Huano Grape Orange vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Grape Orange and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie represent two enticing options within the linear switch category. The Grape Orange switch is renowned for its exceptionally light actuation force of just 40g, allowing for an effortless typing experience that makes it ideal for those who engage in extended typing sessions or require swift keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch offers a medium-weight feel combined with a smooth all-POM construction, delivering a satisfying thocky sound profile while maintaining superior quality at an accessible price point. Both switches present compelling reasons to choose them, whether you prioritize a featherlight touch or a more pronounced auditory feedback during your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, notable differences emerge in both the top and bottom housing. The Grape Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, more resonant sound profile due to its stiffness. This material not only enhances the clarity of the sound produced when typing but also allows for RGB lighting to shine through prominent transparency, making it aesthetically appealing for gamers and typists alike. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a uniquely muted and deeper sound. While not as resonant as polycarbonate, the POM material offers its own charm, resulting in a sound profile that is characterized by pleasant tones rather than sharpness.
Examining the bottom housing materials paints a similar picture of contrast. The Grape Orange employs a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper, fuller sound profile thanks to its softer, more sound-absorbing nature. This results in a rounder, more subdued typing experience where the noise felt during key presses is less piercing than with harder plastics. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM bottom housing maintains a soft and muted sound profile, closely mirroring the depth of nylon while providing a unique auditory experience. Both switches thus feature a bottom housing that allows for a pleasing and rich sound during typing, emphasizing the muted character that POM material exudes.
Ultimately, the differences in sound profiles and tactile feedback from the top and bottom housings of each switch yield an intriguing comparison. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Grape Orange lends itself to sharper sounds, the muted tones of the POM top housing in the Sea Salt Smoothie results in a distinct auditory experience ideal for different preferences. Regardless of these differing materials, the inherent qualities of each housing impart specific characteristics to their respective switches. The result for each switch is distinct, but with careful design and construction, both offer satisfying experiences tailored to their specific sound profiles. If a user is keen on achieving particular acoustic results, understanding how these materials interact will be crucial in selecting the switch that best aligns with their typing or gaming needs.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, along with an unknown aspect concerning the bottom-out force of the Sea Salt Smoothie. The Grape Orange features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, which may appeal to users looking for easier key presses that are ideal for long typing sessions or extended gameplay. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a heavier actuation force of 48 grams, making it a better fit for those who prefer a more substantial feel and tactile feedback during typing. While the Grape Orange's bottom-out force is 50 grams, providing an additional layer of feedback when keys are fully pressed, we do not have the bottom-out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie. If the bottom-out force of the Sea Salt Smoothie were known and possibly similar to the Grape Orange's, users might experience a comparable typing feel. Overall, those who favor a lighter switch would find the Grape Orange more suitable, while those desiring a stronger push might gravitate towards the Sea Salt Smoothie.
Travel distance
The Huano Grape Orange linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Grape Orange offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Sea Salt Smoothie. For users who favor quicker response times, the Grape Orange's shorter distance might be more appealing, as it allows for faster actuation and can be beneficial for gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie's longer travel distance may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback, as it offers a bit more depth to the keypress. Therefore, individuals must weigh their preferences between responsiveness and the feel of a fuller press when choosing between these two switches.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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
The sound profile of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch is not explicitly mentioned, leaving it somewhat of an unknown. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is noted for its thocky sound, which offers a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. This can contribute to an enjoyable typing experience, especially when combined with the right board and keycaps that complement the switch's characteristics. If you pair either switch with a well-constructed keyboard, you may achieve an appealing sound, but the Sea Salt Smoothie's distinct thocky quality is a standout feature.
When it comes to feel, the Grape Orange switch is characterized by an exceptionally light touch, requiring only a 40g actuation force. This makes it particularly appealing for long typing sessions, allowing for a more effortless user experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie's medium-weight design promises a balance of control and comfort, combining smoothness with a bit more resistance. While both switches aim for smooth keypresses, the Grape Orange caters to those who prefer a lighter, less fatiguing touch, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a robust experience that some users may find more engaging.
In summary, the Huano Grape Orange and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches offer contrasting yet complementary experiences in sound and feel. While the Sea Salt Smoothie stands out with its thocky sound and medium weight, the Grape Orange excels in providing a light and smooth typing experience ideal for long durations. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for sound and tactile feedback, though each can be a superb addition to a mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Huano Grape Orange and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches, consider your typing style and preferences. If you favor a light, effortlessly smooth typing experience, especially during long sessions, the Grape Orange is an excellent choice due to its low actuation force of just 40 grams. This makes it particularly suitable for those who type rapidly or often, as it minimizes finger fatigue and allows for rapid key presses. On the other hand, if you seek a switch that balances smoothness with a slightly heavier feel, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may be the better option. Its medium weight provides a satisfying resistance while still allowing for a plush typing experience, coupled with a nice thocky sound profile that adds an auditory depth to your keystrokes. Additionally, if you appreciate the quality of POM material and the price-to-performance ratio, the Sea Salt Smoothie stands out as a worthy contender. Therefore, evaluate your typing habits and sound preferences carefully to determine which switch aligns best with your needs.
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