Gateron Beer vs. Haimu Orange Sea

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the contrast between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch highlights distinct preferences for both feel and auditory experience. The Gateron Beer switches, reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle, are designed for those who enjoy a tactile feedback that is both lightweight and stepped, delivering a subtle response with each keypress. Their clacky sound signature adds a lively auditory dimension, making them an engaging option for typists who appreciate feedback in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are tailored for users seeking a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience, marked by a neutral sound profile that promotes quiet operation and minimal distraction. While the Beer switch is perfect for those who enjoy tactile cues and a bit of sound to spice up their typing, the Orange Sea is ideal for environments where silence and fluidity are paramount. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Beer Tactile

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$6.00

$4.59 per 10

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Haimu Orange Sea switches, both models feature polycarbonate as their top housing material, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate in both switches results in a crisp, high-pitched sound, enhancing the auditory experience during typing. This characteristic is due to polycarbonate's rigidity, which allows sound waves to resonate clearly, producing a more lively and vibrant response. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for keyboard enthusiasts who want to highlight RGB lighting, as it enables light to pass through beautifully, adding to the aesthetics of both switches.

In contrasting the bottom housings, the Gateron Beer utilizes polycarbonate while the Haimu Orange Sea opts for nylon. This difference affects the overall sound and feel when typing. The Beer’s polycarbonate bottom housing reinforces the crisp and sharp sound profile, aligning with the attributes established by its top housing. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Orange Sea creates a deeper, fuller sound due to nylon's softer texture, which dampens sound and provides a rounder auditory experience. This distinction means that while both switches share similarities in their top housing, their bottom housings create differing impact profiles: the Beer produces a sharper bottom-out sound, while the Orange Sea delivers a softer and more muted auditory response.

The combined effects of the materials lead to unique typing experiences in both switches, despite the similarity in their top housings. Users of the Gateron Beer can expect a cleaner, more resonant sound throughout the entire switch action, while those typing on the Haimu Orange Sea will favor a rich, rounded sound profile, particularly on key presses. The split housing materials ensure that each switch has a distinct feel and auditory signature, influenced directly by the combination of materials used. Therefore, even with the same top housing, the differing bottom materials result in unique overall experiences, catering to different user preferences within the keyboard enthusiast community.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, both options cater to users who prefer lighter switches, but there are notable differences. The Beer switch has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the Orange Sea features a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Orange Sea switch requires a bit less force to actuate, making it slightly lighter overall in feel. Conversely, the Beer switch has a heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial sensation when fully pressed down. For users who prioritize longer typing sessions or gaming without fatigue, the lighter actuation force of the Haimu Orange Sea may be more appealing, while those who prefer a more pronounced tactile response may gravitate toward the Gateron Beer. Overall, both switches offer a lightweight typing experience, but the Orange Sea wins the edge in actuation force.

Travel distance

The Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch exhibit different travel distances, with the Beer measuring 3.4 mm and the Orange Sea at 3.6 mm. This means that the Gateron Beer is the shorter option, providing a more responsive key press which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker reaction times. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea's slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm may deliver a more satisfying and hearty feel, which some users prefer for typing or general use. Thus, those who favor responsiveness should consider the Gateron Beer, while those who appreciate a more pronounced key travel might opt for the Haimu Orange Sea.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch stands out with its characteristic clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy audio response that is both crisp and bright. This clackiness contributes to a lively typing experience that many users find appealing, especially in a mechanical keyboard. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch has a neutral sound signature, which means it operates more quietly and smoothly without the distinct sound profile associated with tactile or clicky switches. This difference might lead to a more subdued auditory experience while typing or gaming.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer switches are designed for a gentle touch, allowing for an easy-to-press action that requires minimal force. This lightweight nature not only enhances comfort during prolonged use but also promotes a responsive typing experience. The stepped tactility adds another layer of distinction, creating a sensation of two stages in key travel that many users find satisfying. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are described as impeccably smooth, providing a fluid keystroke without any tactile bumps or interference. While both switches aim to enhance user experience, the Beer offers a more nuanced tactile feedback, while the Orange Sea emphasizes uninterrupted smoothness.

In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switches provide an engaging auditory and tactile experience with their clacky sound and stepped feel, making them ideal for those who enjoy feedback when typing. The Haimu Orange Sea linear switches, in contrast, cater to users who prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience without additional tactile sensations. Depending on your typing preferences, you'll find that both switches offer distinctive qualities, allowing you to select one that best fits your needs for an enjoyable keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, your specific typing needs and preferences will play a crucial role. If you’re looking for a tactile switch that offers a lively typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound, the Beer switch is an excellent choice. Its lightweight design and stepped tactile feel make it ideal for those who enjoy the positive feedback of a tactile switch without the heaviness, making it great for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke with minimal sound, the Orange Sea linear switch will serve you well. With its lighter actuation force, it provides an effortless typing experience, perfect for long sessions where fatigue might be a concern. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prefer the tactile feedback and sound of the Beer or the smoothness and quiet operation of the Orange Sea, tailoring your keyboard experience to your personal style.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Beer Tactile

$6.00

$4.59 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more