Huano Grape Orange vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Grape Orange and TTC Silent Red both present unique attributes that cater to different user preferences. The Grape Orange is celebrated for its remarkably light actuation force of just 40g, allowing for an effortlessly smooth typing experience that is particularly advantageous for those who spend long hours typing, as it reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red excels in environments where noise control is essential, offering a muted sound profile that ensures a quiet operation, making it ideal for shared workspaces or home offices. While the Grape Orange focuses on an easy and swift keystroke, the Silent Red prioritizes a buttery and polished feel, ensuring consistent and comfortable feedback with every press. Both switches have their strengths, appealing to different needs, but to make the most informed choice, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Grape Orange Linear

TTC Silent Red Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

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Housing materials

The Huano Grape Orange and the TTC Silent Red switches are constructed using the same materials for their top and bottom housings, specifically polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom. This congruence in housing material directly influences the sound profile and acoustic characteristics of both switches. With the polycarbonate top housing, both switches produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound that is enhanced by the transparent aesthetic, making them particularly effective for RGB lighting effects. Given that polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, it ensures clarity and resonance that elevates the overall auditory experience when typing or gaming.

In terms of their bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, which provides a contrast to the polycarbonate top housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This contributes to a less pronounced sound when bottoming out, resulting in a more rounded auditory experience. As a result, the Grape Orange and the Silent Red share a consistent resonance across their sound profiles, with the nylon bottom housing ensuring a velvety finish to the tactile feedback during use.

Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both the Huano Grape Orange and the TTC Silent Red yields a well-balanced sound experience. Since the properties of these materials are identical in both switches, users can expect similar acoustic results regardless of the specific model they choose. The sharpness from the polycarbonate top, blended with the softer, muted qualities of the nylon bottom, creates an engaging typing experience that is both pleasing to the ears and satisfying to the touch. This alignment in housing materials ensures that enthusiasts can enjoy the same level of performance and aesthetic appeal from either switch.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces illustrate their suitability for different user preferences. The Grape Orange features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those seeking a more effortless typing experience, perfect for long work sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Silent Red requires a stronger actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, positioning it as a medium-heavy option for users who enjoy a more substantial keystroke feel. Consequently, typists looking for a lighter switch would find the Grape Orange more suitable, while those preferring a heavier touch would gravitate towards the Silent Red. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces suggest that users can expect very different tactile experiences from these two switches.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch measures 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Grape Orange the shorter option by 0.1 mm, catering to users who favor faster response times typical of shorter travel distances. In contrast, the Silent Red, with its slightly longer travel distance, may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel, providing a bit more depth in their typing experience. Ultimately, if you are looking for a switch that allows for quicker actuation, the Grape Orange would be the preferable choice, whereas the Silent Red fits better for those who appreciate a more traditional, hearty depth in their keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Grape Orange switches have not been specifically described, but they generally tend to lean towards a typical linear sound profile, which means they are likely quieter compared to tactile or clicky switches; however, the exact sound characteristics would still depend on the keyboard build and the keycaps used. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switches are recognized for their muted sound profile, making them an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces where noise reduction is essential. The Silent Reds minimize the typical clacking noise associated with mechanical keyboards, which can be advantageous when you want to maintain a quieter atmosphere while typing.

When it comes to feel, the Grape Orange switches offer an exceptionally light typing experience with an ultra-low actuation force of just 40g, which allows for fast and effortless key presses—ideal for extended typing sessions without much finger fatigue. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red switches provide a buttery smooth, polished sensation that enhances key travel, delivering a seamless and consistent feel throughout the keystroke. They also offer a mild typing experience that feels approachable to most users. The padded bottom-out feel of the Silent Reds adds an element of comfort, ensuring that typists enjoy their time on the keyboard.

In conclusion, while the sound profile of the Huano Grape Orange switches remains somewhat unknown and may be more typical for linear switches, the TTC Silent Red excels in providing a notably quieter typing experience. Conversely, the Grape Orange is designed for an exceptionally light typing feel, while Silent Red offers a buttery and polished sensation with some padding for comfort. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, both switches can deliver unique yet satisfying experiences, making them suitable options for different typing environments and styles. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience with smooth keystrokes, the Silent Red may be the better choice. However, if you prefer a lighter touch for longer sessions, the Grape Orange could be ideal.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between Huano Grape Orange linear switches and TTC Silent Red linear switches ultimately hinges on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience, the Grape Orange switch is an excellent option, especially for long typing sessions where reduced finger fatigue is a concern. Its ultra-low actuation force of 40 grams allows for quick key presses, making it ideal for those who value a fast-paced typing style or gaming. In contrast, if you find yourself in a shared or quiet work environment, the TTC Silent Red switches would be more suitable. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams and a muted sound profile, these switches provide a smooth, buttery feel that minimizes noise without sacrificing typing comfort. They strike a balance that's approachable for most typists while ensuring a more tactile experience without the distractions of clicky sounds. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by your typing style and the setting in which you’ll be using your mechanical keyboard; choose the Grape Orange for a light and agile experience, or the Silent Red for a polished and quieter operation.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more