HMX EMO vs. Haimu Orange Sea

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience. Two notable linear switches to consider are the HMX EMO and the Haimu Orange Sea. The HMX EMO is celebrated for its lively, clacky feel, providing a feather-light 46g bottom-out force that makes typing feel effortless and bouncy; this switch is exceptionally factory-lubed, ensuring a smooth and satisfying interaction with the keys. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches offer an impeccably smooth typing feel paired with a neutral sound signature, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a more understated auditory experience. While the EMO excels in delivering a vibrant and responsive feedback, the Orange Sea caters to users looking for a serene typing environment without sacrificing performance. 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 EMO Linear

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

$2.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the HMX EMO and the Haimu Orange Sea incorporate polycarbonate for their top housing, which plays a critical role in shaping the acoustic profile of the switches. The use of polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, renowned for its clarity and resonant qualities. This trait is particularly advantageous for users who appreciate the aesthetic of RGB lighting, as the material's translucency allows for effective light diffusion. Since both models utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, users can expect a similar experience in terms of sound characteristics and visual appeal, thereby enhancing the overall enjoyment of using these switches.

In contrast, the bottom housing of both the EMO and Orange Sea is crafted from nylon, a renowned material in the mechanical keyboard community. Nylon’s softer properties contribute to a deeper, fuller sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a more subdued and rounded acoustic feedback. The instant tactile response when typing and the resultant sound are heavily influenced by this choice of material. Since both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, this commonality ensures that regardless of the differences in the upper housings, users will simultaneously experience a consistent auditory feedback when pressing the keys.

Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate in the top housing and nylon in the bottom housing for both the HMX EMO and Haimu Orange Sea leads to a harmonious blend of sound profiles. The sharper, crisper tones produced by the polycarbonate top housing complement the deeper, rounder sounds generated by the nylon bottom housing. Each material contributes distinctly to the overall typing experience; however, with both models employing the same materials across their respective housings, users can anticipate a similar performance outcome, ensuring a satisfying and consistent typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the HMX EMO linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, both exhibit relatively light force specifications, making them suitable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming without causing fatigue. The EMO features an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Orange Sea has a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that, in terms of actuation force, the Orange Sea requires less effort to register a keystroke, providing a more nimble typing experience. However, the EMO has a slightly higher bottom out force, indicating that it takes a bit more pressure to fully depress the key. Overall, while both switches are on the lighter side, those who favor a lighter typing experience might prefer the Haimu Orange Sea, whereas users looking for a more substantial feel with less fatigue during long use may gravitate towards the HMX EMO.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, the EMO boasts a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Orange Sea extends slightly further at 3.6 mm. This means that, in terms of travel distance, the HMX EMO is the shorter option, whereas the Haimu Orange Sea offers a longer travel experience. Gamers may appreciate the more responsive feel of the EMO's shorter travel, allowing for quicker key presses during gameplay. Conversely, the Orange Sea's longer travel distance may cater to users who prefer a more substantial and satisfying tactile feedback. While both switches are relatively close in travel distance, choosing between them will ultimately depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the HMX EMO switch is characterized by a lively and clacky tone, which contributes to a more pronounced acoustic feedback, making it feel engaging during typist interactions. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch presents a neutral sound signature that is impeccably smooth, leading to a quieter experience overall. This distinction indicates that the EMO may be more suited for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing, while the Orange Sea is ideal for users seeking a more subdued sound environment, particularly in shared or quiet spaces.

When considering the feel, the EMO switch is noted for its lively and bouncy typing experience, paired with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force. This makes it effortless to type with, creating a satisfying sensation that can be very pleasurable over extended periods. Conversely, the Orange Sea provides an exceptionally smooth typing feel, which appeals to users who prioritize fluidity without the extra bounce and liveliness that the EMO offers. These differences in feel cater to varying preferences among typists, with the EMO attracting those who enjoy more dynamic feedback and the Orange Sea attracting those who favor smoothness and consistency.

In summary, both the HMX EMO and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches present distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The EMO stands out with its clacky sound and bouncy feel, ideal for those who enjoy active feedback during typing. In contrast, the Orange Sea offers a neutral sound and incredibly smooth typing experience, suited for users who prefer quiet and seamless keystrokes. Depending on your audio and tactile preferences, both switches can deliver satisfying results, but they ultimately target different experiences in the typing journey.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you’re someone who enjoys a lively and engaging typing experience, you may find the HMX EMO to be your ideal switch. Its feather-light 46g bottom-out force and factory-lubed design contribute to an incredibly bouncy feel, making it suitable for long typing sessions or fast-paced gaming where responsiveness is key. In contrast, if you prioritize a smooth and neutral typing experience without any added sound signature, the Haimu Orange Sea switch may be preferable. With a similarly light bottom-out force of 45 grams, it offers an impeccably smooth feel that allows for effortless keystrokes. Ultimately, if you value auditory feedback and an energetic typing sensation, lean towards the EMO, but if you seek a more understated, whisper-quiet performance, the Orange Sea will serve you well. Both options cater to different user experiences, so consider what aspects are most important to you as you make your decision.

Mentioned in this article

HMX EMO Linear

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more