Kailh Box White V2 vs. Haimu Orange Sea

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Haimu Orange Sea offers distinct advantages depending on your typing preferences. The Kailh Box White V2 is a clicky switch that delivers crisp tactile feedback and an audible click sound, making it an excellent option for those who enjoy a distinctive auditory and tactile response while typing, often favored by typists and gamers alike who appreciate the satisfaction of each keystroke. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea is a linear switch known for its impeccably smooth typing experience and neutral sound signature, appealing to users who prefer a quieter operation and a fluid keypress, often favored in scenarios where noise reduction is a priority, such as in office environments. Both switches cater to different typing styles and preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box White V2 Clicky

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$3.50

$3.00 per 10

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

Both the Kailh Box White V2 and the Haimu Orange Sea leverage polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to notable similarities in their acoustic characteristics. The use of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, which brings forth a crisper auditory experience during typing. This material's translucent properties make it particularly advantageous for users who enjoy RGB lighting, as the illumination can shine through the clear housing, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboards. Consequently, users of both switches can expect a similar auditory clarity and visual beauty when utilizing RGB setups.

On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches are composed of nylon, a material renowned for its ability to produce a fuller, deeper sound profile. Nylon’s softer texture absorbs more sound compared to the relatively rigid polycarbonate, which contributes to a sound that is rounder and more muted. This contrast is crucial, as the bottom housing significantly influences the feeling and sound when bottoming out a key press. Despite the identical composition of the bottom housings, the nuanced differences in resonance and tactile feedback provide distinct user experiences while maintaining a generally harmonious sound during use.

In essence, the combination of polycarbonate in the top housing and nylon in the bottom housing for both switches creates a symbiotic relationship between clarity and depth in the sound profile. The sharper highs from the polycarbonate and the warmer lows from the nylon complement each other effectively. Therefore, even though users may experience specific differences in sound and feel due to the variations in the housing materials' structure, the cumulative auditory experience across both switches remains relatively consistent. Ultimately, the unique properties of each material blend together, allowing for a fulfilling typing experience, regardless of which switch is in play.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, notable differences and similarities emerge. The Box White V2 features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Orange Sea has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Both switches offer a light typing experience, but the Haimu Orange Sea's lighter actuation force makes it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions, as it requires less effort to press down. Conversely, the Box White V2, with its heavier feel, may provide a more tactile and substantial typing experience for those who prefer additional resistance. Overall, while both switches are relatively light, the Haimu Orange Sea is the lighter option, whereas the Kailh Box White V2 has a heavier actuation and bottom out force, catering to different user preferences.

Travel distance

The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that when pressed, they require the same amount of movement from the top to the bottom. This equivalence in travel distance results in similar tactile feedback and response when using these switches, providing users with a consistent pressing experience. Therefore, if you switch between these two types, you can expect comparable performance in terms of how far you need to press down on a key, making them equally suitable for those who enjoy a distinct travel feel in their keyboard switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Box White V2 switches produce a sharp and crisp audible click with every keystroke, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists and gamers find enjoyable. This distinctive click is not only intentional but also serves as a feature that signals a successful keypress, making it particularly appealing for those who appreciate sound cues while typing. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches offer a more neutral sound signature, characterized by a quieter operation that avoids the distinct click of the Box White V2. This results in a calmer typing experience, making the Orange Sea a preferable choice in environments where noise may be a concern, such as an office.

When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White V2 is renowned for its tactile feedback, providing users with a pronounced bump that enhances the typing experience. The click and tactile response work in harmony, allowing typists to feel each keypress distinctly, promoting a sense of engagement and precision. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches deliver an impeccably smooth typing feel, featuring a linear action that lacks the tactile bump of the Box White V2. This smoothness facilitates rapid key presses and long typing sessions without any interruptions in feedback, giving it a more straightforward and fluid typing sensation.

In conclusion, while the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switches embrace a sound and feel characterized by their pronounced click and tactile response, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches offer a more subdued auditory experience and an exceptionally smooth keystroke. Ultimately, your choice will depend on personal preference: if you lean towards auditory and tactile feedback, the Box White V2 might be your go-to, whereas if you seek a quiet and smooth typing environment, the Orange Sea would be a better fit. Both switches are designed to deliver satisfying experiences, but the distinct qualities define how you might enjoy using them differently.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended use. If you find joy in an audible and tactile experience while typing, the Kailh Box White V2 is an excellent choice, especially for those who appreciate a crisp click and tactile feedback with every keystroke. Its light bottom-out force of 50 grams allows for quick typing without much fatigue, making it suitable for typists who enjoy a bit of auditory engagement while working or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, quiet typing experience, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch would be more aligned with your needs. With an even lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams, these switches provide an impeccably smooth feel, reducing finger fatigue and enhancing your flow during long typing sessions or intense gaming. Therefore, if you favor speed and a seamless keypress without the distraction of sound, the Orange Sea is the way to go. In summary, consider the Box White V2 for its clicky feedback and engaging sound, while opting for the Orange Sea for its smoothness and quieter operation.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box White V2 Clicky

$3.50

$3.00 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more