Huano Grape Orange vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Grape Orange and HMX Sunset Gleam offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Grape Orange is renowned for its unbelievably light 40g actuation force, which ensures a smooth and effortless typing experience, making it an ideal choice for users who engage in long typing sessions without experiencing fatigue. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also affectionately known as the Duck Duck switch, stands out for its exceptional blend of materials that delivers a subtle top-out feel along with a satisfying clack, courtesy of HMX’s superior factory lubrication. While both switches are linear and geared towards a smooth keystroke, the Grape Orange caters to those seeking a feather-light touch, while the Sunset Gleam appeals to those who appreciate a tactile auditory feedback. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.

By the numbers

Huano Grape Orange Linear

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Huano Grape Orange and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches share a remarkable similarity in their housing materials, both featuring polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches is pivotal for achieving a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This material's stiffer composition allows for a clearer resonance, enhancing the auditory feedback that users receive. Moreover, both switches take advantage of polycarbonate's translucent nature, making them especially compatible with RGB lighting setups. This shared characteristic suggests that users can expect visually appealing illuminated effects alongside a similar sound signature when these switches are employed.

On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Grape Orange and Sunset Gleam are composed of nylon, which contributes to a contrasting auditory experience. Nylon is known for imparting a deeper, fuller sound profile, attributable to its softer plastic properties that absorb sound more than harder materials. Consequently, while both switches benefit from the crispness of polycarbonate in the top housing, the nylon bottom housing influences the overall typing experience by providing a rounder, duller tone. This feature makes it clear that the two switches, while acoustically distinct in their bottom-out sounds due to their differing materials, still achieve a synergistic balance by combining the properties of both housing materials.

Ultimately, despite the differences in sound profiles introduced by the nylon bottom housings, the shared use of polycarbonate for the top housing ensures that both switches deliver a cohesive aural experience. Given that both sets of housing materials are identical in their top and bottom compositions, users can anticipate a similar result in terms of responsiveness and auditory feedback. While the Grape Orange may exhibit a slightly sharper sound upon release due to its polycarbonate construction, the inherent qualities of nylon will still provide a satisfying and rich tactile sensation during use. In conclusion, individuals can enjoy a unique yet harmonious experience with either switch, relying on the interplay of both housing materials to shape their typing feedback.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch to the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Grape Orange has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sunset Gleam features a slightly higher actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. Both switches fall into the light category, making them suitable for users who favor longer typing sessions and gaming without excessive strain. However, the Grape Orange is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, which may be preferable for those seeking a softer touch, while the Sunset Gleam, being slightly heavier, could provide a more substantial feeling for those who enjoy a firmer keystroke. Ultimately, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, but users may choose based on the subtle differences in force for their personal preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, the Grape Orange features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sunset Gleam has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means the Grape Orange provides a more pronounced depth when pressing down on a key, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more robust tactile experience. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam, with its shorter travel distance, may offer a quicker response time, making it particularly suited for gamers who prioritize speed. Overall, if you prefer a switch with a little more depth, the Huano Grape Orange is the better choice, whereas the HMX Sunset Gleam is ideal for those who favor a more immediate response.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Huano Grape Orange linear switch remains relatively quiet, designed to emphasize a muted yet pleasant auditory experience, ideal for those who prefer a more discreet typing session. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam offers a subtly more pronounced sound profile, characterized by a satisfying clack when bottoming out, thanks to its well-crafted materials and factory lubrication. This quality provides a more engaging auditory feedback that some typists may find rewarding during long typing sessions. Both switches' sound can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard housing and keycap material, which means while they may differ inherently, the ultimate sound experience can vary significantly based on individual setups.

In terms of feel, the Grape Orange linear switch delivers an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience due to its ultra-low actuation force of just 40g. This makes it particularly suited for extended typing sessions, as it minimizes finger fatigue and allows for rapid keystrokes. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam offers a different tactile sensation with its combination of quality materials and excellent factory lube, producing a smooth and satisfying action. The factory lube enhances the glide of the keypress, making it feel more fluid and enjoyable, especially for those who appreciate a bit of resistance while typing. While one switch leans towards a feather-light experience, the other provides a more balanced feel that harmonizes smoothness with subtle feedback.

Overall, both the Huano Grape Orange and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches cater to specific preferences, appealing to typists who appreciate different qualities in their mechanical keyboards. The Grape Orange excels in providing a lightweight and quiet typing experience, while the Sunset Gleam stands out for its satisfying sound and smooth action due to superior materials and lubrication. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to individual typing preferences, whether one values an ultra-light touch or a bit more auditory and tactile engagement during use.

Conclusion

To conclude, when selecting between the Huano Grape Orange and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches, your choice should depend on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you’re aiming for. The Grape Orange, with its ultra-low 40g actuation force and a bottom-out force of 50 grams, is ideal if you prioritize a light and effortless typing feel, especially during extended typing sessions. Its design promotes reduced finger fatigue, making it suitable for those who spend long hours typing or gaming without needing heavy actuation. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a subtly more tactile experience with a satisfying clack, the HMX Sunset Gleam could be your go-to. With a similar 48-gram bottom-out force, it combines a pleasant sound profile with excellent factory lubrication, enhancing both the feel and acoustics of your keystrokes. Ultimately, if a seamless, lightweight experience is what you're after, reach for the Grape Orange; but if you crave a more tactile feedback with a satisfying auditory response, the Sunset Gleam will likely be your best fit.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more