Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Haimu Orange Sea both present intriguing options for users who favor linear switches, yet they offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red is celebrated for its budget-friendly design, providing a smooth typing experience with a medium-light actuation force that balances responsiveness and comfort. Its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting, making it an attractive choice for gamers and typists alike who enjoy vibrant visuals. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches boast an impeccably smooth typing feel and a neutral sound signature, appealing to those who prioritize a quiet and understated experience. Choosing between these two switches ultimately boils down to personal preference—whether you're after enhanced RGB aesthetics with the Gateron G Pro or a tranquil typing experience with the Haimu Orange Sea. 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
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Haimu Orange Sea switches, one can observe that both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This similarity suggests that the sound profile produced by both switches would be quite similar, featuring a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper tone. The polycarbonate material, known for its stiffness, contributes to a clearer and more resonant auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting diffusion, making both switches suitable options for those looking to enhance their keyboard aesthetics with vibrant lighting effects.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches again align with a shared characteristic, using nylon in their construction. Nylon's inherent properties contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, primarily due to its softer nature, which absorbs sound differently compared to harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing materials indicates that both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Haimu Orange Sea would elicit a similar auditory experience during typing, with a rounded and more muted sound as the key bottoms out. The overlapping characteristics of nylon in the bottom housing reinforce the overall acoustic consistency between these two switches.
However, it's important to note the distinct roles that these materials play within the switches. While both series carry similarities in sound production due to identical materials, the top and bottom housings influence how users perceive sound and feel when typing. The G Pro 3.0 Red and Haimu Orange Sea will resonate similarly due to the shared nylon bottom, enhancing the rounding effect, while the polycarbonate top will enhance the clarity of the sound released when keys are released. Thus, while they share materials and produce comparable outcomes, the interaction of the top and bottom housings distinctly shapes the typing experience for each switch.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, but they differ in specific values. The G Pro 3.0 Red requires an actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a reliable option for users who prefer a slightly firmer feel. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter of the two switches. This difference indicates that users of the Orange Sea switch may find it easier to press down and type for extended periods without fatigue, making it ideal for prolonged use, such as in work or gaming scenarios. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Red, with its heavier forces, offers a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer feedback. Overall, while both switches are on the lighter side of the scale, the Orange Sea is the lighter option, making it more suitable for users seeking ease and comfort during extended sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The G Pro 3.0 Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional distance and provides a more robust key feel when pressed. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This reduction in distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter travel distances can facilitate faster actuation. Thus, if you prefer a more traditional, hearty depth in your keystrokes, the G Pro 3.0 Red would be the better choice. However, if you lean towards rapid responsiveness, the Orange Sea's shorter travel distance could be more advantageous for your needs. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a longer, more substantial travel experience, while the Haimu Orange Sea presents a more immediate response with its shorter distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Red for $2.77.
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 considering sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch offers a neutral sound profile that fits well in various environments, making it versatile for both beginners and experienced users. The moderate sound level ensures that it is acceptable for office settings as well as for gaming at home, striking a good balance without being intrusive. In contrast, the auditory characteristics of the Haimu Orange Sea switches are unknown, creating a gap in comparison. Therefore, while you can expect a neutral auditory experience with the G Pro Red, it’s hard to draw parallels with the Orange Sea switches until more information is available.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red is known for its creamy, mild, polished, and silky typing experience. This combination suggests that typing on the G Pro Red is both smooth and enjoyable, thanks to the careful engineering that minimizes friction and resistance. This makes it a comfortable choice for long typing sessions. Unfortunately, the specific tactile feel of the Haimu Orange Sea switches remains unknown, making a direct comparison on this aspect challenging. However, if the Orange Sea is also designed for smoothness as suggested, users could experience a similarly satisfying typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch is celebrated for its neutral sound profile and impressive typing feel characterized by smoothness and mildness, making it a reliable option for various typing needs. The Haimu Orange Sea's sound profile is currently unspecified, leaving potential users without a complete picture of its auditory qualities. In terms of feel, while the G Pro Red is well-documented for its creamy and polished experience, the Orange Sea's characteristics remain a mystery. If you prioritize smoothness in typing, you may find the G Pro Red meets your expectations, while the Haimu Orange Sea may offer a similar experience should its tactile qualities align with that smooth ideal.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prioritize a smooth, creamy, and polished typing experience with a moderate actuation force, the G Pro 3.0 Red is your go-to choice. It’s a well-rounded option that suits beginners and experienced typists alike, providing a pleasant typing experience that feels both responsive and easy. Plus, its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting, making it ideal if you're a fan of vibrant visuals. On the other hand, if you seek an ultra-smooth typing sensation and prefer an even lighter actuation force, the Haimu Orange Sea switches could be more appealing. While specific metrics on sound and feel for the Orange Sea are less detailed, their reputation for providing a neutral sound profile aligns with those looking for a subtle yet effective switch. Ultimately, align your choice with your typing style—whether you favor a slightly heavier creamy feel or a lighter, exceptionally smooth touch.
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