Huano Grape Orange vs. Gateron Type A

Overview

When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch for your typing style, the Huano Grape Orange and the Gateron Type A present two intriguing options, each with its own unique strengths. The Grape Orange excels with its remarkably light 40g actuation force, offering an effortless typing experience that is particularly well-suited for long hours of use. This switch provides a smooth, linear feel without any tactile feedback, making it a favorite among those who prioritize speed and comfort during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Type A, part of Sillyworks' innovative "Project Rehash" / SLAY series, introduces a medium-weight feel combined with a deeper sound signature. This switch stands out for its thoughtfully designed travel distance and factory lubing techniques, appealing to users who seek a balanced typing experience without sacrificing acoustics. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, their distinct characteristics can influence your overall typing satisfaction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Grape Orange Linear

Gateron Type A Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$4.70 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the Gateron Type A switches exhibit notable differences that affect their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Grape Orange employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that resonates clearly, making it particularly suitable for setups that include RGB lighting due to its aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the Type A utilizes a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience compared to the crispness of polycarbonate.

When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Grape Orange and the Type A share the same material: nylon. This uniformity means that both switches will exhibit similar properties in terms of sound absorption and feel when bottoming out. The use of nylon in the bottom housing across both models ensures a consistent deeper and fuller sound, as both types benefit from the material’s ability to absorb sound waves. Thus, while the top housings differ significantly in character—contributing a range of auditory qualities to each switch—the bottom housings create a common grounding in sound that both switches share.

Ultimately, the interplay between the different housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and Gateron Type A highlights the importance of both the top and bottom housings in shaping the overall typing experience. The contrasting top housing materials will yield distinct auditory characteristics when keys are pressed and released, with the Grape Orange producing a brighter sound, while the Type A offers a more subdued tone. However, the consistent nylon bottom housing across both switches ties them together, ensuring that their fundamental typing feel and sound profile will harmoniously blend with the effects of the respective top housings. This means that while users may enjoy different sound profiles in terms of overall experience, there will still be a familiar characteristic present in the bottom-out sensation shared by both switches.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, the differences are noteworthy. The Grape Orange has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, such as those who engage in long work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Gateron Type A requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial push feel. As a result, the Grape Orange is the lighter option, while the Type A is the heavier one. Overall, users will find that the Grape Orange provides an easier and more effortless keystroke, whereas the Type A offers a firmer resistance for a more pronounced tactile experience. This divergence in force preference highlights the different user experiences these switches can deliver.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Type A linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm. This makes the Grape Orange the shorter of the two switches, offering a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers seeking faster actuation. In contrast, the Type A, with its longer travel distance, provides a more substantial depth that some users may prefer for a satisfying tactile experience. Ultimately, if you value quick response times, the Grape Orange would be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a deeper key press might lean towards the Gateron Type A.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Huano Grape Orange switch remains unspecified, so we can’t compare it directly to the Gateron Type A. The Type A, however, is noted for its neutral and subdued acoustic characteristics. This means that it has a moderate sound that is neither too loud nor too quiet, offering a balanced auditory experience suitable for various environments. The subdued nature of the Type A suggests that it strikes a good balance between being audible enough to provide feedback without being disruptive, making it versatile for both home and work settings. The Grape Orange’s unknown sound quality could either align with this profile or differ entirely, depending on the context in which it is used, particularly in relation to the choice of board and keycaps.

When considering feel, the Grape Orange switch is lauded for its extremely light actuation force of 40g, which promotes an effortless typing experience, making it an appealing choice for long typing sessions. In contrast, the feel of the Gateron Type A is not detailed but is designed to be a medium-weight switch. This typically suggests a balance between tactile feedback and resistance, which may appeal to users who prefer a switch that provides a more pronounced sensation while typing, compared to the lightweight Grape Orange. Without specific details on how the Type A feels, it’s harder to draw a precise comparison, but it can be inferred that users looking for a lighter touch might find the Grape Orange more to their liking.

Overall, both the Huano Grape Orange and Gateron Type A linear switches cater to different typists’ preferences. The Grape Orange offers an incredibly light actuation for those who prefer less resistance and a potentially faster typing experience, especially beneficial for prolonged use. The Gateron Type A, on the other hand, introduces medium-weight characteristics with a sound profile that caters to a more subdued typing environment. While the exact qualities of feel and sound for the Grape Orange remain undisclosed, understanding these differences can guide newcomers in making an informed decision based on their typing style and environment. Ultimately, trying both switches might provide the best insight into personal preference.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the environment in which you will be using your keyboard. If you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience, especially for extended sessions, the Grape Orange is an excellent choice thanks to its ultra-low actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom-out force of only 50 grams. This makes it an ideal option for those who desire comfort and speed, particularly if you're doing a lot of typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel with a bit more resistance, the Gateron Type A, with its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, may be more suitable. It offers a more neutral and subdued sound profile, making it versatile for both home and office environments, especially if you appreciate that deeper acoustic presence. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, sound preferences, and the keyboard scenario you'll be in, whether it’s for casual use, professional settings, or gaming marathons.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Type A Linear

$4.70 per 10

Learn more