HMX Cheese vs. Haimu Orange Sea

Overview

In the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch plays a pivotal role in determining both the typing experience and overall satisfaction. The HMX Cheese switch, renowned for its unparalleled smoothness, offers an ultra-light touch that makes it lighter than 90% of all switches on the market. This results in a delightful clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, perfect for those who prioritize auditory feedback alongside a fast keystroke. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea switch presents a different appeal with its impeccably smooth typing feel and a neutral sound signature, making it ideal for users who prefer a quieter and more understated experience without sacrificing performance. Both switches cater to distinct preferences, with the Cheese excelling in expressiveness and excitement, while the Orange Sea focuses on a harmonious balance of feel and sound. 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 Cheese Linear

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$5.50

$3.79 per 10

$2.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Cheese and the Haimu Orange Sea exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence the acoustic properties of the switches. The HMX Cheese is crafted with a nylon top housing. This choice of material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon absorbs sound due to its relative softness. The sound produced by the Cheese’s switches tends to be duller and rounder, making it ideal for users who prefer a muted acoustic environment. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a stark contrast in sound. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, resulting in a more resonant and clear auditory experience. Therefore, while both switches can provide an excellent typing experience, their acoustic characteristics diverge considerably due to the choice of top housing materials.

In terms of the bottom housing, both the HMX Cheese and the Haimu Orange Sea use nylon, which establishes common ground in their sound profiles. This similarity means that both switches produce a deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out, owing to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. Consequently, the tactile experience when typing can feel similar, primarily influenced by the nylon bottom housing. Users might find that whether they are using the Cheese or the Orange Sea, the sound and feel when fully depressing keys will share some characteristics due to the shared bottom-housing material.

Ultimately, the unique combination of materials in the top and bottom housings of the HMX Cheese and the Haimu Orange Sea defines their overall sound experience. While the nylon bottom housing creates a cohesive auditory foundation for both switches, the differences in top housing materials lead to contrasting sound profiles when keys are released. For users looking for a more muted sound will gravitate toward the Cheese, while those who enjoy a sharper auditory feedback will prefer the Orange Sea. Thus, although the nylon bottom housing contributes similarly to the overall typing experience, the disparate top housing materials create significant distinctions in sound, showcasing the nuanced impact of material selection in mechanical switches.

Weight

The HMX Cheese linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch both feature relatively light actuation forces, making them suitable for extended typing sessions and gaming. The Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Orange Sea is even lighter at an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Orange Sea requires less force to trigger a keystroke, offering a softer feel, while the Cheese demands a bit more effort. Additionally, both switches have similar bottom out forces, with the Orange Sea being slightly lighter overall due to its lower actuation force. If you're looking for a more substantial typing experience, the Cheese may be the better option, but if you prefer a lighter feel for less fatigue in long sessions, the Orange Sea stands out.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, the HMX Cheese features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Haimu Orange Sea has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Orange Sea switch offers a greater depth of travel, providing a slightly different tactile feel when pressed down, which can benefit users who prefer a more substantial keypress experience. On the other hand, the HMX Cheese, with its shorter 3.5 mm travel distance, may cater more to those who prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation, characteristic of modern gaming preferences. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that feels more abrupt and responsive, the Cheese would be the better option, while the Orange Sea might appeal to those who enjoy a deeper, more pronounced actuation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Cheese linear switch is known for its satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, which makes each keystroke feel energetic and engaging. This unique auditory profile contributes to the overall typing experience, making it feel lively and responsive. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches produce an impeccably smooth typing experience but are noted for a neutral sound signature, offering a more subdued auditory feedback that focuses on performance over personality. While both sound characteristics are distinctive, the sound of any switch can vary significantly based on the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.

Regarding feel, the HMX Cheese switch is lauded for its unparalleled smoothness, providing an ultra-light touch that enhances the typing experience. This lightness, combined with its high responsiveness, makes it a great choice for users who prefer a switch that requires minimal force to actuate. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are also recognized for their impeccably smooth typing feel but lack the ultra-light quality of the Cheese. They may provide a more balanced tactile experience without the distinct lightness, appealing to those who enjoy a steady and controlled keystroke.

In conclusion, both the HMX Cheese and Haimu Orange Sea linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cheese switch excels in providing a lively sound and an ultra-light feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more dynamic typing interaction. The Orange Sea, while equally smooth, leans towards a more neutral sound with a balanced typing experience. Depending on your priorities, choosing either switch could result in a satisfying typing experience, but they ultimately deliver different auditory and tactile sensations.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a uniquely smooth and satisfying typing experience complemented by a crisp, clacky sound, the Cheese switch may be the right choice for you. Its light 46-gram bottom-out force offers an effortless pressing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a lively and tactile feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a meticulously smooth feel with a more neutral sound signature, the Orange Sea switch might serve you better. Its slightly lighter 45-gram bottom-out force provides a soft typing experience, suited for long typing sessions without fatigue. Thus, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize auditory feedback and liveliness, in which case the Cheese is preferable, or if you lean toward a more subdued typing experience with smoothness at the forefront, then the Orange Sea is likely your best fit.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Cheese Linear

$5.50

$3.79 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more