Huano Grape Orange vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two notable contenders stand out: the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Yellow Silver, both linear switches that cater to different preferences. The Grape Orange is celebrated for its incredibly light actuation force of just 40g, offering an almost effortless typing experience that makes it an excellent choice for those who engage in long hours of typing. Its smoothness and speed can significantly enhance productivity and comfort. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver, known for its quick responsiveness and neutral sound profile, provides a slightly firmer feel, making it ideal for gamers and users who seek a balance between speed and subtlety during intense gaming sessions or fast-paced typing. Each switch presents unique benefits—whether it’s the Grape Orange’s ultra-light sensation or the Yellow Silver’s speed and versatility. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Yellow Silver are strikingly similar, both utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom. The polycarbonate top housing in both switches contributes to a sound profile characterized by sharpness, higher pitch, and clarity. This shared composition facilitates compatibility with RGB lighting due to the material’s translucent nature, ensuring that visual effects can be effectively showcased. Since both switches feature polycarbonate in the top housing, users can expect a consistent sound experience when actuating the switches, reinforcing that the acoustics will be crisp and resonant across both models.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches employs nylon, which is well-known for its sound absorption properties. This choice leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing sessions, as nylon's softer texture enables it to absorb more sound, resulting in a softer and rounder auditory experience. With the nylon bottom housing shared between the Grape Orange and the Yellow Silver, this similarity amplifies the potential for a satisfying tactile experience for the user, regardless of which switch they choose. The impact of the bottom housing on the sound and feel of each switch is particularly pronounced, leading to an expectation of a rich, muted bottom-out sound upon key stroke.
Ultimately, while the top and bottom housings of the Huano Grape Orange and Outemu Yellow Silver are both made from the same materials, they each exhibit unique contributions to the overall typing experience. The polycarbonate top focuses on delivering a clean and bright sound during release, while the nylon bottom effectively dampens and enriches the sound upon actuation. Consequently, despite their similarities, the specific character of each switch's acoustic profile is a nuanced blend of the strengths and attributes of their respective housing materials. Users can appreciate a cohesive musicality in using either switch, as they will share common auditory qualities driven by these materials.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, key differences arise in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Grape Orange has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming periods where a lighter touch is preferred. In contrast, the Yellow Silver requires a slightly stronger actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This difference suggests that while both switches provide a relatively smooth and responsive experience, the Grape Orange is optimal for those seeking less resistance, whereas the Yellow Silver caters to users who enjoy a more substantial feel due to its heavier force. Ultimately, individuals who prefer lighter switches may gravitate towards the Huano Grape Orange for comfort, whereas those who appreciate a firmer keystroke might opt for the Outemu Yellow Silver.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, we find that the Grape Orange has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Yellow Silver measures 4 mm. This means that the Grape Orange has a shorter travel distance compared to the more traditional 4 mm of the Yellow Silver. As a result, if you prioritize faster response times, you may prefer the Grape Orange for its slightly shorter feel. However, the Yellow Silver, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more substantial and satisfying keystroke for those who appreciate deeper feedback when typing. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value speed and responsiveness or a more pronounced tactile experience.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 is relatively quiet, making it ideal for a more subdued typing environment. This switch allows for a focused experience, especially beneficial for those who may work in shared spaces or prefer a less intrusive sound profile while typing. In comparison, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch also features a neutral sound profile, characterized by a moderate sound level that caters to both gamers and typists. The neutrality ensures that it remains versatile, suitable for various settings like home or office, where different users may have different expectations. Overall, both switches are designed to be unobtrusive, though the Grape Orange may lean slightly quieter.
In terms of feel, the Grape Orange switch stands out with an exceptionally light actuation force of just 40g, providing an effortless typing experience. This allows for quick and responsive key presses, making it an excellent choice for prolonged typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver also possesses a light actuation force, which enhances its speed and responsiveness, catering to both gaming and typing experiences. The overall tactile feel of these switches may vary slightly due to design differences, but both achieve a similar light touch that encourages rapid input.
In conclusion, both the Huano Grape Orange and Outemu Yellow Silver switches excel in providing a light and responsive typing experience, making them ideal for users who enjoy speed and ease during their sessions. While the Grape Orange may offer a quieter experience, the Yellow Silver compensates with its neutral sound profile, ensuring versatility in various environments. Both switches cater to those who seek lightweight operation, whether for gaming or typing, and are exceptional choices for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you favor a lighter typing experience, especially for long periods of usage, the Grape Orange is an excellent choice with its ultra-low 40g actuation force, making every keystroke feel effortless. This can be particularly beneficial if you spend hours typing or if you prefer a switch that won’t tire your fingers. On the other hand, if you're a gamer or someone who enjoys a balance between speed and moderate feedback, the Yellow Silver, with its slightly higher 55g bottom-out force and neutral sound profile, is a great option. This switch offers a crisp responsiveness that is ideal for fast-paced gaming while still providing enough resistance for a comfortable typing experience. In summary, if you prioritize lightness and ease during extensive typing sessions, go for the Grape Orange, but if you want a blend of gaming-friendly characteristics and mild tactile feedback, the Yellow Silver will serve you well.
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