Gateron CM vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, two intriguing options emerge: the Gateron CM and the Haimu Orange Sea, both esteemed for their linear characteristics but with distinct personalities that cater to different preferences. The Gateron CM switch stands out for its innovative full nylon housing that delivers a rich, deep sound signature complemented by a buttery smooth keystroke, enhanced by a remarkable factory lube job that ensures an effortlessly polished typing experience. Additionally, the CM features a lengthened, dual-staged spring that contributes to a unique bouncy feel, making it a delightful choice for those who appreciate a thocky, low-pitched response while typing. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea boasts its own notable smoothness and a neutral sound profile, providing users with a typing experience that feels consistently fluid without drawing attention to itself. While the CM shines for its rich auditory feedback and tactile delight, the Orange Sea appeals to those seeking a more understated yet equally satisfying feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CM and the Haimu Orange Sea switches, a notable distinction emerges in the composition of their top housings. The Gateron CM features a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer properties. Nylon absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a more muted auditory experience that can be appealing to users who prefer a subdued typing sound. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffness and translucency. Polycarbonate contributes to a crisper, higher-pitched sound, making it an excellent choice for users who favor a more pronounced auditory feedback, especially when RGB lighting is involved.
On the contrary, the bottom housings of both switches are made of nylon, which leads to similarities in their auditory profiles. Nylon's inherent softness allows for a fuller sound response when bottoming out, regardless of the switch's top housing material. Thus, both the Gateron CM and Haimu Orange Sea will deliver a rich and rounded sound experience during key presses, as the bottom housing material plays a crucial role in how the switch feels and sounds when fully engaged. This commonality ensures that users looking for a deeper sound experience will find satisfaction in both switch options despite the differences in their top housings.
In this comparison, it is evident that while the Gateron CM and Haimu Orange Sea switches have different top housing materials, their bottom housings share the same nylon construction, uniting their sound profiles in a fundamental way. The nylon bottoms contribute to a muted and rounded typing sound, regardless of the sharper characteristics introduced by the polycarbonate top of the Orange Sea. Therefore, while users may note a variance in the switches' auditory feedback during release, the bottom-out experience remains consistent across both models, appealing to those who prioritize a cohesive and pleasant typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron CM linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch differ significantly in both actuation force and bottom out force, influencing the typing experience. The Gateron CM requires an actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea is much lighter, with an actuation force of just 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This substantial difference means that the Orange Sea switch is better suited for users who prefer a lighter touch, making it ideal for long typing sessions and gaming where fatigue could be a concern. Conversely, the Gateron CM's heavier forces appeal to those who favor a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Thus, while the CM tends to provide a firmer feedback sensation, the Orange Sea offers a gentler, more effortless keystroke. Therefore, the Gateron CM is the heavier option, while the Haimu Orange Sea is the lighter choice.
Travel distance
The Gateron CM linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch both feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of key travel. Since their travel distances are the same, both switches will provide similar tactile feedback and responsiveness when pressed, making them suitable choices for those who prefer a consistent feel. This equivalence ensures that whether a user chooses the Gateron CM or the Haimu Orange Sea, they can anticipate an equal distance to bottoming out, creating a uniform experience across both options.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
The Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Gateron CM switches stand out with their rich, deeper tonal qualities. Described as bassy and thocky, these switches produce a low-pitched sound that gives a satisfying auditory feedback, akin to a deep "thud" when pressed. This fullness in sound is a result of their nylon housing and enhanced design, which creates a resonant and immersive typing experience. In contrast, while the Haimu Orange Sea has not been characterized in terms of its sound, it is typically considered to have a more neutral sound signature. Therefore, if you prefer a more profound and engaging auditory experience, the Gateron CM is likely to be more appealing in this regard.
Moving on to the feel of each switch, the Gateron CM excels with descriptions like buttery, polished, and creamy. These terms illustrate a typing experience that is smooth and fluid, offering the sensation of gliding effortlessly across the keys. The factory lubrication and dual-staged springs contribute to a refined experience that minimizes friction and enhances comfort. In the absence of specific descriptors for the Haimu Orange Sea's feel, it is suggested to have a similarly smooth typing experience, although the exact nature of that smoothness remains unclarified. It can be assumed, however, that both switches aim for a level of comfort and ease in key presses.
In conclusion, both the Gateron CM and Haimu Orange Sea switches cater to those seeking linear switches, but they bring different auditory and tactile qualities to the table. The CM offers a rich sound profile and an exceptionally smooth feel, whereas the Orange Sea's sound remains unspoken and its feel is simply noted as smooth without further elaboration. While you can expect a satisfying typing experience from either option, if the deeper acoustics and enhanced tactile sensations of the Gateron CM are appealing to you, it may be the more suitable choice for your mechanical keyboard needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, you'll want to consider your typing preferences and style. If you lean towards a heavier typing experience that provides more tactile feedback and a deeper sound profile, the Gateron CM is an excellent choice for you. Its bottom-out force of 63.5 grams coupled with a medium-heavy feel means you'll have a bouncier, more engaging typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile response. The rich, thocky sound signature, alongside its buttery and creamy feel, creates a satisfying environment if you're looking for an immersive typing sensation. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter feel that allows for quicker typing and less finger fatigue, the Haimu Orange Sea switch, with its lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams, is likely more suiting for your needs. While it may lack the deep sound character of the CM, it excels in providing a smooth and neutral typing experience that’s ideal for fast typists or those who seek a minimalistic auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice will reflect your typing style: opt for the Gateron CM for a robust, rewarding feel or gravitate towards the Haimu Orange Sea for a lighter, effortless glide across the keys.
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