Gateron Glory Red vs. Haimu Orange Sea

Overview

When selecting mechanical keyboard switches, two notable options to consider are the Gateron Glory Red and the Haimu Orange Sea, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The Gateron Glory Red is praised for its lighter actuation force, resulting in a smooth keystroke and a comfortable travel distance, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a quick and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches stand out for their impeccably smooth feel and neutral sound signature, appealing to users who prefer a satisfying tactile experience without the clicky noise associated with other switches. While the Glory Red might cater to gamers or typists looking for rapid input, the Orange Sea offers a more nuanced typing experience suitable for both work and play. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Glory Red Linear

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the Haimu Orange Sea switches, a notable contrast emerges in their choice of materials for the top housing. The Glory Red features a nylon top housing, known for its softer composition which contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This characteristic is a result of nylon's ability to absorb sound effectively, producing a duller and rounder auditory experience that many enthusiasts appreciate for its tactile appeal. In contrast, the Orange Sea employs polycarbonate for its top housing, a material recognized for its rigidity and clarity, resulting in a sharper, more resonant sound profile. This distinction becomes particularly relevant when engaging with each switch, as the type of sound produced during typing can significantly influence the overall user experience.

When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Gateron Glory Red and the Haimu Orange Sea utilize nylon, ensuring some consistency in auditory feedback despite the differences in their upper sections. The nylon bottom housing of both switches yields the same fuller and deeper sound profile, as nylon inherently absorbs sound and provides a comfortable bottom-out feel. This shared material helps create a unified sense of auditory depth, even as the top housings diverge in their contribution to sound clarity and pitch. Typing on either switch will give users a similar tactile experience in terms of the sound generated when bottoming out, owing to the use of nylon in that segment.

Ultimately, while the top housings of the Gateron Glory Red and Haimu Orange Sea switches present contrasting qualities, their comparable nylon bottom housings bridge some of the sound profile differences. Together, the unique characteristics of each material influence the overall typing experience—while the Glory Red imparts a rounded warmth from its nylon top, the Orange Sea boasts a crispness courtesy of polycarbonate. The combined effect results in a versatile tactile experience, as the auditory and tactile sensations diverge with the press but unify at the release, thus offering users a rich, layered interaction regardless of which switch they choose.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces, which can significantly impact user experience. The Gateron Glory Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it on the heavier side, while the Haimu Orange Sea is lighter at 37 grams. This difference means that the Orange Sea switch may provide a more comfortable typing experience for those who prefer lighter switches, facilitating longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unknown, while the Orange Sea has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which also aligns with its actuation force, indicating a consistent feel throughout its travel. Ultimately, users seeking a lighter switch for prolonged usage may gravitate towards the Haimu Orange Sea, while those who favor a heavier, more substantial push may prefer the Gateron Glory Red, despite its unknown bottom out force.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable feel when pressing down on these switches, resulting in a similar tactile experience. Since both switches exhibit identical travel distances, they are likely to provide similar performance in terms of key feel and responsiveness, making them excellent choices for those who prioritize linear switches in their keyboards.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Glory Red linear switch has a sound profile that is subtle and pleasant, creating a quiet typing environment that is often appreciated in shared spaces. Its smooth actuation contributes to an enjoyable acoustic experience with minimal noise, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a more subdued auditory response. In comparison, the Haimu Orange Sea switch boasts an impeccably smooth type feel and a neutral sound signature, indicating that it too emphasizes a quieter typing experience. While specific sound characteristics of the Orange Sea aren’t detailed, both switches cater to those seeking a more tranquil keypress.

When it comes to feel, the Glory Red switch is praised for its light actuation force, resulting in a smooth keystroke and a pleasing travel distance that contributes to an enjoyable typing experience. Users often find it responsive without feeling overly stiff. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea switch is celebrated for its impeccably smooth type feel, suggesting that it also provides a seamless typing experience. While the actuation force of the Haimu Orange Sea isn't specified, the overall smoothness shared between the two switches indicates that both can deliver a satisfying tactile experience for typists.

In summary, both the Gateron Glory Red and Haimu Orange Sea linear switches offer excellent qualities for users seeking a smooth and quiet typing experience. The Glory Red is noted for its lighter actuation and pleasant sound, while the Orange Sea also emphasizes smoothness and a neutral auditory profile. Both options can cater to users who value silent operation and tactile satisfaction, making them both compelling choices for newcomers exploring mechanical keyboards.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and intended use. If you’re looking for a very smooth keystroke with a quick actuation, enabling a fluid typing experience, the Gateron Glory Red is an excellent choice. It excels for users who prefer a lighter feel and minimal resistance, making it suitable for fast-paced gaming and lengthy typing sessions where comfort is key. Conversely, if you favor a bit more feedback with a more defined bottom-out force, the Haimu Orange Sea is your go-to. It provides an impeccably smooth typing experience while delivering a reassuring tactile feel that could enhance your accuracy in typing or gaming. The lighter bottom-out force of the Orange Sea can still offer satisfactory responsiveness without being too straining over long periods. So, as you weigh your options, consider the type of activities you’ll be engaging in, alongside how much tactile feedback and resistance you prefer in your keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

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Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more