Huano Grape Orange vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the selection of switches plays a crucial role in your overall typing experience, especially when comparing options like the Huano Grape Orange and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2). The Grape Orange switch stands out with its ultra-low actuation force of just 40g, offering an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience that is ideal for long typing sessions without finger fatigue. This linear switch provides a smooth keystroke from top to bottom without tactile feedback, making it suitable for users who prioritize speed and fluidity in their typing. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) presents a medium tactile feel that delivers satisfying resistance with each press, ensuring a precise and comfortable typing experience. These tactile switches distinguish themselves by being designed to minimize noise, making them an excellent choice for office environments or shared living spaces where quiet operation is valued. While the Grape Orange caters to those seeking a lightweight and fast typing experience, the Silent Bluish White (V2) appeals to those who prefer a bit more feedback in a quieter setting. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Huano Grape Orange and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches both utilize polycarbonate for their respective top housings, which significantly influences their acoustic characteristics. Polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material’s inherent translucency enhances the aesthetic appeal, particularly when RGB lighting is involved, making a vibrant glow more effective. Given that both switches employ polycarbonate for their top housings, users can expect a very similar sound quality when pressing the keys. This shared material ensures that the acoustics produced during key release maintain a clear and resonant tone, regardless of the variations in the switches' other components.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the two switches diverge, as both utilize nylon, yet they each exhibit unique acoustic properties. Nylon is traditionally a softer plastic, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile than harder materials would produce. This attribute is critical as the bottom housing primarily dictates the bottom-out sound during keystrokes, contributing to a rounder and more muted acoustic experience. Since both the Huano Grape Orange and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) share this nylon material for their bottoms, users will appreciate a similar tactile and auditory sensation during key presses, making the typing experience satisfyingly deep and rich.
Ultimately, while both switches feature identical materials for their top and bottom housings, the use of polycarbonate for the tops ensures a bright and crisp sound during release, while the nylon bottoms provide that heavy, muted feel upon bottoming out. Consequently, the combination of these materials in the Grape Orange and Silent Bluish White (V2) produces a coherent overall sound profile that balances clarity with depth. The similar sound qualities arising from the use of polycarbonate and nylon across both switches result in a consistent experience for users, allowing for easy preference-based choices without major discrepancies in performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, both switches exhibit relatively light characteristics, although there are slight differences in their actuation forces. The Grape Orange has an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) slightly increases this to 42 grams. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Grape Orange is the better option due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, users who enjoy a more tactile feedback might lean towards the Silent Bluish White (V2) given its slightly higher actuation force. Ultimately, both switches are designed for comfort during extended use, but the Grape Orange is the lighter choice overall.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, we find that the Grape Orange has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Grape Orange the better choice for those who prefer a deeper keystroke, as it offers a more pronounced depth that some users may find satisfying. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers and users seeking quicker response times, highlighting the preference for more responsive switches in competitive settings. Thus, while both switches fall within similar ranges, the Grape Orange provides a bit more travel distance for those who appreciate a more substantial feel under their fingers.
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 TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 considering sound characteristics, the Huano Grape Orange switch is generally more subdued compared to other mechanical switches, although the specific sound profile isn't detailed here. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) is explicitly noted for its muted sound signature, which minimizes the noise typical of mechanical keyboards. This makes it particularly suitable for environments where noise control is essential, such as offices or shared living spaces. While both switches offer a quieter experience, the Grape Orange may still produce more sound than the Silent Bluish White due to its design, making it a better choice if complete silence isn't critical.
Regarding the feel, the Huano Grape Orange provides an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, ideal for prolonged use without inducing fatigue. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a more nuanced tactile feedback with its medium resistance level, featuring a buttery smooth action that enhances typing pleasure. This switch employs a stepped tactile design, allowing for a mild distinction between the pre-travel and post-travel stages, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more structured typing feel. The blend of subtlety and polished smoothness in the Silent Bluish White creates a refined and comfortable experience that contrasts with the Grape Orange's straightforward, effortless actuation.
In summary, the Huano Grape Orange is tailored for users seeking an ultra-light and smooth typing experience, while the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) provides a medium tactile feedback that balances sensitivity with precision. The Grape Orange might be preferred for those who type quickly over extended periods, while the Silent Bluish White likely suits individuals who appreciate a more tactile response without the burden of loud noise. Each switch will cater to different typing needs, allowing users to select one based on their preferences for sound and feel, ultimately enhancing their mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch largely depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you consider comfort and a lightweight typing experience paramount, especially for extended use, the Grape Orange switch stands out with its ultra-low 40g actuation force, allowing for effortless keystrokes without fatigue. This makes it a great option for those who type quickly or need to minimize strain during long sessions. However, if you value a tactile sensation and a quieter environment, the Silent Bluish White (V2) is your best bet. With its medium tactile feedback and muted acoustics, it provides a satisfying typing experience while remaining discreet, making it ideal for office settings or shared spaces where noise can be a factor. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches boils down to whether you prioritize a smooth, light touch that feels almost weightless or a subtle tactile feedback with a quiet sound profile.