HMX Hibiscus vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches can make all the difference, and two notable contenders are the HMX Hibiscus and the Haimu Orange Sea, both of which are linear switches. The HMX Hibiscus is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness and ultra-light actuation force, which makes it a standout choice for those who appreciate a fast and effortless typing experience, combined with a delightful clacky sound signature that adds character to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea offers an impeccably smooth typing feel accompanied by a neutral sound profile, making it an excellent option for users seeking a more subdued auditory experience without sacrificing performance. Each switch has its unique appeal—whether you're after an engaging acoustic experience or a more discreet and refined operation. 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
42g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T3
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials used in the HMX Hibiscus and the Haimu Orange Sea, the differences become apparent, particularly in their top housing components. The Hibiscus employs a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to nylon's softer plastic properties, the switch absorbs more sound, resulting in a mellower auditory experience. Conversely, the Orange Sea features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate amplifies the clarity and resonance of the sound, making the auditory feedback more pronounced. Aesthetically, the transparency of the polycarbonate is beneficial for RGB lighting, offering a striking visual while enhancing the overall sound clarity.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, providing a commonality that results in similar acoustic qualities between the two models despite their differing top housing materials. The nylon composition in both the Hibiscus and Orange Sea ensures that the bottom-out sound remains consistent across both switches. This shared material makes for a fuller and deeper bottom-out experience, as the nylon's soft characteristics effectively absorb sound, creating a rounded auditory effect when keys are fully pressed down. Therefore, while the top housings differentiate the switches in terms of sound quality and aesthetic appeal, the nylon bottom housing contributes a layer of similarity that influences the overall performance when typing.
This dichotomy in materials means that when you type on either switch, the characteristics of the bottom housing heavily influence the feel and sound of bottoming out, irrespective of the top housing's distinct sound profile. The Hibiscus delivers a mellower sound upon release due to its nylon top housing, while the Orange Sea offers a crisper sound feedback thanks to its polycarbonate. However, both switches, when pressed down, provide a uniform experience owing to their shared nylon bottom housings, ensuring that even with contrasting top materials, the richness of sound upon bottoming out remains constant. Thus, enthusiasts can choose between the unique auditory experiences of the top housings while enjoying familiar bottom-out characteristics across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for prolonged typing and gaming sessions. The Hibiscus switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Orange Sea switch features a lower actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means the Orange Sea switch is slightly lighter, requiring less force to activate compared to the Hibiscus. Despite the differences, both switches are designed to provide a comfortable typing experience, appealing to users who appreciate a softer touch. While the Hibiscus offers a heavier feel, both switches present a similar overall ergonomic advantage for users who prefer lighter switches.
Travel distance
The HMX Hibiscus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Compared to the traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm, both of these switches fall into the shorter range, which is increasingly favored by gamers for the quicker response times they provide. In this case, the Hibiscus offers a marginally shorter travel distance, making it the more responsive choice for those who prioritize speed. Conversely, the Orange Sea, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience when pressing down on a key. Thus, while both switches cater to gamers and users seeking reduced travel distances, the Hibiscus may suit those who value immediate feedback, and the Orange Sea might attract those who enjoy a bit more key depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus for $2.99.
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 HMX Hibiscus switch is characterized by its satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy audio signature, which can create an engaging and lively typing experience. This makes it quite appealing to those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switch features a neutral sound signature, suggesting a more muted and understated auditory profile that may be preferable for users who desire a quieter workspace or a more subdued typing experience. However, it's important to note that the ultimate sound of any switch can still be significantly influenced by the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
Regarding feel, the Hibiscus switch is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness, offering an ultra-light actuation force that allows for effortless keystrokes. This delicacy can make typing feel incredibly responsive and enjoyable, ideal for users who prioritize a fluid typing experience. Conversely, the Orange Sea switch is also noted for its impeccably smooth type feel, which indicates a refined and pleasant tactile experience as well. While both switches emphasize smoothness, the Hibiscus' ultra-light actuation could provide a different typing dynamic when compared to the Orange Sea, which may offer its own unique engagement depending on its specific characteristics.
Overall, both the HMX Hibiscus and Haimu Orange Sea linear switches cater to different preferences within the realm of mechanical keyboards. The Hibiscus shines with its lively sound and ultra-light feel, appealing to those who enjoy a more dynamic interaction. The Orange Sea, on the other hand, excels in providing a neutral sound and also a smooth typing experience, making it a solid choice for users who lean towards subtlety. Depending on individual preferences, either switch can deliver an enjoyable experience, and their distinct characteristics can help users fine-tune the typing experience to suit their specific needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the overall experience you seek. If you prioritize a lightweight, ultra-smooth typing experience with an engaging sound profile, the Hibiscus is likely your best choice. Its clacky, poppy noise adds a layer of auditory satisfaction that can enhance your typing experience, making it perfect for those who enjoy a bit of flair while they type. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral auditory profile and maintain an equally smooth typing feel, the Orange Sea would be more suitable. Its slightly lighter actuation force at 45 grams may provide a comfortable typing experience, particularly for long hours of use without the distraction of a prominent sound signature. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value a lively, expressive sound or a quieter, more understated profile as you embark on your mechanical keyboard journey.
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