Huano Grape Orange vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing or gaming needs, the Huano Grape Orange and Everglide Tourmaline Blue offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Grape Orange is renowned for its exceptionally light actuation force of just 40g, allowing for an effortless typing experience that is particularly beneficial during long sessions. This linear switch excels in providing a smooth and quiet keystroke, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize speed and reduced finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue presents a compelling alternative with its unique combination of a deep, thocky sound profile and a bouncy feel, thanks to its lengthened single-stage spring. This switch is designed to provide rich tactile feedback while remaining accessible to a wide range of users, striking a balance that many find enjoyable. While both switches cater to typists and gamers alike, they do so in significantly different ways. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Huano Grape Orange and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue exhibit distinct characteristics primarily through their housing materials, particularly in the top housing configuration. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which offers similar acoustic properties. The shared use of polycarbonate contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, due to the material’s inherent stiffness. Aesthetically, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups. Therefore, users can expect a bright, clear sound response from both switches when activated, enhanced by the visual appeal of illuminated keycaps.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Grape Orange and the Tourmaline Blue are markedly different, which influences their overall sound signature. The Grape Orange opts for a nylon bottom housing, known for its softer nature. This choice results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and yielding a rounder tonal quality. The absorption characteristics of nylon will dampen the sound upon bottoming out, creating a warmth that is distinctively different from the high-pitched clarity delivered by polycarbonate. In sharp contrast, the Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns it acoustically with its top housing, continuing the pattern of clarity and resonance throughout the entire switch.
The interaction between the top and bottom housing materials in these switches significantly influences the tactile and auditory experience for users. With the Grape Orange, the deeper sound from the nylon bottom enhances the overall typing experience, leading to a more textured feel, especially felt during key presses. Meanwhile, the Tourmaline Blue maintains a consistent sound profile, with both top and bottom housing offering a clear resonance. This divergence illustrates how the combination of materials can create varied auditory profiles; users seeking a full-bodied sound may gravitate towards the Grape Orange, whereas those who prefer a sharper and more resonant typing experience may find the Everglide Tourmaline Blue more appealing.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are notable differences in both the actuation force and bottom out force. The Grape Orange features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch and longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel during typing. Consequently, the Grape Orange is the lighter option, while the Tourmaline Blue is the heavier switch. This variance in force preference can significantly affect the typing experience, with lighter switches facilitating longer use and heavier switches providing a more tactile feedback, which can enhance the overall typing experience depending on individual user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, we find that the Grape Orange has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Tourmaline Blue features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Grape Orange offers a slightly shorter and more responsive experience, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker key presses. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue's longer travel distance may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing their keys, providing a sense of depth that some may find more comfortable. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference, considering whether one prioritizes speed and responsiveness over a more traditional key feel.
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 Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 switches are relatively quiet, designed to offer a smooth typing experience without adding noticeable noise, making them suitable for environments where you want to minimize sound disruption. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches deliver a deep and thocky sound that enhances the typing experience by providing more auditory feedback. This distinct sound profile can create a more engaging typing atmosphere, ideal for those who appreciate a richer auditory experience while typing. It's worth noting that factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps can also significantly influence the overall sound produced by either switch.
In terms of feel, the Huano Grape Orange switches excel with their ultra-light 40g actuation force, allowing for a typing experience that feels effortless and reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Their light actuation makes every keystroke feel quick and responsive. Conversely, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches provide a buttery feel with their bouncy characteristics, allowing for a smooth and fluid typing experience. With a standard spring weight, they strike a balance that makes them enjoyable for a wide range of users, offering mild resistance that ensures a comfortable feel with every press. The Grape Orange prioritizes ease of use, while the Tourmaline Blue combines satisfying feedback with enjoyable resistance.
In conclusion, the Huano Grape Orange switches provide a light and quiet typing experience, making them ideal for long sessions, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches impress with their deep sound and bouncy feel, catering to users who desire an engaging auditory experience. Although they have different strengths, choosing between them will ultimately depend on your personal preferences in sound and typing sensation. If you prefer a more understated experience, the Grape Orange is your go-to, while the Tourmaline Blue appeals to those who value a richer sound and a tactile response.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Grape Orange and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switches largely hinges on your typing preferences and the environments in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you are seeking a feather-light typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during long writing sessions, the Grape Orange switches, with their ultra-low 40g actuation force and 50g bottom-out force, would be ideal for you. Their effortless keystrokes are especially beneficial for those who prioritize speed and comfort, making them an excellent choice for extensive document typing or casual gaming. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more pronounced feedback with a deeper, thocky sound profile, the Tourmaline Blue might suit you better. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 67 grams and a buttery, bouncy feel, they provide a satisfying tactile experience that can enhance both typing accuracy and enjoyment. Their neutral sound profile allows for versatility, whether you're working in a quiet environment or enjoying some gaming with friends. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prefer a smoother, effortless experience or a more pronounced tactile feedback while typing.
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