Huano Grape Orange vs. TTC Silent Brown

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, understanding the nuances between options like the Huano Grape Orange and TTC Silent Brown can significantly enhance your typing experience. The Grape Orange, a linear switch, is renowned for its exceptionally light 40g actuation force, making it an ideal choice for those who type extensively and prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown is a tactile switch that strikes a balance between a comfortable typing experience and performance, featuring a satisfying rounded tactile bump coupled with a light-medium level of resistance. Additionally, the Silent Brown's muted sound profile adds to the overall appeal for users seeking a quieter workspace. With these distinct characteristics, those who prefer swiftness and ease might gravitate towards the Grape Orange, while those who appreciate tactile feedback may find the Silent Brown more to their liking. 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

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$5.00

$3.68 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Huano Grape Orange and TTC Silent Brown switches share a similar approach to material choice, particularly in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate to create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, which is largely attributed to the material's inherent stiffness. This leads to a clear and resonant auditory experience, making both switches ideal for users who value sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is an aesthetic advantage, especially for those who integrate RGB lighting into their setups, as it allows for vibrant and visually appealing illumination through the switch housing.

In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches incorporates nylon, a classic material known for its softer and more absorbent properties. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials. Consequently, when using either switch, typists will experience a rounder and more muted sound characteristic on the bottom out. This synergy between the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing in both switches highlights their design philosophy: while the top housing contributes to the clarity of the sound upon release, the bottom housing enriches the auditory experience upon keypress.

Overall, while both the Huano Grape Orange and TTC Silent Brown switches utilize the same materials for their respective housings, the interaction between the top and bottom housings ultimately shapes the auditory experience. The combination of a crisp and resonant top with a deep and rounded bottom means that users will enjoy a well-rounded sound profile whether they are typing or gaming. Thus, if you aim for consistency in sound characteristics across different usage scenarios, both switches will deliver similar outcomes, making them compelling choices for different types of keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, the actuation and bottom out forces highlight significant differences in typing experience. The Grape Orange requires a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions as it minimizes strain. In contrast, the Silent Brown has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a tactile experience. Consequently, the Grape Orange can be considered the lighter option, appealing to those who favor ease of use during extended periods, while the Silent Brown, being heavier, may cater to users seeking a more robust typing experience. Overall, the differences in force requirements suggest that users will experience contrasting feedback and fatigue levels based on their preferences between the two switches.

Travel distance

The Huano Grape Orange linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Grape Orange would be the better option, given its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate quicker key presses—ideal for gamers. On the other hand, the Silent Brown, with its longer travel distance, may be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback and a less abrupt key press. Both switches provide distinct experiences, with the Grape Orange offering a snappier response and the Silent Brown delivering a deeper feel, ultimately catering to different user preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Grape Orange switch is notably distinct from the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch. While the specifics of the Grape Orange's sound profile are not provided, it is generally understood that linear switches like the Grape Orange tend to produce a smoother and quieter sound without the pronounced click of tactile or clicky switches. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switches feature a muted sound profile, which minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This quality makes the Silent Brown an excellent choice for quiet environments, as they produce a softer and less disruptive typing experience.

When considering the feel of these switches, the Huano Grape Orange offers a notably light and effortless typing experience due to its ultra-low 40g actuation force. This makes it especially suitable for long typing sessions where fatigue can be a concern. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown switches provide a buttery and polished sensation, characterized by smooth, fluid keystrokes and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. The mild resistance of the Silent Brown offers a comfortable middle ground, making these switches approachable for most users and giving a more refined typing experience compared to the lighter and more linear feel of the Grape Orange.

In conclusion, while the Huano Grape Orange and TTC Silent Brown switches both provide unique typing experiences, they cater to different preferences. The Grape Orange excels in providing a lightweight and effortless feel, ideal for extended use, while the Silent Brown combines a tactile feedback experience with a muted sound and a smooth keystroke that many find satisfying. Ultimately, both switches promise satisfying results; it’s just a matter of individual preference in terms of sound and feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and use cases. If you're looking for a switch that provides a light and effortless typing experience, especially during long typing sessions, the Grape Orange is an excellent choice. Its ultra-low 40g actuation force allows for quick and smooth keystrokes, making it ideal for tasks like coding or writing where speed and ease are paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile experience and appreciate a bit of resistance in your keystrokes, the TTC Silent Brown might be the better option for you. With a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams and a satisfying tactile bump, these switches provide a comfortable typing experience that many find enjoyable for both typing and gaming. Plus, their muted sound profile makes them great for quieter environments or shared spaces. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your individual typing style and environment preferences—whether you favor lightness and speed or tactile feedback and sound dampening.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$5.00

$3.68 per 10

Learn more