Huano Grape Orange vs. Durock Sea Glass

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Grape Orange and the Durock Sea Glass offer distinct yet appealing options for different types of typists. The Grape Orange is renowned for its exceptionally light actuation force of just 40g, making it an ideal choice for those who engage in extensive typing sessions and prefer a smooth, uninterrupted experience. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass stands out not only for its unique aesthetic appeal with a selection of pastel colors but also for its distinctive typing feel. With a 62g bottom-out force, these switches provide a paradoxical weightlessness combined with a dry, wispiness that some users find refreshing. While both are linear switches focused on smooth performance, the Grape Orange is perfect for those who prioritize lightness in their keystrokes, whereas the Sea Glass appeals to those who appreciate a slightly more textured experience without sacrificing smoothness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.

By the numbers

Huano Grape Orange Linear

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the Durock Sea Glass switches, it becomes evident that both switches leverage distinct materials for their top housings, which results in different sound profiles. The Grape Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, crisper sound. This quality is particularly beneficial for RGB enthusiasts, as the translucence of the polycarbonate allows for vibrant light diffusion. In contrast, the Sea Glass utilizes a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing, which leads to a sound profile that is brighter yet not overly sharp. The blend's distinctive properties provide a pleasant auditory experience, although it diverges from the clarity associated with polycarbonate.

On the flip side, both the Grape Orange and Sea Glass switches employ nylon materials for their bottom housings, albeit with slight variations. The Grape Orange's pure nylon bottom housing is traditionally recognized for delivering a deeper, full-bodied sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer composition, which effectively absorbs sound waves and creates a rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Sea Glass incorporates a polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend in its bottom housing. While this blend retains some of the characteristics of traditional nylon, it introduces a unique quality that results in a sound profile described as bright and pleasant but without the pronounced warmth that comes from the sole use of nylon.

Ultimately, the combination of materials in both the top and bottom housing impacts the switches' overall acoustic performance. While the Grape Orange leverages a sharp and resonant top housing with a rich, round sound from the nylon bottom, the Sea Glass offers a blend that balances brightness with a pleasing sound experience across both housings. Both switches exemplify the principle that when different materials are used for the top and bottom housings, their respective acoustic qualities create a multifaceted sound profile. Thus, both switches can yield satisfying auditory results, though the Grape Orange may appeal more to those seeking clarity, while the Durock Sea Glass offers a more balanced and unique twist on auditory performance.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, notable differences emerge 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 more suitable for those who prefer a softer typing experience that can accommodate long hours of use, whether at work or during extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Sea Glass switch requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. This increased resistance offers a more substantial tactile feedback, appealing to users who favor a firmer keystroke for a more engaging typing experience. Overall, the Grape Orange is the lighter option, whereas the Sea Glass is the heavier choice, catering to different preferences in typing feel.

Travel distance

The travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange and Durock Sea Glass linear switches differ slightly, with the Grape Orange measuring 3.6 mm and the Sea Glass at 3.8 mm. This makes the Grape Orange the shorter option and the Sea Glass the longer one. For users who favor a quicker response time, the shorter travel distance of the Grape Orange may be more appealing, as it allows for faster actuation, which is particularly beneficial for gamers. On the other hand, some may find the slightly deeper travel of the Sea Glass more comfortable, as it can provide a more satisfying feedback with its greater depth, countering the abrupt feel of shorter switches. Thus, your choice between the two switches may ultimately reflect your personal preference for responsiveness versus a more pronounced tactile experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Huano Grape Orange switch is not provided, but it tends to be more traditional and can vary depending on the board and keycap materials used. Meanwhile, the Durock Sea Glass switch is noted for its hollow sound signature, which contributes to a uniquely airy acoustic experience. The Sea Glass's distinct sound is characterized by its pronounced dryness and a sense of wispiness, potentially making it feel lighter and less dense when typing. However, specific subjective experiences may vary, as the overall sound will also significantly depend on the keyboard build and accessories used alongside these switches.

When considering the feel of these two switches, the Huano Grape Orange excels in providing an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, boasting a low actuation force of just 40g, making it an accessible option for extended use without significant fatigue. The Durock Sea Glass switch, with its heavier 62g bottom-out force, presents a smooth action owing to its frictionless nature, which can lead to a unique typing experience that feels both light and fluid. It offers characteristics like mildness, feathery responsiveness, and easy actuation, allowing for comfortable typing. While the Grape Orange emphasizes a lighter touch, the Sea Glass engages users with a slightly more substantial yet still smooth interaction.

In conclusion, both the Huano Grape Orange and Durock Sea Glass switches offer distinct experiences. The Grape Orange excels with its low actuation force, ideal for long typing sessions, while the Sea Glass impresses with its frictionless, fluid action and unique sound. While both switches provide a smooth feel, the Grape Orange leans towards an ultra-light experience, whereas the Sea Glass offers a more substantial, airy interaction. Depending on personal preferences surrounding sound and feel, either switch can cater to different styles of typing, and it's essential to consider your typing habits when making a choice.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Huano Grape Orange and Durock Sea Glass linear switches primarily depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you favor a lightweight and effortless typing experience, especially for prolonged sessions—be it gaming, work, or school—the Grape Orange switches are an excellent choice with their ultra-low actuation force of 40 grams. Their light bottom-out force of 50 grams also helps minimize finger fatigue, making them ideal for those who require comfort over long periods, as each keystroke feels almost featherlight. Moreover, the sound profile of the Grape Orange aligns with those who appreciate a more subdued auditory experience. Conversely, if you seek a more balanced switch with a slightly firmer feel, then the Durock Sea Glass may be more to your liking. With a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, these switches still provide a surprisingly weightless feel due to their frictionless design, contributing to an enjoyable typing experience. The Sea Glass switches are also visually appealing, offering a unique pastel aesthetic, and their hollow sound signature adds to their distinct character. In essence, if you prioritize ease and comfort, go for the Grape Orange; if you prefer a subtle yet firm feel with an enjoyable tactile experience, then the Durock Sea Glass is the way to go.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn more