Huano Grape Orange vs. TTC Yunhai

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular linear switch options are the Huano Grape Orange and the TTC Yunhai. The Grape Orange is renowned for its exceptionally light 40g actuation force, providing an effortless typing experience that is ideal for long typing sessions, making it a fantastic choice for those who prioritize comfort and speed. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switches are celebrated for their unique deep, rounded sound profile that complements their similarly light actuation force. This distinctive auditory feedback, coupled with their gentle tactile feel, is appealing to typists who enjoy a more immersive typing experience. While both switches promise a smooth and easy keystroke with minimal resistance, they cater to varying preferences in terms of auditory feedback and overall feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Grape Orange Linear

TTC Yunhai Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange switch and the TTC Yunhai switch, there are notable differences in their top housings. The Grape Orange utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality is attributed to polycarbonate’s stiffness, allowing for clearer and more resonant acoustics. Additionally, the transparency of polycarbonate enhances the RGB lighting effects, making it a visually appealing choice for customizable mechanical keyboards. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai employs a nylon top housing that yields a deeper, fuller sound profile. This subtler acoustic experience is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and less pronounced auditory feedback.

Despite the differences noted in their top housings, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material: nylon. Both the Grape Orange and Yunhai switches utilize nylon in their bottoms, which significantly contributes to a deeper sound profile. This consistency in material means that both switches will elicit a similar typing feel and auditory experience upon bottoming out, as the nylon absorbs sound and impacts the overall acoustic properties of the switched. The presence of nylon in both switches’ bottom housings also ensures a more muted, cushioned feedback compared to what might be experienced with more rigid materials.

The divergent characteristics of the top housings result in different auditory experiences, while the uniformity in the bottom housing reinforces the foundational sound profile of the switches. As a result, users can anticipate a combination of sharpness and resonance from the Grape Orange due to its polycarbonate top, contrasted with the muted richness of the Yunhai, which provides a plush acoustic experience. Ultimately, the distinct sound profiles created by the top housings, alongside the shared qualities of the nylon bottoms, contribute to the overall typing experience, offering unique yet complementary results depending on the switch chosen.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch to the TTC Yunhai linear switch, both options present a relatively light typing experience, making them suitable for users who prefer less resistance during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. The Grape Orange has an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Yunhai follows closely with a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams. Interestingly, both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, which means that, although the Grape Orange requires slightly less force to register a keystroke, both switches will provide a similar bottoming-out experience. Therefore, those who appreciate a lighter touch for extended use might lean toward the Grape Orange, while those who prefer just a tad more resistance might find the Yunhai to be more appealing. Overall, while both switches are light, the Grape Orange is the lighter option in terms of actuation force.

Travel distance

Both the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this regard. This identical travel distance means that users can expect a similar feedback experience when pressing down on the keys equipped with either switch. As a result, whether using the Grape Orange or the Yunhai, typists and gamers alike will enjoy a consistent sensation throughout their typing or gaming sessions.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Grape Orange switch does not have a specific description provided, leaving its acoustic characteristics somewhat ambiguous. However, it’s worth noting that sound can significantly depend on other factors such as the keyboard design and the type of keycaps used alongside the switches. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai features a deep, rounded sound profile, which provides a satisfying auditory feedback during typing. This distinction highlights that while the Grape Orange's sound is unknown, the Yunhai offers a unique auditory experience that can enhance the overall typing sensation.

Regarding the feel of the switches, the Huano Grape Orange is characterized by an extremely light and effortless typing experience, with an actuation force of only 40g. This makes it particularly suitable for extended typing sessions, allowing for swift and comfortable keystrokes. The TTC Yunhai, while also offering a light actuation force, is designed to provide a gentle and effortless feel, which is complemented by its unique sound profile. Even though both switches are lightweight and emphasize comfort, the nuances in their feel may be appreciated differently by individual typists.

In conclusion, both the Huano Grape Orange and TTC Yunhai switches cater to typists seeking a light touch and comfort during use, albeit with some differences in their sound profiles. The Grape Orange offers an effortless typing experience with an unknown sound characteristic, whereas the Yunhai combines a gentle feel with a distinct deep sound. For those prioritizing a light actuation force for long typing sessions, either switch could provide a satisfying experience, but the final choice may ultimately depend on personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch should align with your specific preferences and typing habits. If you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience for those marathon sessions at the keyboard, the Grape Orange switch will cater to your needs with its ultra-low 40g actuation force, delivering a smooth, almost feather-like feedback that minimizes fatigue. It’s ideal for users who may find themselves typing for extended periods, as it allows for a fast and seamless keystroke without added strain. Conversely, if you appreciate a more unique sensation in your typing experience and enjoy a deeper, rounded sound profile, the Yunhai switch could be the better fit. Its gentle actuation force coupled with a subtly distinct auditory feedback can enhance your typing rhythm, making it enjoyable for extended typing as well. Ultimately, consider what matters most to you—effortless lightness or an enriched sound and feel—and choose accordingly to ensure your mechanical keyboard meets your expectations.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

TTC Yunhai Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more