Huano Grape Orange vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Grape Orange and the Gateron Smoothie both offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences. The Grape Orange is celebrated for its remarkably light actuation force of just 40g, providing an effortless and swift typing experience that is particularly beneficial for long typing sessions. This linear switch is often favored by those who require minimal resistance, allowing for rapid key presses and less finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie stands out with its all-POM construction, delivering a thocky sound signature and exceptional smoothness that many users find appealing. The Smoothie's creamy, subdued feel enhances its tactile experience, making it suitable for gamers and typists alike who appreciate a bit more auditory feedback without compromising on performance. Both switches have their own merits: the Grape Orange excels in lightness and ease of typing, while the Smoothie offers a richer acoustic character and a velvety touch. 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
40g
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
3.60 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the Gateron Smoothie, it's essential to recognize the differences in the top housing materials. The Grape Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. This characteristic arises from polycarbonate's superior stiffness, leading to clearer and more resonant audio feedback when the keys are engaged. In contrast, the Smoothie's top housing is made of POM (polyoxymethylene), which contributes to a deeper, more muted sound profile. This distinction suggests that the auditory experience of typing on these switches will be quite different, with the Grape Orange providing a bright and high-pitched response, while the Gateron Smoothie offers a more subdued and rounded sound.
Looking more closely at the bottom housings, both the Grape Orange and Gateron Smoothie utilize different materials that further influence their sound profiles. The Grape Orange employs a nylon bottom housing, revered for its ability to absorb sound and create a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This contrasts with the Smoothie, which also uses a POM bottom housing, noted for producing a unique yet relatively muted sound. Here, the Grape Orange’s nylon enhances the bottom-out feel, emphasizing the rich audio feedback with each keystroke, while the Gateron Smoothie maintains a consistent, pleasant sound derived from its POM material, resulting in a different sensory experience.
Overall, while the top and bottom housing materials of the Grape Orange and Smoothie are disparate, they each contribute to a distinctive typing experience. Users can expect a contrasting sound signature due to the differing characteristics of polycarbonate and POM in the top housings. However, since the smoothing properties of POM in the bottom housing offer a more muted auditory feedback similar to nylon, one might obtain a somewhat consistent experience in the mid-to-bottom sound frequencies. Thus, the Grape Orange's high-pitched resonance and the Gateron Smoothie's deep tones ultimately create unique sensory profiles despite some overlap in the sound dampening effects of the nylon and POM bottoms.
Weight
The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch present some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Grape Orange features a clear actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a lighter option that enables easier keystrokes, ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, while the Smoothie also has an actuation force of 40 grams, its bottom out force remains unknown, leaving it difficult to compare fully. Given that both switches share the same actuation force, users can expect a similar tactile experience in terms of initiating a keystroke. However, because the Smoothie's bottom out force is unspecified, it could potentially offer a different weight sensation when pressed fully down compared to the Grape Orange, which is confirmed to bottom out at 50 grams. As a result, those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Grape Orange, while the Smoothie remains an uncertain choice in terms of overall resistance.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is 3.6 mm, making them equal in this aspect. As a result, users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. This equivalence in travel distance ensures a consistent experience in typing or gaming scenarios, allowing for seamless transitions between the two switches without any adjustments needed for travel. Therefore, those who appreciate the characteristics of one switch will likely find the other equally satisfying due to the identical travel distance.
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 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 Smoothie for $2.60.
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 does not have a specific description provided, but it can typically be expected to produce a subtle auditory feedback, characteristic of linear switches which tend to be quieter than their tactile or clicky counterparts. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie is well-known for its thocky sound signature, delivering a deep and satisfying auditory experience that can be described as a low-pitched and subdued thud when a key is pressed or released. This sound profile not only adds character but also provides a pleasant acoustic touch during typing.
When it comes to feel, the Grape Orange switch's characteristics remain unspecified. Generally, linear switches like this one are associated with a smooth actuation without tactile bumps, often favoring a buttery typing experience similar to the Gateron Smoothie. The Smoothie, in contrast, is described as offering a buttery, creamy, and silky typing sensation, which indicates exceptional smoothness throughout the keystroke. With its POM construction, it ensures that users enjoy a near-effortless glide, allowing fingers to flow seamlessly over the keys.
Overall, both switches cater to the enjoyment of a lightweight typing experience, albeit with different auditory profiles. While the Huano Grape Orange excels in providing an ultra-light actuation force, making it ideal for prolonged usage, the Gateron Smoothie stands out for its pleasing thocky sound and remarkably smooth tactile feedback. For newcomers, it can be said that both options will deliver a satisfying linear typing experience, but your choice may depend on whether you prioritize sound or an enhanced tactile feel in your typing sessions.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you find yourself typing for long periods and prefer an effortless and lightweight experience, the Grape Orange with its 40g actuation force may be the ideal choice for you; it’s designed to minimize finger fatigue and enhance comfort during extended use. The Grape Orange's sound is notably lighter and less emphasized compared to the Smoothie's thocky, low-pitched auditory profile, making it suitable for environments where a quieter typing experience is essential. On the other hand, if you appreciate a rich, thocky sound and prefer a buttery, creamy feel, the Gateron Smoothie might be more up your alley. Its unique construction provides a smooth and silky keystroke experience, giving you that satisfying feedback with each press. Both switches cater to different needs, so consider your typing style, sound preference, and the overall feel you desire from your keyboard when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
