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Huano Grape Orange vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow

An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Grape Orange and the Everglide Sunset Yellow offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Grape Orange is celebrated for its ultra-light actuation force of just 40g, providing an effortless typing experience that is ideal for those who engage in extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow switches boast a unique sound profile reminiscent of colliding mahjong tiles, delivering a rich, bassy, and decadent auditory experience. These medium-weight switches are versatile enough for a wide range of users, featuring a specialized Ly stem and proprietary factory lube that offers a smooth, frictionless glide, paired with a sharp and responsive feel. Each switch has its own charm—while the Grape Orange excels in comfort and ease, the Sunset Yellow captivates with its sensory richness and responsive feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your personal preferences.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

40g

Actuation force

43g

Bottom-out force

50g

Bottom-out force

51g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Total travel

3.20 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Partial box

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

POM

Stem material

Ly

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

Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring

Housing materials

The Huano Grape Orange and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches showcase distinct differences in their housing materials, which fundamentally affect their sound profiles. The Grape Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and ability to create a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic is particularly advantageous for those who prefer a more crystalline auditory feedback when typing. The polycarbonate's translucency allows for effective RGB lighting diffusion, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow's top housing, made from POM, produces a deeper and more muted sound. While this softer signature may appeal to those who favor more subdued acoustic feedback, it notably lacks the sharpness that characterizes the Grape Orange’s sound.

On the bottom end, the Grape Orange employs a nylon housing, which contributes to a fuller and deeper sound profile due to its sound-absorbing qualities. The nylon's softer composition effectively dampens the sound, allowing for a more rounded acoustical experience. The Sunset Yellow, on the other hand, also utilizes POM for its bottom housing. This material produces a similarly muted sound, aligning with the more subdued auditory experience from its top housing. Therefore, while both switches feature different materials for their tops—polycarbonate for Grape Orange and POM for Sunset Yellow—their bottom housings create a somewhat comparable acoustic experience. This means that both switches will deliver deeper and more rounded sound when bottoming out, though they will diverge in sound characteristics as the keys are released.

When considering the overall performance and auditory feedback of the two switches, it is crucial to recognize how the unique combinations of their housing materials interplay to create distinct sound profiles. The polycarbonate top of the Grape Orange will emit a clearer, higher-pitched sound on release, whereas the POM-top Sunset Yellow will maintain its deeper tone throughout the keypress. Users experiencing both switches will note that the differing top housings influence the sound when keys are released, while the bottom housings will contribute to a more consistent and muted sound upon actuation. Ultimately, the varying combinations of materials not only affect the immediate typing sound but also cater to different aesthetic and auditory preferences, providing each switch its unique identity.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, notable differences arise in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Grape Orange features a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow has a marginally heavier actuation force at 43 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, which may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial feel while typing. Overall, the Grape Orange is the lighter option, while the Sunset Yellow offers a medium-light experience. Despite their differences in force, both switches will provide a relatively comfortable typing experience, but the preference will ultimately depend on whether users prioritize a lighter touch or a firmer response.

Travel distance

The Huano Grape Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This difference indicates that the Grape Orange provides a more substantial feel when pressed, which some users may prefer for a deeper, more tactile experience. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who prioritize faster response times, particularly appealing to gamers who favor rapid keystrokes. Ultimately, if you're seeking enhanced responsiveness, the Sunset Yellow would be the ideal choice, while the Grape Orange is better suited for users who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke depth.

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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 per 10 switches.

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

When it comes to sound, the Huano Grape Orange linear switch is notably quieter and less resonant than the Everglide Sunset Yellow. While the Grape Orange's sound profile isn’t explicitly detailed, it is generally understood to be more subdued, making it less distracting for prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow boasts a captivating and richer sound reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, characterized by deep, bassy tones that deliver a satisfying thocky sound with every key press. This rich auditory experience is appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced sound when typing, emphasizing the differences between the two switches quite clearly.

Focusing on feel, the Huano Grape Orange linear switch does not have specific descriptors provided, but it is known for its ultra-low actuation force of 40g, which promotes a very light and effortless typing experience, especially suited for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow is highlighted for its creamy, frictionless feel. The unique Ly stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a smooth, buttery typing sensation, making each keystroke fluid and enjoyable. With short travel and a long-pole stem, it offers a highly responsive action that many users appreciate. Thus, while the Grape Orange is likely more about ease and lightness, the Sunset Yellow provides a tactile experience that emphasizes smoothness and polish.

In conclusion, the primary distinctions between the Huano Grape Orange and the Everglide Sunset Yellow come down to their auditory and tactile qualities. The Grape Orange's quieter and lighter typing experience offers a gentle touch that is perfect for extended use without distraction. Conversely, the Sunset Yellow provides an indulgent soundscape and an exceptionally smooth, creamy feel that many find satisfying. For newcomers, considering personal preferences in sound and typing experience will guide the choice between these two switches, as they cater to different aspects of the typing experience while still offering enjoyable features in their own right.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Grape Orange and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches, it largely comes down to your personal preference in typing feel and sound profile. If you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience, especially for long hours of use, the Grape Orange switches are an excellent choice with their low actuation force of 40g and comfortable 50g bottom out force. Their lighter feel can make typing feel almost like floating, which is ideal if you find heavier switches tiring. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more balanced and rewarding audio experience paired with a fluid typing feel, the Sunset Yellow with its slightly firmer 51g bottom out force and satisfying thocky sound will likely be more appealing. The richness of sound and unique feel of the Sunset Yellow can enhance your typing sessions, providing both auditory pleasure and a solid feedback mechanism. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing habits and how these switches can enhance your overall experience, leading to better productivity and enjoyment.

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