Huano Grape Orange vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Grape Orange and the HMX Twilight linear switches each offer unique advantages that cater to different typing preferences. The Grape Orange is renowned for its ultra-low 40g actuation force, providing an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, which makes it an excellent choice for users who spend long hours typing and desire minimal finger fatigue. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight stands out with its extended 3.85mm travel distance, delivering a slightly quieter sound while retaining the signature clacky characteristics that HMX switches are known for. This makes the Twilight appealing to those who enjoy a more tactile feedback without compromising on sound. While both switches fall into the linear category, their distinct characteristics serve different purposes and preferences. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.85 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Huano Grape Orange and the HMX Twilight switches feature distinct top housing materials that create notable differences in their sound profiles. While the Grape Orange utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, recognized for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, the Twilight opts for nylon, which generates a deeper and fuller sound. The rigidity of polycarbonate enhances resonance and clarity, making it a preferred choice for RGB lighting applications, as its translucence allows light to pass through more effectively. On the contrary, the nylon top housing of the Twilight absorbs sound, resulting in a more subdued and rounded auditory experience. These disparities in material composition contribute heavily to the overall tactile and auditory feedback users experience when interacting with the switches.
In contrast, both the Grape Orange and Twilight switches share the same bottom housing material: nylon. This commonality leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer characteristics enable it to absorb sound effectively. This consistency ensures that, regardless of the differing top housings, the bottom-out sound and feel will share similar qualities due to the equal use of nylon in both switches. The nylon material fosters a muted sound experience that can appeal to users who prefer a more understated acoustic profile, providing a sense of depth across both switch types.
Ultimately, the differences in sound profiles between the Huano Grape Orange and HMX Twilight switches primarily stem from their top housing materials. While the Grape Orange's polycarbonate top delivers a crisp and lively sound, the Twilight's nylon top flattens and enriches the auditory experience. However, since both switches incorporate nylon in their bottom housings, they converge at that point, offering a consistently fuller sound quality when bottoming out. Thus, even as users engage with the two switches, they will exhibit comparable acoustic sensations during key presses, creating a hybrid experience that combines the distinct characteristics of both top housings for a rich, layered typing feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Grape Orange features an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Twilight has a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams, but shares the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that both switches require relatively light forces to press but the Twilight does necessitate a marginally stronger push to actuate. For users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Grape Orange may be more appealing due to its lower actuation force. However, if someone enjoys a more substantial typing experience and doesn't mind the added weight, the HMX Twilight could be the better choice, particularly as both switches bottom out at the same force, ensuring a similar feel at the end of the keystroke.
Travel distance
The Huano Grape Orange linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Twilight linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This difference positions the Grape Orange as the shorter option, making it a preferable choice for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers who value quick key presses. Conversely, the longer travel distance of the Twilight may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, providing a deeper and more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding responsiveness versus key depth, with the Grape Orange offering a quicker actuation for those who prioritize speed and the Twilight catering to those who appreciate a more traditional keystroke 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 HMX Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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 linear switch is generally recognized for its relatively muted auditory feedback, providing a quieter typing experience. This characteristic is partly due to its design, which focuses on smooth keystrokes that avoid the more pronounced sounds of tactile or clicky switches. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch exhibits a slightly quieter sound profile as well, but it maintains a unique clacky signature, a trait often associated with HMX switches. However, just like the Grape Orange, the sound produced by the Twilight is influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, making it possible to customize the auditory experience to some degree.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Grape Orange is celebrated for its exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, attributed to its ultra-low 40g actuation force. This lighter actuation makes typing faster and more comfortable, ideal for prolonged usage without the fatigue that comes with heavier switches. In comparison, the HMX Twilight switch offers a bouncy feel, presenting a remarkable spring-like response that adds a lively quality to each keypress. The elasticity in the Twilight's feedback can enhance typing pleasure, giving users a distinct rebound sensation when pressing the keys.
Overall, both the Huano Grape Orange and HMX Twilight linear switches provide unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Grape Orange is ideal for those who enjoy a lighter touch and quiet operation, making it great for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Twilight caters to users who appreciate a more dynamic and responsive typing experience, accentuated by its bouncy feel and slightly clacky sound. Ultimately, either switch can deliver satisfactory results, but the choice will come down to personal preference regarding sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a super light and effortless typing experience—especially beneficial during extended sessions—the Grape Orange, with its ultra-low 40g actuation force and generally smooth feel, would be the ideal choice for you. It enables fast, agile keystrokes without requiring much effort, perfect for those who type quickly or engage in long hours at the keyboard. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly more tactile experience with a bit of bounce, the HMX Twilight would be a strong contender. Its extended 3.85mm travel distance not only results in a quieter typing experience but also adds a lively, responsive quality, creating a satisfying feedback sensation with each keystroke. So, if you’re looking for a switch that combines a pleasant auditory character with a springy feel, the Twilight should cater well to your needs. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you seek sheer lightness and ease or a combination of bounce and a calmer sound profile.
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