HMX Canglan V2 vs. Haimu Orange Sea

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, two impressive linear options stand out: the HMX Canglan V2 and the Haimu Orange Sea. The Canglan V2 has quickly gained popularity among enthusiasts for its thocky sound profile and tailored combination of materials that create a uniquely deep acoustic experience. Its smooth and light actuation offers an enjoyable typing feel, making it a fantastic choice for those who prioritize both auditory pleasure and tactile response. Meanwhile, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are celebrated for their impeccably smooth typing experience and neutral sound signature, making them a stellar option for users seeking a minimalist and serene typing experience. Both switches cater to distinct preferences, with the Canglan V2 appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback, while the Orange Sea offers a quieter, refined alternative. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Canglan V2 Linear

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

The HMX Canglan V2 and the Haimu Orange Sea exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence the overall auditory experience of each switch. The Canglan V2 utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer plastic properties that contribute to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This softer material dampens noise, absorbing more sound energy and resulting in a sound that is rounder and less high-pitched. In contrast, the Orange Sea opts for a polycarbonate top housing that introduces a sharper, crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced, making it ideal for users who prefer a brighter auditory experience, particularly when RGB lighting enhances visibility through the transparent housing.

However, when examining the bottom housings, both the Canglan V2 and the Orange Sea share a commonality by utilizing nylon material. This consistent choice across both switches yields similar acoustic qualities, with the softer nylon contributing to the deeper and fuller sound profile associated with the bottom housing. As the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the feel and sound when the switch bottoms out, users can expect a comparable tactile and auditory sensation between the two switches due to their identical bottom materials. This convergence in material choice allows for a uniformity in response despite the differing experiences elicited from the top housings.

The interplay between top and bottom housing materials is key to understanding how both the Canglan V2 and the Orange Sea deliver their distinct sound profiles. While the polycarbonate top of the Orange Sea sharpens the overall tone, elevating its high-end response, the nylon bottoms in both switches ground the typing experience in a warmer, more resonant sound. Conversely, the Canglan V2's nylon top softens the upper frequencies, offering a more subdued auditory experience. As such, while the two switches present contrasting qualities at the top housing level, the similarity in their bottom housing allows users to appreciate a mutual depth and richness in sound, weaving together the benefits of both materials to create uniquely different yet complementary typing experiences.

Weight

The HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch both offer light actuation and bottom out forces, but they differ slightly in their specifications. The Canglan V2 has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Orange Sea presents an even lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Haimu Orange Sea is generally the lighter option, which might be preferable for users who type for extended periods, reducing fatigue during long work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Canglan V2 provides a slightly heavier push feel, which some users might appreciate for a more substantial typing experience. Thus, the Orange Sea is better suited for those seeking a softer touch, while the Canglan V2 might appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced resistance. Overall, the lighter actuation forces of both switches lead to a smoother typing experience, but with the Orange Sea requiring less force to activate keystrokes compared to the Canglan V2.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, the Canglan V2 has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Orange Sea extends slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This makes the Canglan V2 the shorter option and the Orange Sea the longer one. For gamers seeking quicker response times, the Canglan V2 may offer an advantage due to its shorter travel distance, allowing for rapid key presses. However, for those who prefer a deeper feel and a more substantial keystroke, the Orange Sea’s longer travel distance could provide a more satisfying experience. Despite the small difference, individuals looking for a similar feel in typing might find both switches deliver relatively close responses, especially for light gaming or general typing tasks.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Canglan V2 switch is celebrated for its thocky sound signature, which delivers a satisfyingly deep auditory experience that appeals to enthusiasts seeking that rich acoustic feedback when typing. This makes it particularly engaging for users who enjoy the resonant tone and a more luxurious sound while typing. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switch offers a more neutral sound signature, which may suit those who prefer a subtler auditory presence. The differences in sound can be influenced by various factors, including the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, which adds another layer of customization to each user’s experience.

When it comes to feel, the Canglan V2 switch provides a smooth and light typing experience, making it easy to glide your fingers across the keys without feeling bogged down. This allows for a fluid typing rhythm conducive to long typing sessions. In comparison, the Haimu Orange Sea switch is characterized by its impeccably smooth feel, suggesting that it also offers a highly enjoyable typing surface. The tactile experience of both switches may be similar, enabling users to achieve a satisfying and seamless interaction regardless of which switch they choose.

In summary, both the HMX Canglan V2 and Haimu Orange Sea linear switches provide distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Canglan V2 focuses on a thocky sound profile with a smooth and light feel, while the Orange Sea maintains a neutrality in sound but matches the smooth feel of the Canglan V2. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different auditory preferences, they share comparable tactile sensations, making either choice a strong contender for anyone seeking a satisfying linear switch experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Canglan V2 and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches, your preferences in sound and feel should play a crucial role in your choice. If you're seeking a switch that offers a thocky and deep sound while providing a pleasantly smooth and light typing experience, the Canglan V2 is your go-to option. It's particularly well-suited for those who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic effect and enjoy the subtle feedback that can enhance the tactile sensation of typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a straightforward, impeccably smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the Orange Sea switch might be the better fit for you. Its slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams will appeal to those who desire a more effortless keystroke. Ultimately, consider your typing style and what sensory feedback you find most enjoyable to make the best choice between these two compelling linear switches.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Canglan V2 Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more