Huano Grape Orange vs. Huano Strawberry Latte

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can greatly enhance your typing experience, and two popular options from Huano, the Grape Orange and the Strawberry Latte, offer distinct advantages despite both being categorized as linear switches. The Grape Orange is famed for its remarkably light actuation force of just 40g, allowing for an effortless typing experience that is particularly well-suited for those who spend long hours at the keyboard. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte stands out for its silky-smooth keystrokes, crafted using the latest molds from Huano, providing a balanced sound profile that strikes a perfect harmony—neither too quiet nor overly resonant. Both switches cater to different preferences, whether you prioritize a featherlight touch or a smooth and satisfying auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Huano Grape Orange Linear

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Huano Grape Orange and Huano Strawberry Latte utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their performance characteristics. The Grape Orange's top housing is made from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is particularly beneficial for users who appreciate clarity and resonance in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the RGB lighting effects, allowing for a visually appealing aesthetic. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features a top housing made of polyketone (POK), which, while smooth to the touch and durable, contributes a different auditory profile. POK has a higher coefficient of friction compared to polycarbonate, giving it a unique tactile quality and the ability to evoke a smooth yet clacky feel when typing.

Both switches share the same bottom housing material: nylon. The use of nylon in both the Grape Orange and the Strawberry Latte means that the fuller, rounder sound produced by the softer plastic remains consistent across these models. Nylon is well-known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper acoustic response. This shared material ensures that while the top housing may introduce distinct sound and tactile experiences, the bottom housing's performance factors create a cohesive experience in overall typing sound and feel.

In summary, while the Huano Grape Orange and Huano Strawberry Latte differ in their top housing materials—polycarbonate for the former and POK for the latter—their common nylon bottom housing results in similarly deep and engaging sound profiles. Users can expect to enjoy a rich auditory experience regardless of the model they choose, as the nylon contributes to the overall depth of sound while the top materials influence distinct characteristics. Thus, while there are unique attributes inherent in each model's design, the nylon bottom housing serves as a grounding element that blends their acoustic profiles.

Weight

The Huano Grape Orange and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches both feature light actuation and bottom out forces, but they differ slightly in their specifications. The Grape Orange has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Strawberry Latte offers a slightly lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Strawberry Latte is the lighter option, providing a gentler touch for users who prefer less resistance during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Grape Orange, while still considered light, offers a marginally heavier push feel, which may appeal to those seeking a bit more feedback in their keystrokes. Despite these differences, both switches fall within the light category, so users seeking similar results in terms of typing experience can find satisfaction in either choice based on their preference for subtlety or feedback.

Travel distance

Both the Huano Grape Orange and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches feature the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users will experience a similar sensation when pressing down on either switch. This identical travel distance results in comparable keypress feedback and performance, making both switches suitable for those who prefer a linear feel without tactile bumps. Consequently, whether opting for the Grape Orange or the Strawberry Latte, users can expect an equivalent feel as both switches travel the same distance from top to bottom.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Grape Orange switch is characterized by its relatively neutral auditory profile, which tends to be less pronounced than some other linear switches. It does not produce excessive noise, making it a good choice for quiet environments where low auditory distraction is preferred. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a more balanced sound profile; while it is not overly quiet, it also avoids excessive resonance. This makes it suitable for users who appreciate a pleasant auditory feedback without being disruptive, striking a middle ground that many find appealing.

When it comes to feel, the Grape Orange offers a very light touch with an actuation force of only 40g. This results in an effortless typing experience, allowing for quick and comfortable keystrokes, particularly beneficial during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte is renowned for its smoothness, attributed to the latest molds used by Huano. This smooth operation can enhance the tactile experience, allowing for a more enjoyable typing rhythm. Both switches, therefore, cater to different preferences: the Grape Orange leans towards ease of typing, while the Strawberry Latte focuses on an exceptionally smooth tactile experience.

In conclusion, while both switches cater to distinct user preferences, they each bring valuable qualities to the mechanical keyboard landscape. The Grape Orange provides a lightweight and comfortable feel ideal for long periods of use, while the Strawberry Latte emphasizes smoothness and a balanced sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel, choosing between the two can help you achieve a satisfying typing setup.

Conclusion

To summarize, when deciding between the Huano Grape Orange and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches, you should consider both your typing style and your preferences for feedback and acoustics. If you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience, especially during long hours of use, the Grape Orange's ultra-low 40g actuation force will provide you with a swift and comfortable keystroke. Its slightly heavier bottom-out force of 50 grams adds to the satisfying pop as you engage with each key. On the other hand, if you are looking for smoothness and a balanced sound profile, the Strawberry Latte will win you over with its 45g bottom-out force that feels light yet stable. This switch excels if you appreciate a tactile experience without overpowering noise. The hybrid of calm but present feedback in the Strawberry Latte allows for a pleasant typing environment, making it suitable for both typing and gaming scenarios. Ultimately, your choice should hinge on whether you value a very lightweight actuation for a seamless typing marathon with the Grape Orange or a smooth, balanced experience with the Strawberry Latte's rich sound and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more