Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Haimu Orange Sea

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often weigh the nuances between different options to find the perfect typing experience. The Gateron Ink Box Black switches stand out for their incredibly smooth and creamy operation, offering a clacky, high-pitched sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. This can appeal to users who appreciate auditory feedback and a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are celebrated for their impeccably smooth feel and neutral sound signature, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter, more subdued atmosphere while typing. While both switches are linear and provide an uninterrupted keystroke without the tactile bump found in other switch types, the Ink Box Black leans more towards an engaging auditory experience, whereas the Orange Sea aims for a serene typing environment. 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 Ink Box Black Linear

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Box Black and the Haimu Orange Sea switches employ different materials in their top housings, which significantly affects their sound profiles. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend, known for producing a pointed, high-pitched sound that falls into the clacky category. This sound is satisfying for many users who prefer a more vertical auditory response during typing. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea’s top housing is made of polycarbonate, producing an even sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer molecular structure. While both switches aim for a bright, high-frequency sound, the polycarbonate of the Orange Sea tends to create a clearer and more resonant sound profile, ideal for those who prioritize clarity when utilizing RGB lighting in their keyboard setup.

The bottom housing materials further differentiate these two switches. The Ink Box Black incorporates Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing as well, emphasizing a thin, high-pitched sound that aligns closely with the experience offered by its top housing. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea uses nylon for its bottom housing, leading to a sound that is deeper and fuller. Nylon, as a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory feedback. This disparity in material choices means that the Ink Box Black will produce a more uniform, high-pitched auditory experience from both its top and bottom housings, whereas the Orange Sea balances the sharpness of its polycarbonate top with a warmer, fuller sound from its nylon bottom.

In scenarios where both switches are compared, it becomes evident that the overall typing experience can be influenced by the specific combination of materials used in each housing. For those favoring a consistent clacky sound throughout their typing experience, the Ink Box Black's unified approach may appeal more to them. On the other hand, typists who enjoy a richer acoustic profile may gravitate towards the Haimu Orange Sea, as the combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates distinct auditory layers. Ultimately, while both switches target high-pitched sound profiles, the interplay between their differing materials allows for varied experiences; thus, one can achieve similar results in terms of brightness and clarity, but the nuances in sound and feedback will differ based on the specific use of top and bottom housings.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, there is a notable difference in both the actuation force and bottom out force. The Ink Box Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Orange Sea is much lighter, with an actuation force of just 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. As a result, users who favor a lighter switch may find the Orange Sea more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to actuate. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience might opt for the heavier Ink Box Black. Ultimately, the clear distinction in force characteristics allows users to choose a switch that best fits their typing preferences and use cases.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch both have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that users will experience the same amount of key travel when pressing down on either switch, leading to similar tactile feedback and response during typing or gaming. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, there is no distinction between the two, allowing for a comparable experience in both cases.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switches have a distinctive character that is both clacky and high-pitched. The sound they produce can be likened to the sharp and snappy noise created when a spray paint can is shaken, delivering a bright and percussive experience. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches have a neutral sound signature, which suggests a quieter and more balanced auditory experience. This difference means that while Ink Box Blacks will likely provide a more pronounced acoustic feedback, the Orange Sea may appeal to those who prefer a subtler sound, offering a less intrusive typing experience.

In terms of feel, the Ink Box Black switches shine with their exceptionally smooth and creamy action, characterized as silky and polished. This silky feel enhances the overall typing experience by minimizing resistance during key presses, while the polished nature suggests a finely-tuned mechanism that glides effortlessly under the fingers. There isn’t a specific description available for the feel of the Haimu Orange Sea switches, which leaves an unknown factor regarding their tactile response. However, if you favor a smooth keypress, both switches should meet similar expectations of smoothness, albeit with differing characteristics.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Ink Box Black leans towards a lively sound profile with a silky and polished feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a robust auditory and tactile engagement. In comparison, the Orange Sea offers a quieter sound environment, with an impeccably smooth touch likely to attract users looking for subtlety and refinement. Each switch provides unique yet enjoyable results, and understanding these elements will aid in making an informed choice based on individual taste.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between Gateron Ink Box Black and Haimu Orange Sea linear switches primarily hinges on your personal preferences regarding actuation force, sound, and overall typing experience. If you favor a medium-heavy feel with a tactile feedback that emits a clacky and high-pitched sound, the Ink Box Black might be your best option. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience combined with a silky and polished typing feel, making it ideal for gaming and high-speed typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a smooth, neutral typing sound, the Haimu Orange Sea switch would be more appropriate. At just 45 grams of bottom-out force, it provides an effortlessly smooth experience, making it a fantastic choice for long typing sessions or casual use where comfort is key. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should reflect your typing style, sensitivity to sound, and the overall experience you desire from your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more