Huano Grape Orange vs. KTT Purple Star

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly affect your typing experience, and two popular options are the Huano Grape Orange and the KTT Purple Star, both linear switches. The Grape Orange is renowned for its exceptionally light 40g actuation force, providing a nearly effortless typing experience that is ideal for those who engage in extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Purple Star switches offer a slightly higher bottom-out force of 45g, but their all-POM construction ensures a buttery smooth feel, complemented by a neutral sound signature that many typists appreciate. While the Grape Orange is perfect for users looking for an ultra-light touch, the Purple Star is favored for its balance of smoothness and comfort, making it ideal for light typists. Each switch brings its unique characteristics to the table; 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

KTT Purple Star Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$4.88 per 10

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Housing materials

The Huano Grape Orange and KTT Purple Star switches exhibit distinct differences in their housing materials, which influence their sound profiles and overall performance. The Grape Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing for a clear and resonant auditory experience. Additionally, its translucency makes it a popular choice for RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. In contrast, the Purple Star uses a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which delivers a sound that is deeper and relatively muted compared to the sharper tone of polycarbonate. This difference in top housing materials results in varied auditory feedback, suggesting that while both switches may excel in their own right, the Grape Orange offers a brighter sound ideal for those seeking clarity, whereas the Purple Star caters to those who prefer a richer, more subdued acoustic experience.

Examining the bottom housings, the Grape Orange employs a nylon material, which is regarded as a classic switch housing choice. The nylon's relatively softer composition absorbs more sound, generating a deeper and fuller sound profile that contrasts with the polycarbonate top. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star utilizes a POM bottom housing, which, like its top counterpart, contributes to a muted and deeper sound experience. Though both the nylon and POM materials contribute to producing a deep sound profile, the Grape Orange's nylon provides a more pronounced sound absorption effect, leading to a rounder auditory experience than the more linear characteristics of the POM material in the Purple Star.

Ultimately, the differences in materials for both the top and bottom housings of the Huano Grape Orange and KTT Purple Star create unique sound signatures and tactile experiences when typing. While the Grape Orange incorporates a combination of polycarbonate and nylon, producing a bright top-end and a deep but fuller bottom-end, the Purple Star’s dual POM construction results in a consistently muted tonal representation. This distinction means that users will experience the polycarbonate's clarity when pressing and releasing keys on the Grape Orange, while experiencing a consistent, muted sound with the Purple Star due to POM's influence in both housing sections. In conclusion, while both switches offer satisfying performances, their differing material compositions cater to different preferences based on desired sound profiles and tactile feedback.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, both switches exhibit similar bottom out forces of 50 grams, making them feel equally substantial when fully pressed down. However, they differ slightly in their actuation forces; the Grape Orange requires a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the Purple Star necessitates a slightly heavier force of 43 grams. This means that for users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons, the Grape Orange may be the better choice. Conversely, those seeking a more robust typing experience might lean towards the Purple Star, as it provides a firmer activation feel. Overall, the Grape Orange can be considered the lighter option, while the Purple Star is the heavier of the two.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This indicates that users of the Grape Orange may experience a marginally deeper keystroke, which can provide a feeling of sturdiness and assurance with each press. In contrast, the Purple Star, with its shorter travel distance, may cater to those who prioritize faster response times, making it a suitable choice for gamers seeking quick actions. While both switches fall within the realm of modern preferences, the Grape Orange's 3.6 mm distance offers a bit more depth, while the 3.5 mm distance of the Purple Star favors a snappier feel. Therefore, if you prioritize a more decisive, full-depth experience, the Grape Orange switch would be your best bet, whereas those looking for speed might lean towards the Purple Star.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Grape Orange switch does not have a specific description available, making it difficult to assess its auditory qualities. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switch is characterized by a low-pitched sound signature, which typically results in a bass-heavy and mellow tone. This can create a more subdued acoustic environment, potentially lending itself to a pleasant typing atmosphere, especially in quieter settings. The sound experience of these switches, however, can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which adds another layer of personal preference in terms of auditory satisfaction.

Regarding the feel, the Grape Orange switches are known for providing an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience due to their ultra-low 40g actuation force. This facilitates extensive typing sessions without causing strain, making it a favorable choice for those who prioritize comfort and ease. In contrast, the Purple Star switches also provide a light touch with a 45g bottom-out force, offering a mild typing experience characterized by gentle resistance and easy actuation. Their design aims to reduce finger fatigue, similar to the Grape Orange, making them approachable for a wide range of typists while ensuring a smooth and enjoyable feel.

In summary, both the Huano Grape Orange and KTT Purple Star linear switches excel in providing a comfortable and light typing experience, making them suitable for long typing sessions. While the sound profile of the Grape Orange remains unspecified, the Purple Star’s low-pitched tone contributes to a more mellow auditory experience. When it comes to the feel, both switches deliver a gentle touch, but the Grape Orange has a slight edge in its lighter actuation force. Ultimately, opting for either switch will yield similar results regarding ease of use and comfort, allowing users to select based on preferred sound and feel attributes, as well as personal aesthetics.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Grape Orange and KTT Purple Star linear switches, consider your typing habits and preferences. If you prioritize an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, especially during long typing sessions, the Grape Orange may be your switch of choice thanks to its ultra-low actuation force of 40 grams. It is particularly suited for individuals who want to minimize finger fatigue and maximize comfort. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smooth and mild typing experience with a unique low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Purple Star is an excellent option. With its all-POM construction and a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams, the Purple Star provides a balanced blend of comfort and tactile feedback, making it a great pick for light typists who appreciate a quality typing sound. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you value the ultra-light touch of the Grape Orange or the smooth, mellow qualities of the Purple Star for a more subtle engagement.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

KTT Purple Star Linear

$4.88 per 10

Learn more