboard layouts. Both switches benefit from this polycarbonate top, ensuring that users experience a similar resonance and sound quality when they press the keys.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of these switches diverge, showcasing differing auditory characteristics that impact the overall typing experience. The Grape Orange utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which instills a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature. This softer material absorbs more sound, creating a rounder and less sharp auditory output, which can be particularly appealing for those who prefer a more muted typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Pine features a polycarbonate bottom housing. This choice reinforces the clearer, sharper sound profile initiated by the polycarbonate top, ensuring a consistent auditory output throughout the entire switch. Consequently, this difference in bottom housing materials creates a nuanced variation in sound and feel between the two switches.
Ultimately, the combination of material selections for both the top and bottom housings in the Grape Orange and KTT Pine switches leads to distinct auditory profiles despite the shared polycarbonate top. The Grape Orange's nylon bottom introduces warmth and depth, balancing the crispness of its polycarbonate top, while the KTT Pine maintains a sharper continuity by utilizing polycarbonate for both sections. This divergence in bottom housing characteristics influences the switch's bottom-out sounds and overall feel during typing, showcasing how housing materials interplay to shape user experience. Therefore, while the top housings yield similar results in sound clarity, the distinct bottom housing materials contribute to a unique typing experience for each switch.
Weight
The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Grape Orange features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the KTT Pine has a medium actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a more substantial feel when typing. This difference means that the Grape Orange is easier to press down, appealing to users who prioritize a gentler touch, while the Pine offers a slightly firmer push that may be preferred by those looking for a more tactile experience. Overall, if you favor a lighter switch for extended use, the Grape Orange is the better choice, whereas the KTT Pine caters to users who appreciate a heavier feel.
Travel distance
The Huano Grape Orange linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Pine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Grape Orange switch offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Pine. For users who prioritize responsiveness in their typing or gaming experiences, the Grape Orange may be the better choice due to its reduced distance, which can lead to faster key actuation. On the other hand, the KTT Pine, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press, providing a sensation of depth that some users find more satisfying. Ultimately, the decision will depend on individual preferences for either responsiveness or a deeper feel while typing or gaming.
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 Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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 notably understated, providing a subtle and quiet typing experience that is well-suited for both office environments and home setups where noise levels should be kept to a minimum. In contrast, the KTT Pine switch boasts a more pronounced auditory characteristic, producing a deep, bassy sound that adds a rich tone to each key press. This low-pitched, resonant sound can enhance the tactile experience for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing, but may not be ideal if a quieter environment is a priority. Both switches will produce unique sound profiles influenced by the choice of keyboard case and keycap materials, but the Pine's bass-rich tones stand in stark contrast to the Grape Orange's discreet performance.
In terms of feel, the Grape Orange switch is celebrated for its ultra-light actuation force of just 40g, creating a nimble and effortless typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during long typing sessions. This model is particularly well-suited for users who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch provides a medium-heavy actuation that promotes a different type of engagement with the keyboard. Its buttery-smooth, factory-lubed finish enhances key travel by reducing friction, resulting in a creamy typing sensation that feels luxurious and effortless. While both switches aim to deliver a pleasurable keystroke experience, the Grape Orange focuses on lightness and speed, whereas the Pine emphasizes a richer tactile engagement.
In conclusion, both the Huano Grape Orange and KTT Pine linear switches offer unique experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Grape Orange features a quiet, ultra-light feel ideal for extended typing, while the Pine switch enriches the experience with its deep, bassy sound and smooth, creamy tactile response. Ultimately, your choice between them will depend on whether you prioritize a lighter touch or a more textured auditory and tactile sensation while typing. Both switches aim to minimize friction and provide effortless typing, though they each approach this goal from distinct angles, ensuring that users can find a switch that best fits their individual needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you value a lighter touch and anticipate long typing sessions, the Grape Orange's ultra-low 40g actuation force and effortless feel make it an excellent choice for comfort and speed. Its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams allows for quick keystrokes, perfect for both typing and gaming without causing fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a firmer key feel and appreciate a richer sound profile, the KTT Pine is worth considering. With its medium-heavy 58 grams of force and buttery, creamy typing experience, it provides a more substantial feedback that some users find satisfying. The Pine's bassy sound adds an extra layer of engagement, making each keystroke feel impactful. Ultimately, if you prioritize responsiveness and comfort for extended periods, go for the Grape Orange; however, if you seek a structured, rich keystroke feel, the KTT Pine would be the Switch for you.
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