Huano Grape Orange vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs, the Huano Grape Orange and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) present two contrasting yet appealing options, both within the linear switch category. The Grape Orange is renowned for its exceptionally light actuation force of just 40g, making it a superb choice for those who engage in lengthy typing sessions, as it allows for a seamless, fatigue-free experience. On the other hand, the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a more robust feel, designed with unique materials like a PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem that delivers a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, catering to users who appreciate a tactile response combined with a refined auditory experience. While both switches promise smooth keystrokes typical of linear designs, they cater to different typing preferences and styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Grape Orange Linear

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Huano Grape Orange and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles and overall tactile experience. The Grape Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiff properties that produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material’s translucency also makes it particularly suitable for RGB lighting applications, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) uses a nylon top housing, which is a softer plastic that absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This fundamental contrast in housing materials leads to different auditory experiences when using these switches, with the Grape Orange catering to those who prefer a bright and vibrant sound, while the Xinhai (Heavy) is suited for users who appreciate a muted and mellow acoustic.

When we examine the bottom housing of both switches, there is a striking similarity: both the Grape Orange and the Xinhai (Heavy) feature nylon as their chosen material. The characteristics of the nylon bottom housing provide a consistent sound profile for both switches, as it absorbs sound and contributes to a deeper and duller tonal quality. With this shared component, users can anticipate a comparable experience in terms of bottom-out sounds and the overall feel when pressing down each switch. Regardless of the differences stemming from the top housing materials, the nylon bottom in both switches unifies their performance regarding the tactile sensation and acoustic result during key presses.

In summary, the combination of varied top housing materials and identical bottom housings results in distinct auditory experiences when using the Huano Grape Orange and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches. The Grape Orange’s polycarbonate top creates a brighter sound, while the nylon bottom maintains a consistent deep sound across both switches. Conversely, the Xinhai (Heavy) benefits from the nylon top's capacity to produce a fuller sound, enhancing the overall richness of the auditory experience. Users may find the overall typing experience valuable, as they can appreciate the characteristics of both sound profiles—crispness from the Grape Orange and warmth from the Xinhai (Heavy)—while enjoying the contributions of the shared nylon bottom housing.

Weight

The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch demonstrate distinct characteristics in their 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 ideal for users who prefer a switch that allows for extended typing sessions with less fatigue. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch exhibits a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Consequently, the Grape Orange is the lighter option, while the Xinhai (Heavy) is the heavier switch, appealing to different user preferences based on the desired typing feel and exertion level.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, we see some distinct differences. The Grape Orange offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Xinhai more suitable for those seeking quicker response times, a feature often favored by gamers. In contrast, the Grape Orange, with its slightly greater travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more robust key press and don't mind the extra depth. Ultimately, if you lean towards responsiveness, the Xinhai is the way to go, whereas the Grape Orange provides a more substantial feel with its longer travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch is characterized by a relatively quiet operation, which contributes to an unobtrusive typing experience, ideal for quieter environments or prolonged use. Meanwhile, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch features a unique PA12 top housing that enhances acoustics, producing a softer sound while complemented by a POM stem that delivers a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This combination of materials may result in a more refined auditory experience, making it less about volume and more about tonal clarity, which can appeal to users seeking a bit more character in their typing sound.

Regarding feel, the Grape Orange switch provides an exceptionally light and nearly effortless typing experience, specifically due to its ultra-low actuation force of 40g. This characteristic ensures that even during extended sessions, users can type with minimal resistance, contributing to less finger fatigue. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch, being a heavier variant, likely provides a different tactile response and may demand more force for actuation, which could be preferred by typists who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience or those who appreciate a bit more feedback with each keystroke.

In summary, the Huano Grape Orange and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Grape Orange excels in a light and quiet typing experience, making it suitable for long durations, while the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a balanced auditory profile with a firmer actuation feel. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference, whether one values a light touch or a heavier keystroke with nuanced sound characteristics.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately boils down to your typing preferences and requirements. If you’re looking for a switch that offers an incredibly light and effortless typing experience, especially for extended sessions where fatigue might be a concern, the Grape Orange is your best bet. With its low actuation force of only 40 grams, it allows for quick keystrokes and is suited for users who prefer a less tactile and more fluid feel. On the other hand, if you desire a switch that provides a bit more resistance, leading to enhanced control and a more deliberate typing experience, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) with its 62.5 grams of bottom-out force is the way to go. This switch boasts a sophisticated acoustic profile with a crisp, higher-pitched resonance that appeals to those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing style and whether you prefer a lighter touch or the assurance of a heavier press to guide your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more