Huano Acacia vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and the Haimu Orange Sea both offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences. The Huano Acacia, known for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, provides an exceptional typing experience right out of the box, with minimal stem wobble that enhances overall responsiveness. This switch is ideal for individuals who prioritize a smooth and reliable feel while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are celebrated for their impeccably smooth typing experience and neutral sound signature, making them a fantastic option for users seeking a quieter and refined auditory profile without sacrificing performance. While both switches are linear and designed for an uninterrupted keystroke experience, your choice ultimately depends on whether you value the consistent feel of the Acacia or the whisper-quiet appeal of the Orange Sea. 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
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Haimu Orange Sea demonstrate a remarkable similarity in their construction, both utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The choice of polycarbonate for the top housing enhances the sound profile of both switches, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience for the user. This material's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for those who utilize RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant illumination effects that accentuate the aesthetics of the switches.
On the other hand, the nylon used in the bottom housing of both the Acacia and the Orange Sea provides a contrasting auditory quality. Nylon is renowned for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, which is especially beneficial for the overall typing experience. This duality of materials means that while the top housing sharpens and clarifies the sound, the bottom housing introduces a softer, rounder quality to the overall auditory experience, allowing for a unique and balanced typing feel as users experience the different properties of the two housing materials.
The combination of these materials yields a coherent acoustic experience in both switch types. When pressed, users will notice the softer characteristics of the nylon bottom housing, which influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the polycarbonate top housing will dominate the sound profile upon release. Since both switches leverage the same materials, their auditory characteristics align closely despite any variances in design, suggesting that the sound dynamics of pressing and releasing keys are effectively enhanced through this careful selection of compatible housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Orange Sea is lighter, with an actuation force of just 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This distinction makes the Orange Sea more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for longer typing sessions, while the Acacia provides a stronger push that some may find more satisfying for an engaged typing experience. Thus, while both switches have admirable qualities, the Huano Acacia is the heavier option, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing, while the Haimu Orange Sea caters to users who favor a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Acacia linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you are looking for a slightly shorter travel distance, the Acacia would be the preferable choice at 3.5 mm, which can provide a more responsive experience favored by gamers. In contrast, the Orange Sea, with its 3.6 mm travel distance, offers a marginally deeper feel, which may be appealing to those who desire a more substantial keypress. Overall, while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Acacia is the shorter option and is likely to feel more immediate under your fingers, whereas the Orange Sea delivers a slightly more traditional response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39, whereas the Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79.
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 Acacia switch is characterized by a relatively neutral acoustic profile, making it suitable for both quiet and louder environments. Its factory lubrication contributes to a subdued yet pleasant sound, providing a smooth typing experience without being overly disruptive. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switch is noted for its impeccably smooth type feel, accompanied by a neutral sound signature as well. This similarity in sound profiles means that both switches can deliver a tranquil experience, although the acoustic nuances may vary depending on the keyboard assembly, including the choice of board and keycaps.
When examining the feel of these switches, the Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight, which contributes to a balanced typing experience that is neither too heavy nor too light. Coupled with generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, users can expect a satisfying tactile response that enhances overall comfort during extended typing sessions. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea switch boasts a notably smooth type feel, which can appeal to users seeking a seamless key press with minimal resistance. While the Acacia focuses on providing a balanced actuation force, the Orange Sea emphasizes an effortlessly fluid typing action, offering different yet enjoyable tactile experiences.
In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and Haimu Orange Sea switches present unique qualities that cater to various preferences, yet they share some overlapping traits that facilitate a pleasant typing experience. While the Acacia offers a balanced weight and a subdued sound, the Orange Sea excels in providing a silky smooth feel and a neutral acoustic profile. Ultimately, either switch can result in a satisfying typing experience, depending on individual user preferences and the specific keyboard setup, allowing newcomers to find a model that resonates with their tactile and acoustic desires.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, your personal typing preference and habits will play a crucial role. If you find yourself favoring a slightly heavier switch that offers a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, the Acacia is an excellent choice. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble contribute to a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, making it suitable for both long typing sessions and gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch, the Orange Sea switch with its 45 grams bottom-out force could be ideal for you. The impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature are perfect for users seeking a nimble and agile feel while typing or gaming. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you favor a more substantial feedback in your typing experience with the Acacia or a lighter, silky touch with the Orange Sea.
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