Durock Blue Lotus vs. Haimu Orange Sea

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the switch type can significantly influence your typing experience, making the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Haimu Orange Sea essential for tailoring your setup to your preferences. The Durock Blue Lotus switches stand out with their tactile intensity and snappy responsiveness, thanks to a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm. This characteristic not only provides a pronounced tactile feedback, perfect for those who enjoy a noticeable actuation point, but also enhances the overall typing experience, complemented by a detachable light column that offers vibrant, eye-catching RGB illumination. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches focus on delivering a remarkably smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature, appealing to users who prioritize a seamless keystroke without the distraction of tactile bumps or audible clicks. While the Blue Lotus offers a dynamic and engaging typing experience ideal for gamers and typists who crave feedback, the Orange Sea caters to those seeking a quieter and more fluid typing environment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

The Durock Blue Lotus and the Haimu Orange Sea switches feature two distinct materials in their top housings that contribute to their unique auditory experiences. The Blue Lotus employs a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and urethane polymer elastomer (UPE), offering a premium feel while also enhancing its acoustics. This blend is designed to provide a refined sound profile that balances clarity with warmth. On the other hand, the Orange Sea uses pure polycarbonate for its top housing, known for producing sharp and crisp sound characteristics. While both switches aim for an appealing auditory response, the Blue Lotus’s modified blend allows for a nuanced sound dynamic, whereas the Orange Sea relies solely on the inherent properties of polycarbonate.

Both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, which introduces a significant similarity between the two models. Nylon is recognized for its softer nature, which contributes to a deeper and rounder sound profile as it absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. This shared bottom housing material ensures that both switches deliver a full-bodied auditory experience, emphasizing a rich, resonant tone when the keys are bottomed out. Hence, even though the top housings differ in composition and the resultant sound profiles they create, the nylon bottom housing in both switches serves to produce a similar foundational sound that enhances the overall typing experience.

The interplay between the different top and bottom housing materials in each switch significantly influences the overall acoustic and tactile qualities. In the case of the Durock Blue Lotus, the modified PC and UPE blend supports a sophisticated sound when releasing the key, adding to the elevated typing feel, while the nylon bottom reinforces a warm, soft bottom-out sound. The Haimu Orange Sea, while employing a sharper top housing sound profile, equally benefits from its nylon bottom by delivering a cohesive sound experience that resonates deeply. Ultimately, while the switches diverge in their top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom ensures a crossover in auditory richness, providing users with a comparable fullness whether typing on the Blue Lotus or the Orange Sea.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different user preferences. The Blue Lotus features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, positioning it as a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Orange Sea is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This disparity means that typists who favor a lighter touch and longer typing sessions may find the Orange Sea more appealing, as it enables less strain on the fingers. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial feel with a noticeable resistance might opt for the Blue Lotus due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, each switch offers a distinct experience, with the Blue Lotus being the heavier choice and the Orange Sea providing a lighter, more effortless keypress.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, the Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Orange Sea measures slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This 0.1 mm difference places the Blue Lotus in the category of switches that provide a bit more depth during key presses, which may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile feedback and a hearty feel. Conversely, the Orange Sea, being the shorter option, may cater to gamers or those who favor quick, responsive keystrokes. If you're looking for faster response times, the Orange Sea would be the more suitable choice, while the Blue Lotus could be ideal for those who appreciate a fuller pressing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound quality, the Durock Blue Lotus switches provide a pronounced and bassy auditory experience. The deep and rich tones created during key presses enhance the overall typing experience, lending a satisfying acoustic feedback that many users find appealing. This bassy sound adds a layer of richness that can elevate the interaction with the keyboard. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are characterized by a neutral sound signature, which means they produce a milder and less pronounced sound during typing. This neutrality allows for a more subdued experience, making the keyboard feel less intrusive in a quiet environment. It's important to note that the overall sound profile can vary significantly based on factors such as the choice of keyboard plate and keycap material.

Focusing on feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches excel with a range of tactile sensations, described as accented, snappy, and stepped. The medium tactile feedback strikes a balance that provides a gratifying keystroke without overwhelming the typist. This blend of responsiveness and tactility results in a very alive typing experience, allowing users to easily discern each key press while maintaining fluidity. In comparison, the specifications for the Haimu Orange Sea switches regarding tactile feel remain undefined. However, users typically expect a linear switch to provide a smooth, consistent key press without any tactile bump, which contrasts strongly with the Blue Lotus's prominent tactile feedback.

In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus and Haimu Orange Sea switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Blue Lotus is favored for its richer, bassy sound and marked tactile sensation, appealing to those who enjoy feedback in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Orange Sea's neutral sound and unspecified feel position it as a potentially smoother alternative. Ultimately, while they offer different experiences, users can select a switch that aligns with their typing preferences, acknowledging that these characteristics can be influenced by numerous factors including the keyboard design used with each switch.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you thrive on tactile feedback and enjoy a noticeable bump with each keystroke, the Blue Lotus is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams ensures that each press feels intentional and satisfying, making it particularly appealing for users who type frequently or require a pronounced tactile experience without overwhelming their fingers. Additionally, if you appreciate a deeper sound profile, the Blue Lotus offers a bassy resonance that enhances the overall typing experience and adds a layer of auditory feedback that many find enjoyable. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother and lighter typing experience, the Haimu Orange Sea switch with its 45-gram actuation force would serve you well. This switch is perfect for those who prioritize speed and agility in their keystrokes, making it an ideal option for gamers or anyone who engages in rapid typing tasks. Its neutral sound signature supports a quieter environment, which can be beneficial in shared spaces. Ultimately, consider what aspects of a switch—be it tactile feedback, sound, or weight—are most crucial for your usage, and let those preferences guide your choice.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more