Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Haimu Orange Sea

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Haimu Orange Sea are two excellent options that cater to different preferences. The Glory Yellow, known for its heavier keystroke, provides a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a pleasing travel distance, making it ideal for typists who appreciate a more substantial feel and control while typing. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are renowned for their impeccably smooth type feel and neutral sound signature, which appeals to those who value a quieter typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness. While both switches are linear and designed for smooth inputs, they cater to distinct user preferences—offering either a more pronounced tactile resistance or a softer, subdued feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Glory Yellow Linear

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Haimu Orange Sea differ significantly in their top housings, which influences the overall sound profile of each switch. The Glory Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound. This is largely due to nylon's softer plastic properties, which absorb sound and result in a rounder acoustic experience. In contrast, the Orange Sea features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound profile, making it particularly appealing for users who prioritize auditory feedback when typing. Consequently, while both switches aim to provide an engaging typing experience, the materials used in their top housings lead to distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences.

When considering the bottom housings, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and Haimu Orange Sea utilize nylon. This consistency in material leads to similar auditory results in terms of sound depth and fullness. The nylon bottom housing, being a classic switch material, aligns with the qualities that enhance sound absorption, thereby contributing to the deeper and rounder tone these switches offer upon bottoming out. Consequently, both switches will deliver a similar acoustic experience in terms of the sound produced when the key is pressed all the way down, regardless of the different sound profiles produced by their top housings. This shared nylon bottom housing allows enthusiasts to expect a cohesive feel and sound consistency during keypress engagement.

Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials with the same bottom housing in the Gateron Glory Yellow and Haimu Orange Sea creates a rich tapestry of auditory experiences for users. While the nylon bottom housing ensures deeper sound quality, the varying top housings—nylon for the Glory Yellow and polycarbonate for the Orange Sea—offer users distinct characteristics based on their typing style or sound preference. This fundamental division between the bottom's impact on bottom-out sounds and the top's influence on release sounds illustrates the nuanced approach to switch design. Thus, those who select between these two switches can find satisfactory experiences by identifying their preferences for sound profiles and tactile responses.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces. The Glory Yellow requires an actuation force of 50 grams, which makes it heavier and likely provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer that feel. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, catering to users who favor comfort and ease of use, especially during extended typing sessions or gaming. While the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unknown, the Orange Sea features a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is still relatively light. Consequently, users seeking a lighter switch for prolonged use might prefer the Haimu Orange Sea, while those desiring a firmer feel should consider the Gateron Glory Yellow due to its higher actuation force. Overall, these differences highlight how the choice between these switches will significantly impact the typing experience based on user preference for weight and resistance.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, a distinct difference emerges. The Glory Yellow features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional preference for more substantial depth, making it ideal for users who enjoy a more pronounced key feel. In contrast, the Orange Sea has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who favor quicker response times, such as gamers. This shorter travel may feel more abrupt to some users but offers a level of responsiveness that can enhance gaming performance. Therefore, for those who prioritize speedy actions, the Haimu Orange Sea is the better choice, while the Gateron Glory Yellow appeals to those who appreciate a deeper, more tactile typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch tends to be relatively subdued, offering a soft, muted keystroke that is pleasant for both typing and gaming situations. This allows for a comfortable environment, especially in quieter settings where sound could be distracting. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch presents an impeccably smooth type feel with a neutral sound signature. While it’s designed to minimize clicky noises, any switch sound can vary based on the keyboard build and keycap choice, so identifying distinct differences in sound might be more nuanced.

When examining the feel of these switches, the Glory Yellow delivers a satisfying keystroke with a heavier response, providing good resistance throughout the travel distance which many users find enhances their typing experience. This added weight can be particularly beneficial for individuals who prefer a more deliberate typing style. The Orange Sea, on the other hand, shines with its exceptionally smooth typing experience, which appeals to those who value fluidity and effortless keystrokes. While the Orange Sea is lighter and less resistive compared to the Glory Yellow, the smoothness shared between the two can create a similarly pleasant typing sensation.

Overall, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and Haimu Orange Sea switches offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences. The Glory Yellow’s heavier feel and muted sound provide a more tactile, deliberate experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate a sturdier keystroke. Meanwhile, the Orange Sea stands out with its smoothness and neutral sound profile, appealing to users who favor a lighter touch. Although their characteristics differ, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing encounter, making either a viable choice depending on individual preferences for sound and feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches, your choice will largely depend on your typing preferences and the overall experience you seek. If you prioritize an incredibly smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance and you prefer a lighter touch, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch will likely be your go-to option. It's perfect for those who enjoy fast-paced typing or gaming sessions, as it offers a seamless feel throughout each stroke. Conversely, if you find comfort in a slightly more tactile experience with a neutral sound signature, the Haimu Orange Sea switch, with its 45-gram bottom-out force, could be ideal. This switch is suitable for both casual typing and extensive work, providing a bit more resistance that some users appreciate for accuracy. Ultimately, your decision may hinge on whether you want a lightweight and smooth action or a more deliberate typing feel; each switch brings its unique advantages to the table.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Glory Yellow Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

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Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more