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Huano Grape Orange vs. TTC Venus

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

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Grape Orange and TTC Venus offer distinct experiences for typists and gamers alike, both being linear switches aimed at delivering a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. The Grape Orange is particularly appealing due to its exceptionally light actuation force of just 40g, making it ideal for long typing sessions without experiencing finger fatigue. This switch is celebrated for its effortless key presses, catering to those who prioritize speed and comfort. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch stands out with its unique internal design, which provides a frictionless glide complemented by a "Q-texture" feel. This switch not only allows for rapid key presses but also features a muted sound signature that ensures a quieter environment, perfect for shared spaces or late-night work. While the Grape Orange emphasizes a light touch for ease of use, the Venus offers a tactile yet subdued experience that can enhance the overall enjoyment of typing. 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

45g

Bottom-out force

50g

Bottom-out force

52g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

1.80 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Total travel

3.80 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

POM

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Polycarbonate

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

22mm single-stage spring

Spring

Lengthened 20.5mm spring

Housing materials

The Huano Grape Orange and the TTC Venus are two distinct switches that utilize different housing materials, contributing to their unique sound profiles. The top housing of the Grape Orange is crafted from polycarbonate, which is known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This quality is particularly advantageous when using RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual effect. In contrast, the Venus features a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound profile. POM, being a more flexible material compared to polycarbonate, leads to a tone that is distinct and somewhat less resonant, providing a contrast to the Grape Orange's brighter sound characteristics.

While the top housing of each switch differs, the bottom housings further highlight these differences. The Grape Orange employs a nylon bottom housing, a classic material that absorbs sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon results in a sound that feels more dull and rounded, complementing the sharper top housing of polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Venus utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring its top housing's property of delivering a crisper and clearer sound. This dual use of polycarbonate in the Venus generates a more consistent bright sound, aligning with the qualities of its top housing, while the Grape Orange’s nylon bottom presents a more complex sound experience that relies on the combination of different materials.

Ultimately, the differences in housing materials lead to unique auditory results when typing on each switch. The Grape Orange, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, offers a higher-pitched sound that is rounded out by the soft, absorptive properties of the nylon. The TTC Venus, combining its POM top with a polycarbonate bottom, yields a sharper sound profile that is consistent across both housings. In summary, while both switches provide distinct sensory experiences, their materials dictate the overall sound signature, with the Grape Orange focusing on a contrast between sharp and full, and the Venus offering clarity throughout its design.

Weight

The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch both offer distinct actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different user preferences. The Grape Orange features an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option for typists and gamers who prefer ease of keypress and prolonged usage without fatigue. In contrast, the Venus has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, which may suit those who appreciate a bit more resistance for a more substantial typing experience. While both switches bottom out at relatively close forces, the Grape Orange remains the lighter choice overall, appealing to users who favor lighter switches for extended typing sessions, while the Venus may be better for individuals who enjoy a firmer feel.

Travel distance

The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch exhibit different travel distances, with the Grape Orange measuring 3.6 mm and the Venus at 3.8 mm. This makes the Grape Orange the shorter option, while the Venus offers a longer travel distance. The difference in travel distances can influence user experience significantly; for instance, gamers who favor quicker response times may prefer the Grape Orange due to its shorter travel, allowing for faster actuation. Conversely, users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feel might lean towards the Venus, as its longer travel distance provides a more substantial keypress experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference regarding the balance between responsiveness and 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 TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.

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 switch remains somewhat undefined in its description, leaving room for personal interpretation and variability. Meanwhile, the TTC Venus is characterized by a low-pitched, muted, and subdued sound profile. This means that the Venus tends to produce softer, bass-heavy tones, minimizing the typical noise often associated with mechanical switches. Users seeking a quieter typing experience will likely appreciate the Venus's ability to deliver a more subtle auditory feedback, making it suitable for environments where noise levels are a concern.

When comparing the feel of the switches, the Grape Orange's tactile experience is not explicitly described, which may lead to a less defined impression of its typing characteristics. Contrastingly, the TTC Venus is celebrated for its buttery smoothness and frictionless glide, providing a typing experience akin to pressing down softly on a trampoline or a gummy bear. This unique quality can make extended typing sessions feel effortless and enjoyable, thanks to the internal design that balances responsiveness with comfort. Additionally, the Venus's mild sensation allows for a gentle and approachable typing experience, unlike switches with more aggressive feedback.

Overall, while the Huano Grape Orange switch offers an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience ideal for long usage, the TTC Venus switch stands out with its distinctly smooth feel and muted sound signature. Although the specifics of the Grape Orange's sound and feel remain unknown, both switches promise a similar light actuation force that caters to users looking for a comfortable and efficient typing experience. Ultimately, your choice may come down to the preference for either a more undefined auditory experience with the Grape Orange or the muted and refined sound of the Venus, alongside the smooth typing sensations characterized by the latter.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Huano Grape Orange and the TTC Venus switches, consider your specific typing needs and preferences. If you prioritize a very light and effortless typing experience, especially for long sessions, the Grape Orange's ultra-low actuation force of 40g makes it an ideal choice. Its subdued sound and smooth feel offer a distraction-free environment, which is great for home or office use. Conversely, if you're looking for a switch that combines a slightly firmer bottom-out force with a unique tactile experience, the TTC Venus could be more suitable. Its 52g actuation force provides a bit more resistance and feedback, which some typists find satisfying. The Venus is also known for its frictionless glide and muffled sound signature, making it an excellent option if you prefer a more subdued auditory experience. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you value the light touch and soft sound of the Grape Orange or the polished, textured feel of the Venus for a balanced typing experience.

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