Gateron Aliaz vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and the Haimu Orange Sea present two distinct yet compelling options. The Aliaz, a tactile switch, is ideal for quiet environments like offices, as its silent design ensures minimal noise during typing sessions. With a medium-heavy weight, it provides a substantial feel to each keystroke, making it perfect for those who appreciate pronounced feedback without disturbing their surroundings. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea, a linear switch, boasts an impeccably smooth typing experience accompanied by a neutral sound signature. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prefer swift and uninterrupted key presses. While both switches cater to different typing preferences—the Aliaz favoring tactile feedback and quietness, and the Orange Sea emphasizing smoothness and speed—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Haimu Orange Sea, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant audio experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of both switches, making them particularly suitable for RGB lighting setups. Thus, users seeking vibrant lighting effects can expect similar visual and auditory outcomes from either switch's top housing, thanks to the shared polycarbonate construction.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the two switches differ significantly, with the Aliaz utilizing polycarbonate while the Orange Sea employs nylon. The implications of this disparity are substantial, as the bottom housing greatly influences the overall sound and feel of the switch. The Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing continues to project that higher-pitched sound profile characterized by its top housing, creating a cohesive auditory experience. Meanwhile, the nylon bottom housing of the Orange Sea absorbs more sound, leading to a deeper and fuller audio output. As a result, while the Aliaz may maintain a brighter tonal quality, the Orange Sea opts for a rounder and more subdued richness in its sound, highlighting the contrasting auditory experiences that each switch offers.
Ultimately, the performance and sensory feedback of each switch are shaped by the interplay between their respective top and bottom housing materials. With both switches having a polycarbonate top housing, users will enjoy a similar acoustic clarity when the keys are released, contributing to a lively sound profile. However, the distinct tonal characteristics introduced by the nylon bottom housing of the Orange Sea versus the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aliaz means that users will experience differing sensations at the actuation and bottom-out stages. This differentiation illustrates how the choice of materials can create varied experiences in typing feel and sound output, highlighting the nuanced design approaches taken by both Gateron and Haimu.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Aliaz features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for its tactile feedback. In contrast, the Orange Sea switch boasts a much lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who favor extended typing sessions without fatigue. Therefore, the Gateron Aliaz is the heavier option, while the Haimu Orange Sea is the lighter switch, offering both switches distinct typing experiences. If desired forces were unknown, further analysis would be necessary, but based on the given information, the difference in force requirements clearly influences user preference between these two switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, the Aliaz features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Orange Sea has a slightly shorter distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Aliaz the longer of the two, providing a more pronounced keypress that may appeal to users who prefer a deeper tactile experience. In contrast, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Orange Sea may cater to gamers and those who prioritize rapid response times, offering a snappier feel that can enhance performance in fast-paced scenarios. Overall, while both switches serve different preferences, the choice ultimately hinges on whether one favors a more robust keystroke or a lighter, quicker input.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
The Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 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 Gateron Aliaz switch is designed for quieter settings, boasting a muted profile that significantly reduces the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes the Aliaz an excellent option for office environments or shared spaces, as it permits high typing speeds without disturbing those nearby. In stark contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switch has not been specifically described in terms of sound, leaving a gap in this area for direct comparison. However, the overall acoustic profile of any switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap choice, which may provide a more customized auditory experience regardless of the switch type.
In terms of feel, the Aliaz switch excels with its silky and polished characteristics. It provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and ensuring less friction during key travel, making it highly enjoyable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switch presents a different tactile experience; while it is not overly aggressive, it offers an invigorating and accented feedback. This medium tactility delivers a nice balance of pronounced actuation without being too overwhelming, creating an engaging typing sensation. While the Aliaz focuses on smoothness, the Orange Sea leans into a more textured, yet still pleasant feeling.
In summary, both the Gateron Aliaz and Haimu Orange Sea switches have their unique strengths suited to different preferences. The Aliaz offers a silent and smooth typing experience, ideal for collated environments, while the Orange Sea provides a stimulating feel with its medium tactile response. Ultimately, your choice between the two will hinge on whether you prioritize quietness and smoothness versus tactility and feedback in your typing experience. If the sound quality of the Orange Sea is less of a concern, you can expect the tactile sensation from both to provide satisfactory and enjoyable results in their respective domains.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use case. If you work in a quiet office environment or share your space with others, the Aliaz is an excellent option due to its muted sound signature and heavier actuation force of 75 grams, which delivers a more pronounced typing feedback without causing distractions. This combination of tactile response and reduced noise makes it ideal for those who value both feel and subtlety in their typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Haimu Orange Sea’s 45 grams of actuation force allows for effortless keystrokes, complemented by an invigorating feel that enhances your interaction with the keyboard. The Orange Sea switches are perfect for those who appreciate a snappy, responsive typing experience with a touch of tactile feedback. Ultimately, consider your environment, typing preferences, and whether you lean toward a more pronounced tactile sensation or the silky smoothness of a linear switch as you make your decision.
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