Huano Grape Orange vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Grape Orange and Gateron Silent Ink Black offer unique advantages that cater to different typing preferences and environments. The Grape Orange switch is celebrated for its incredibly light actuation force of just 40g, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience that's ideal for long periods of use, making it a great choice for those who prioritize speed and ease. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black switch excels in quieter settings where noise reduction is essential; its cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel ensures minimal audio feedback while maintaining a linear typing experience. This combination of silky smoothness and muted response makes the Silent Ink Black particularly appealing for office environments or shared spaces. Both switches have distinct characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, whether you’re a rapid typist or someone who needs a more subdued atmosphere. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches present a fascinating juxtaposition in how they influence the overall sound profile and user experience. The Grape Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the material's rigidity. This results in clearer and more resonant acoustic characteristics, especially when paired with RGB lighting, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate enhances visual effects. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing that also aims for a high-pitched sound, albeit described as not overly sharp and more clacky in quality. This indicates that while both switches may share a goal of producing a crisp auditory experience, the methodologies through which they achieve this result differ, showcasing unique acoustic signatures.
When examining the bottom housing, notable distinctions arise that further influence the sound. The Grape Orange employs nylon for its bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black also features a proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, specifically designed to produce a thin and higher-pitched sound akin to the top housing. This means that while both switches maintain a lively and pointed sound, the Grape Orange delivers a softer and deeper sound quality from the bottom, whereas the Silent Ink Black complements the sharpness of its top housing with a similarly high-pitched yet clacky tone from the bottom.
Ultimately, the interaction between each housing material in both switches determines their sound characteristics and tactile feedback. If employed in the same switch, the distinct qualities of each housing material would create a layered sound experience, with the top housing affecting the sound released upon key release and the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. In essence, while the Grape Orange and Silent Ink Black employ different materials in their housings, both are constructed to create distinct auditory profiles that will appeal to different user preferences, thereby enriching the overall performance of mechanical keyboards. Users who prioritize a high-pitched sound might find satisfaction in both options, though their auditory experience will vary in nuance and depth based on the specific materials used in each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Grape Orange and Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switches, distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge, catering to varying user preferences. The Grape Orange features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent option for those who type for extended periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black presents a more robust typing experience with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a stronger tactile feedback. Ultimately, the Grape Orange is the lighter of the two, while the Silent Ink Black is the heavier option, allowing users to choose based on their desired typing feel and comfort level.
Travel distance
The Huano Grape Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch boasts a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm reveals a shift in tactile experience between the two switches. The Grape Orange's shorter 3.6 mm travel distance caters to gamers seeking quicker response times, allowing for rapid key presses. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black's 4 mm travel distance offers a more substantial feel, which might be preferred by users who appreciate a deeper keystroke and tactile feedback. Therefore, if you're looking for a more responsive experience, the Huano Grape Orange is the better choice, whereas if you favor a richer keystroke experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black will likely suit you better.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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
In terms of sound, the Huano Grape Orange switch is relatively understated, producing a softer noise profile compared to more traditional, clacky mechanical switches. This makes it suitable for both quiet environments and long typing sessions without excessive distraction. Conversely, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is designed specifically for quiet operation, featuring a muted sound that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Its design aims to produce a softer and less intrusive auditory experience, making it ideal for use in shared spaces or during late-night typing.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Grape Orange offers an exceptionally light typing experience with an ultra-low actuation force of just 40g. This lightness contributes to a more effortless typing session, particularly over extended periods. In comparison, the Silent Ink Black switch features a silky smoothness that enhances the overall typing experience. It is engineered for minimal resistance, providing a polished feel as it reduces friction during key presses. This can lead to a very pleasant and smooth interaction with the keys, even though it is designed to accommodate users looking for a quieter alternative without sacrificing comfort.
Overall, both switches cater to different preferences while still providing quality typing experiences. Users who prioritize a light actuation force for fluid and effortless typing may gravitate towards the Grape Orange. In contrast, those who need to maintain a quieter workspace without compromising on smoothness would benefit from the characteristics of the Silent Ink Black. Since both switches emphasize comfort, one can achieve similar satisfaction through the unique qualities each offers, though the specifics of noise and tactile feedback will ultimately guide a user's choice based on their individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience—especially for long sessions—the Grape Orange is an excellent option with its ultra-low 40g actuation force and a bottom-out force of just 50 grams. This makes it particularly suited for those who may experience fatigue from heavier switches or simply prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a quiet environment where noise levels are a concern, the Silent Ink Black switch might be the better choice. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams, it provides a more substantial feel and a notably muted sound profile, which is advantageous in shared spaces. Furthermore, the silky and polished nature of the Silent Ink Black enhances typing smoothness, making it appealing for users who value both comfort and an almost luxurious typing experience. Thus, when deciding, consider the environment you’ll be typing in and the level of feedback you prefer; both switches offer unique benefits tailored to different typing preferences and settings.
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