Huano Grape Orange vs. Gateron Type S

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Grape Orange and the Gateron Type S both offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Grape Orange stands out for its lightweight design, featuring an ultra-low actuation force of just 40g. This makes it an ideal choice for those who spend long hours typing, as it promotes a virtually effortless experience that can help reduce fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron Type S offers a more substantial feel with a heftier bottom-out force of 65g, catering to users who enjoy a weightier keystroke. This switch is characterized by its factory-lubed construction, which delivers a smooth experience alongside a neutral yet deeper acoustic profile. While the Grape Orange excels in light, swift typing, the Type S provides a more robust and satisfying tactile response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Grape Orange Linear

Gateron Type S Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$4.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the Gateron Type S switches exhibit some notable differences that significantly influence their sound profiles. The Grape Orange utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate's rigidity ensures that the sound generated when a key is pressed is resonant and clear. In contrast, the Gateron Type S features a nylon top housing, which lends itself to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer qualities. This material absorbs more sound, resulting in a more muted and rounded acoustic experience. The combination of these contrasting materials leads to different auditory sensations that can greatly affect user experience, particularly for those sensitive to sound nuances.

When examining the bottom housings of both switches, it becomes evident that they share the same material: nylon. This commonality in the bottom housing allows both switches to deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile. Since the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, users of both switches will experience similar tactile feedback and auditory qualities at this point of the keystroke. The inherent sound-dampening properties of nylon result in a consistent and pleasant typing experience with both switches, meaning that regardless of the top housing differences, the bottom housing will contribute to a cohesive performance characteristic.

In summary, the divergent materials of the top housings in the Huano Grape Orange and Gateron Type S switches imply distinct sound profiles while maintaining consistency in their bottom housings. While the Grape Orange's polycarbonate housing creates a clear and resonant tone upon key release, the Type S's nylon top housing offers a more subdued sound. However, due to the shared nylon bottom housing, both switches deliver a rounded and rich typing experience when pressed. This interplay between materials showcases how the distinct qualities of top and bottom housings can create unique auditory experiences yet still yield similar results in key actuation and feel.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, notable differences arise in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Grape Orange features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions and providing a smoother, less strenuous experience. In contrast, the Type S has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. This variance indicates that the Grape Orange is better for users seeking a light touch, while the Type S is geared towards users who appreciate a firmer keystroke. Consequently, users looking for a more comfortable and less fatiguing option might favor the Grape Orange, whereas those who enjoy a stronger push will likely prefer the Type S.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, it's evident that there is a distinction between the two. The Grape Orange boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Type S has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Gateron Type S, with its longer travel distance, offers a more substantial key press, which can be preferable for users who enjoy a hearty depth to their typing experience. In contrast, the shorter 3.6 mm travel of the Huano Grape Orange provides a more responsive feel, which may be advantageous for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks. Therefore, those seeking quicker actuation might lean towards the Grape Orange, while those who enjoy a deeper key press could prefer the Type S. Ultimately, this contrast emphasizes the subjective nature of switch preference, influenced by individual typing or gaming styles.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Grape Orange switch is known for its notably light and airy acoustics, providing an unobtrusive typing experience that minimizes distraction during extended use. This characteristic complements its low actuation force, making it feel less imposing when typing, which can be especially beneficial in quiet environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S switch exhibits a sound profile that is neutral and subdued, delivering a moderate and balanced audio feedback while typing. Its more dampened response ensures that each keystroke won't create excessive noise, appealing particularly to users who seek a quieter, yet still satisfying auditory experience without sacrificing the responsiveness of the switch.

When discussing the feel of each switch, the Huano Grape Orange stands out with its ultra-light actuation force of 40g, which allows for a seamless and almost effortless typing action. This makes it particularly inviting for users who prefer a light touch, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Type S offers a weightier keystroke with a 65g bottom-out force. This additional resistance provides a more substantial tactile experience, catering to those who appreciate a firmer feedback as they type. The discrepancy in weight will certainly influence how each switch feels under the fingers, providing a distinctly different typing dynamic for users with varying preferences.

In conclusion, both the Huano Grape Orange and Gateron Type S switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences tailored to different user preferences. While the Grape Orange excels in providing a lightweight and airy typing feel with a minimalist sound profile, the Type S caters to those who enjoy a more robust and slightly deeper acoustic experience coupled with a firmer action. Each switch's characteristics align closely with the specific needs and environments of the typists, making them suitable for different styles of use. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize lightness and quiet in your typing experience or a more substantial feel and sound.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a light and effortless typing experience, especially for extended use such as writing or programming, the Grape Orange with its 40g actuation force will be ideal for you; it requires less effort to press and can reduce fatigue during long sessions. However, if you appreciate a bit more feedback in your keystrokes and prefer a sturdier feel while typing, the Gateron Type S, with its heavier 65g bottom-out force, is the switch to consider. It offers a pleasing neutral sound signature and a deeper acoustic experience, making it suitable for both work and home environments where you may want a balanced auditory profile. Additionally, if you need a switch that remains somewhat subdued in sound, the Type S will give you that advantage without intruding on a quiet workspace. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you lean towards a lighter touch for speed and comfort or a more tactile and weighty experience for a stronger typing response.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Type S Linear

$4.70 per 10

Learn more