Bsun Hutt vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Bsun Hutt and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, especially when comparing tactile switches like the Bsun Hutt and linear switches like the Haimu Orange Sea. The Bsun Hutt is celebrated for its medium-heavy spring and prominent tactile bump, offering a distinctive and enjoyable typing experience characterized by a snappy, invigorating feel and a balanced sound profile. This makes it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy a sensory feedback while typing, enhancing both accuracy and engagement with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches provide an impeccably smooth typing feel with a neutral sound signature, appealing to users who prefer a quieter experience without tactile bumps, which can often lead to faster typing speeds and less finger fatigue. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on whether you value that tactile feedback or seek a fluid, uninterrupted typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
49g
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
POK
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 single-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Hutt and the Haimu Orange Sea are strikingly similar, both employing polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. This consistent choice of materials across both models results in an auditory experience characterized by a sharper, high-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to the use of polycarbonate. The stiffness of this plastic not only contributes to the clarity and resonance of the sound but also enhances the visual aesthetics of the switches, especially when utilizing RGB lighting. The translucent nature of the polycarbonate top housing allows for effective light transmission, making both the Hutt and the Orange Sea suitable for users who prioritize vibrant backlighting effects.
In contrast, the bottom housing material diverges significantly from the top. Both the Bsun Hutt and the Haimu Orange Sea use nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a richer, deeper sound profile. The softer nature of nylon enables it to absorb sound more effectively compared to harder materials, creating a rounder, mellower acoustic experience. This characteristic of nylon complements the high-pitched sound produced by the polycarbonate top, providing a balanced auditory output. The interplay between these materials is crucial, as the bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the auditory feedback upon releasing the key.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both the Bsun Hutt and Haimu Orange Sea demonstrates how differing properties can be utilized to achieve a cohesive sound profile while providing diverse auditory experiences. When using these switches, one would perceive a clear distinction between the sharp highs facilitated by the polycarbonate tops and the rich lows produced by the nylon bottoms. The synergy between the materials allows for an effective blending of sound characteristics, leading to the overall performance that typists and gamers can appreciate in both models. The consistent use of these materials contributes to similar outcomes in terms of acoustic performance, making both options suitable for various user preferences.
Weight
The Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, but there are subtle differences between them. The Hutt's actuation force is measured at 40 grams, while the Orange Sea has a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Hutt again has a higher value at 49 grams compared to the Orange Sea's 45 grams. This indicates that while both switches are designed for a comfortable typing experience, the Orange Sea provides a marginally lighter touch, making it ideal for users who prefer less resistance while typing or gaming over extended periods. Conversely, the Hutt switch offers a bit more resistance, which may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial tactile feedback. Thus, while both switches are light overall, the Orange Sea is the lighter option, providing a slightly more effortless typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Hutt tactile 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. Although the difference is minimal, it does influence the overall feel of each switch. The Hutt's 3.5 mm travel distance caters to those who favor responsiveness, making it a suitable choice for gamers seeking quicker actuation. In contrast, the Orange Sea's 3.6 mm travel distance may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial feel, providing a bit more depth without being overly abrupt. Therefore, if you prefer a shorter, more responsive switch, the Bsun Hutt would be the ideal choice, whereas the Haimu Orange Sea would be better for those who enjoy the slightly deeper travel experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Hutt has an MSRP of $6.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hutt for $5.39.
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 quality, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch has a resonant character, offering a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience that is clean and sharp. This distinctive sound profile can add an engaging element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch features a neutral sound signature, which may resonate well in quieter environments as it lacks the prominency of the Hutt’s acoustic qualities. It is worth noting that the overall sound produced by any switch can significantly vary based on the type of keyboard it’s used with and the keycap material.
In terms of feel, the Hutt switch excels with a range of descriptors that highlight its performance. The snappy and invigorating nature of the Hutt results in a responsive typing experience that feels alive with each keystroke. Its sharp tactile feedback ensures that users can distinctly feel the actuation, while the accented quality offers a moderate yet satisfying level of tactility that is not overwhelming. Conversely, the feel of the Haimu Orange Sea switch remains unknown, suggesting it may not deliver the same engaging tactile sensations as the Hutt.
In conclusion, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch stands out with its resonant sound profile and engaging tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy an immersive and responsive typing experience. The absence of defined qualities for the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch leaves its characteristics open to interpretation; however, it may provide a more subdued and smooth typing journey. Depending on your preferences, if you favor pronounced tactile experiences and enjoy a perceptible auditory response, the Hutt will likely meet your needs effectively. If you lean towards a quieter typing experience, the smooth and neutral Orange Sea may also provide satisfactory outcomes, albeit with less defined feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch should hinge on your typing preferences and the experiences you seek. If you enjoy a typing experience enriched by tactile feedback and sound—characterized by a prominent tactile bump and resonant audio—then the Hutt is likely your best bet. It not only offers a snappy and invigorating feel but also provides a clean and high-pitched sound that can enhance your overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother, uninterrupted keypress without the tactile feedback typical of a tactile switch, the Orange Sea will serve you well. With its lighter bottom-out force, you can expect an exquisitely smooth typing feel that enables fluid movement across keys. Ultimately, choose the Hutt for a vibrant and engaging tactile experience, while the Orange Sea is the way to go for seamless, linear keypresses that prioritize smoothness over tactility.
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