Huano Grape Orange vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, particularly when comparing the Huano Grape Orange and the Durock White Lotus. The Grape Orange is renowned for its remarkably light and effortless typing experience, characterized by an ultra-low actuation force of just 40g, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy lengthy typing sessions without fatigue. This linear switch offers a smooth keystroke with no tactile bump, allowing for rapid, uninterrupted keystrokes. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus is a tactile switch that provides a gentle tactile feedback, elegantly designed for discerning typists who seek a delicate balance between responsiveness and comfort. With its subtle tactility and the ability to showcase vibrant RGB lighting thanks to a removable light column, the White Lotus elevates both the sensory experience of typing and the visual appeal of any keyboard setup. Each switch caters to different typing styles and preferences—whether you favor a seamless linear feel or the satisfying feedback of tactile bumps. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Huano Grape Orange and the Durock White Lotus switches, a notable distinction arises in their top housing materials. The Grape Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness contributes to a more resonant auditory experience, making it particularly beneficial for RGB lighting applications due to its translucency. In contrast, the White Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE blend for its top housing. While this blend aims to create a premium feel, it lacks the same level of crystalline clarity that polycarbonate provides. Therefore, while both switches are designed to deliver a satisfying auditory feedback during use, the Grape Orange's polycarbonate housing may produce a more defined sound, particularly suited for enthusiasts who prioritize a bright acoustic performance.
Interestingly, both the Grape Orange and the Durock White Lotus share the same material—nylon—in their bottom housing. This similarity leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder materials. As a result, users can expect a dulled acoustic experience that promotes a rounder sound when typing on both switches. Consequently, whether using a Grape Orange or a White Lotus, the tactile and auditory feedback provided by their nylon bottom housings will harmonize, ensuring a consistent depth in sound among both switch options.
Ultimately, while the top housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and Durock White Lotus differ significantly, their nylon bottom housings unify the overall typing experience. The stiffness of the polycarbonate in the Grape Orange's top produces a pronounced sound when releasing keys, whereas the modified PC and UPE blend of the White Lotus leans toward a more subdued sound. Nonetheless, both switches will provide a satisfying depth in sound thanks to their nylon bases, allowing users to enjoy a rich typing experience, regardless of the top housing choice. Therefore, while the acoustics and aesthetics can diverge due to their top materials, the sonic benefits derived from the nylon bottom housing remain a common feature that assures enjoyable performance in both models.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are notable differences 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 users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the White Lotus switch has a heavier actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some typists and gamers might find comforting. This means that, while the Huano Grape Orange switch is lighter and can facilitate longer usage without fatigue, the Durock White Lotus offers a firmer resistance that may appeal to those who appreciate a more pronounced feedback when typing. Overall, these differences suggest that users should choose the switch that aligns with their personal preferences for weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is evident that they cater to different preferences in key feel and responsiveness. The Grape Orange features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the White Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive typing experience, the Grape Orange could be the better option due to its shorter actuation distance. Conversely, the White Lotus, with its longer travel distance, provides a more pronounced depth that might be preferred for those who enjoy a tactile feedback feel while typing. Thus, individuals who appreciate quicker responses may gravitate towards the Grape Orange, while those seeking a more robust typing experience might opt for the White Lotus.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 an unknown quantity, as specific sound characteristics have not been provided. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus switch is described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. This low-pitched tone can provide a more bass-heavy and mellow auditory experience, making it suitable for both professional and personal environments. The neutral aspect of the White Lotus also indicates a moderate sound signature, which can accommodate a variety of use cases, whether you're typing at home or in a shared workspace.
When it comes to feel, the Grape Orange switch offers a unique typing experience that emphasizes a light and effortless key press, ideal for long typing sessions. Conversely, the Durock White Lotus switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force while ensuring a gentle resistance that enhances comfort. Its mild and subtle qualities create a typing experience that is approachable, making it suitable for most users. The White Lotus's tactile feedback adds a layer of uniqueness without being overly intrusive, while the Grape Orange’s lightweight design contributes to a fatigue-free typing experience.
Overall, if you are choosing between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, you will find that both options prioritize comfort during extended typing sessions. While the Grape Orange excels in its ultra-light actuation, the White Lotus provides a gentle tactile response combined with a light press. Due to their differing sound profiles, if auditory feedback is an important factor for you, the White Lotus may be more appealing due to its low-pitched and neutral characteristics. Ultimately, your choice may boil down to your preference for linear versus tactile feedback, as both switches offer exceptional qualities that cater to comfort and usability.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch largely depends on your preferences and typing habits. If you prioritize an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, especially for extended sessions, the Grape Orange is your go-to option. With its ultra-low actuation force and light bottom-out force, these switches are designed to minimize finger fatigue, making them ideal for casual typing or gaming scenarios where speed and comfort are paramount. On the other hand, if you appreciate a gentle tactile feedback without overwhelming resistance, the White Lotus switches offer a delightful balance for both typing and productivity. Their mild actuation force combined with low-pitched sound provides a satisfying and tranquil experience, perfect for office environments or collaborative spaces where you want to maintain a peaceful ambiance. Moreover, if aesthetics matter to you, the vibrant RGB possibilities that the White Lotus switches offer can beautifully enhance your keyboard setup. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you lean more towards a lightweight performance or a subtle tactile feel that delights your senses while typing.
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