Huano Grape Orange vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular options are the Huano Grape Orange and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Grape Orange is celebrated for its ultra-light actuation force of just 40g, promoting an effortless and fluid typing experience that makes it an excellent choice for users who engage in long typing sessions without experiencing fatigue. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor offers a tactile experience characterized by a deep, thuddy sound profile and pronounced feedback, which is satisfying for those who prefer to feel a distinct response with each keystroke without being overwhelmed by excessive tactility. While the Grape Orange excels in providing a smooth and rapid response ideal for gaming and long writing tasks, the Viola Tricolor caters to those who enjoy a more engaging and acoustic typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Huano Grape Orange and Haimu Viola Tricolor utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper resonance. This choice of material is significant as polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to the clarity of sound produced when the switches are actuated. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visibility of RGB lighting, making both switches particularly appealing for users who prioritize illumination in their keyboard setups. Therefore, regardless of their differences in other components, both switches promise an aesthetically pleasing and sonically clear experience due to the shared use of polycarbonate in their top housings.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, which imparts a distinctly different sound profile. Nylon is recognized for its softer nature, absorbing sound more effectively than harder materials, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. This characteristic makes the bottom housing crucial in shaping the overall typing experience, as it largely contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel when a switch is pressed down. While the top housing might provide brightness and clarity, the nylon bottom is responsible for a rounder and duller sound profile, creating a unique blend of auditory feedback—one that both the Grape Orange and Viola Tricolor share.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings results in a balanced sound experience from the Huano Grape Orange and Haimu Viola Tricolor. The polycarbonate materials offer a bright, clear sound when actuated, while the nylon adds warmth and depth to the sound profile as the key is pressed down. This synergy between the materials ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying auditory experience, allowing users to enjoy a range of tones that are both crisp and full. Despite minor differences that could arise in other aspects of their design, such sound profiles from identical materials effectively unify the switches, illustrating how specific housing combinations can shape user experience across different models.
Weight
The comparison between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch reveals notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Grape Orange features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a great choice for users who favor extended typing sessions or gaming without finger fatigue. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor lacks a specified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This heavier bottom out force suggests a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback during use. Consequently, with the Grape Orange being lighter and more suited for prolonged use, and the Viola Tricolor offering a firmer feel, users must choose based on their preferences for typing comfort and feedback during key presses.
Travel distance
The Huano Grape Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm positions the Grape Orange as the shorter option, which may be more appealing to gamers seeking quicker response times due to its reduced depth. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor, with its longer travel distance, might be favored by those who appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Both switches offer distinct characteristics, catering to different preferences in keypress sensation, with the Grape Orange providing a more responsive experience and the Viola Tricolor delivering a sturdier tactile feedback.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Grape Orange switch remains a bit of an enigma since no specific sound characteristics are described. However, it is typical for linear switches like the Grape Orange to produce a relatively quiet, smooth sound during key presses, lacking the distinct auditory feedback that tactile or clicky switches provide. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor is known for its thuddy and punchy sound profile, characterized by a deeper, bassy tone during each keystroke. This sound is low-pitched, creating a rich auditory experience that can enhance the overall satisfaction of typing, especially for those who appreciate a notable acoustic presence.
In terms of feel, the Grape Orange switch offers an exceptionally light typing experience with an ultra-low actuation force of just 40g. This lightness can lead to a smooth and effortless keystroke, which is particularly appealing for users engaged in extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor is designed with a pronounced tactility that provides a satisfying feedback without being overly invasive. The switch's invigorating sensation and medium tactile response create a snappy and reactive feel, making each key press feel engaging and dynamically responsive, serving well for both typing and gaming scenarios.
In summary, while both switches cater to distinct preferences, they fulfill different needs in the mechanical keyboard landscape. The Huano Grape Orange stands out for its light touch and smoothness, ideal for users prioritizing comfort during long sessions. Meanwhile, the Haimu Viola Tricolor offers a robust tactile experience coupled with a rich sound profile, appealing to those who seek feedback and auditory character from their switches. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prefer a softer, linear feel or the engaging tactility and sound of a tactile switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and use cases. If you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience, especially for long hours, the Grape Orange is your go-to option. With its ultra-low actuation force of just 40 grams, this switch allows for quick key presses with minimal effort, making it ideal for those who enjoy smooth, consistent action without tactile interruptions. On the other hand, if you appreciate pronounced feedback and a more engaging typing experience, the Viola Tricolor is a great choice. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams, it offers a satisfying tactile bump that provides clear communication through a robust sound profile, enhancing both your typing accuracy and enjoyment. In summary, choose the Grape Orange for a seamless, effortless experience or the Viola Tricolor for a more dynamic and responsive feel. Each switch has its unique strengths that cater to different typing styles, so consider your priorities to find the perfect match for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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