Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, especially between tactile and linear options. The Everglide Bamboo Green switches stand out for their distinctive clacky sound and pronounced tactile feedback, creating a lively typing experience characterized by a crisp, polished feel that many typists enjoy. Their stepped actuation not only offers a high-pitched accent but also a satisfying resonance that can enhance the overall typing experience, making them a popular choice for those who appreciate the tactile sensation and auditory cues. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches provide a smooth and neutral typing experience, devoid of both sharp sounds and tactile bumps. This linear switch is often favored by gamers and users seeking a quieter, uninterrupted keystroke that allows for swift, fluid transitions without any hindrance. While the Bamboo Green may appeal to those who relish feedback and sound, the Orange Sea caters to users who prioritize smoothness and silence in their typing experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the Haimu Orange Sea utilize different materials in their top housings, leading to distinct sound profiles when typing. The Bamboo Green features a PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) top housing, which is known for its balanced sound characteristics. Users can expect a neutral auditory experience — not particularly crisp nor overly dull — which makes it suitable for those who prefer a more subdued sound. In contrast, the Orange Sea employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is inherently stiffer and generally produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This crispness not only enhances the acoustic response but also caters to users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. Thus, while both switches offer solid performance, the materials chosen for their top housings significantly influence the sensory experience during use.
When we explore the bottom housing materials of these switches, the differences continue. The Bamboo Green sports a PBT bottom housing, which, much like its top counterpart, promotes a neutral sound profile. This results in an overall typing experience that resonates with a certain level of consistency and comfort, appealing to users seeking a balanced keystroke. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea uses nylon for its bottom housing, a material known for its softer construction that significantly alters the sound dynamics. Nylon generally produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to PBT, giving the Orange Sea a more rounded acoustic quality that can be more pleasing for those who enjoy a deeper keystroke response. Together, these bottom housing materials complement the top housing choices, further distinguishing each switch's unique auditory characteristics.
When combining both top and bottom housing materials, the overall typing experience varies considerably between the Bamboo Green and the Orange Sea. The Bamboo Green, with its consistent PBT throughout, offers a cohesive feel and sound that remains stable across its key strokes and releases. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea presents a split between its crisp top housing and the deeper, softer bottom housing. This combination produces a typing experience that feels distinct during both pressing down and releasing the keys, as the top housing influences the sound of release while the bottom affects the bottom-out sound and feel. Consequently, while both switches may ultimately serve similar purposes, the contrasting materials provide unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Bamboo Green switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Orange Sea switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This difference makes the Orange Sea easier to press and bottom out, which can provide a more comfortable typing experience for extended periods, especially for those who prefer lighter switches. Conversely, the Bamboo Green, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, may appeal to users who favor a more substantial typing feel, lending itself to a more tactile experience. Overall, those who prioritize lighter switches for endurance might gravitate towards the Haimu Orange Sea, while users seeking more resistance might prefer the Everglide Bamboo Green.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Bamboo Green the longer option, catering to those who appreciate a more substantial keypress experience with a hearty depth. In contrast, the Orange Sea, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers or typists seeking quicker response times, as it allows for less travel before actuation. While both switches serve different preferences, those who favor a more responsive feel may gravitate towards the Orange Sea due to its reduced travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for actuation depth versus quickness in response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
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 Everglide Bamboo Green switch stands out with its high-pitched, clacky sound signature that can create an immersive auditory experience. The sharp and resonant tones produced during typing are crisp and clean, appealing to those who prefer a more vibrant sound profile. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switch boasts a neutral sound signature, which generally means it won't stand out as much in terms of auditory effects. While the Bamboo Green’s sound can be lively and distinct, the Orange Sea operates quietly, making it a better choice for environments where subdued sound is preferred. Depending on factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap materials you choose, sound quality can also shift, but the fundamental differences between these two switches are apparent.
In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green switch presents a stepped tactile response that provides a two-stage typing experience. Users will notice a distinct tactility with each keystroke due to its sharp and accented nature, which delivers a crisp feedback that enhances typing accuracy and enjoyment. It strikes a perfect balance, feeling neither overly harsh nor too soft. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea is characterized by its impeccably smooth typing feel, creating a seamless experience without the notable tactile bumps that define switches like the Bamboo Green. This smoothness caters to users who prefer a fluid and unencumbered key press, allowing for rapid typing without the interruption of notable tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green and Haimu Orange Sea switches offer contrasting auditory and tactile experiences, making them suitable for different preferences. The Bamboo Green appeals to those who enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback accompanied by a lively sound, while the Orange Sea provides a refined and smooth typing experience with a hushed sound profile. Depending on your typing style and environment, both switches have their unique advantages that cater to diverse user preferences. Choosing between them will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize a tactile feel and distinct sound or seek a more muted, smoother action during key presses.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch depends on your typing preferences and the overall experience you’re seeking. If you appreciate a stiffer, more pronounced tactile feedback, the Bamboo Green switches will serve you well. Their medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, combined with a sharp, clacky sound, makes them ideal for those who enjoy an immersive typographic experience filled with clear auditory cues. This tactile switch excels in situations where you want to feel each keystroke distinctly, providing a satisfying "click" that can enhance your typing rhythm, making it particularly appealing for typists who favor a more dynamic interaction with their keyboard. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are better suited for you. With a light bottom-out force of 45 grams and an impeccably smooth feel, they allow you to glide effortlessly across the keys, which is particularly beneficial for long typing sessions or gaming marathons when fatigue could be a concern. The neutral sound signature of the Orange Sea also makes it an excellent choice if you work in shared spaces or require a more understated auditory feedback. Ultimately, both switch types cater to different typing preferences—opt for the Bamboo Green if you want a tactile and resonant feel, or choose the Orange Sea for a serene, linear typing experience.