Gateron Mars vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often narrows down to individual preferences in feel and performance. The Gateron Mars switches stand out with their innovative POK stem design and a housing crafted from a blend of Nylon and POM, providing a unique tactile experience that appeals to gamers and typists seeking a smooth, linear response. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are celebrated for their impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, making them an excellent choice for those who prioritize quiet operation and a seamless experience during extended typing sessions. While both switches fall under the linear category, offering a gentle press without tactile bumps, their differences in material composition and design philosophy can cater to distinct user needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mars and Haimu Orange Sea switches differ significantly in their choice of top housing materials, which directly influences the sound profiles they produce. The Mars utilizes a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to the softer nature of nylon, which helps absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Orange Sea employs a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a starkly different acoustic quality. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, tends to resonate more, leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate enables enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it an attractive option for users who prioritize aesthetics alongside performance.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both switches also reflect unique contrasts. The Gateron Mars features a POM bottom housing, which contributes to a muted and deep sound profile that users often find pleasing and distinct. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea opts for a nylon bottom housing, evoking a richer sound quality similar to its nylon top. This shared bottom housing material implies a well-rounded audio experience, enhancing the overall typing feel and sound. In this scenario, the nylon's sound-dampening properties elevate the switch's acoustic performance, aligning it more closely with the characteristics of the Mars's bottom housing, despite differences in their top housing materials.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials of each switch is crucial in defining the overall acoustic qualities. For instance, the nylon bottom housing in the Orange Sea complements the crispness of the polycarbonate top, resulting in a unique blend of sound that retains clarity while also providing depth. In comparison, the Mars, with its POM bottom and nylon top, harmonizes a fuller sound profile with a slightly muted tonal quality. Thus, while both switches present distinct characteristics due to their differing top materials, they share similarities in essence—both capable of delivering satisfying auditory experiences due to the thoughtful selection of their housing components.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mars switch features an actuation force of 45 grams, which provides a heavier resistance to trigger a keystroke, making it a better fit for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Orange Sea switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, allowing for easier key presses, which can be more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. While the Mars switch's bottom out force is not specified, the Orange Sea does have a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Orange Sea switches will bottom out at the same force as the actuation force of the Mars, resulting in a consistent resistance felt through typing. Therefore, users looking for a lighter typing experience should opt for the Haimu Orange Sea, while those who favor a more robust feel may prefer the Gateron Mars switch.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. Since their travel distances are identical, users can expect similar tactile feedback and responsiveness when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. This consistency in travel distance can lead to a uniform typing experience, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy the same performance characteristics regardless of which switch they choose. Consequently, there is no shorter or longer switch between the two, as they both offer the same travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 Gateron Mars switches are noted for their neutral sound profile, which contributes to a relatively quiet typing experience. In comparison, the Haimu Orange Sea switches also possess a neutral sound signature, making them similarly quiet during use. It's important to remember that the overall sound will vary based on your specific keyboard chassis and the keycap materials you choose, but between these two options, you can expect comparable auditory experiences.
Looking at the tactile feel, the Gateron Mars switches are recognized for their smooth keystrokes, suggestive of a refined typing experience, while the Haimu Orange Sea switches are also celebrated for their impeccably smooth typing feel. Both switches can deliver a satisfying linear experience, making them appealing choices for both casual typists and gamers alike. The smoothness ensures that you’ll experience minimal resistance throughout the key press, which is particularly beneficial for rapid typing or gaming.
In summary, both the Gateron Mars and Haimu Orange Sea linear switches offer a neutral sound profile and impressively smooth keystrokes. If you're drawn to a quiet typing experience with a satisfying touch, either switch would serve you well, allowing for a consistent and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience. Whether you choose one over the other will likely come down to brand preference or availability.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you're looking for a switch that offers an innovative design, with the promise of a unique typing experience, the Gateron Mars might be your go-to option. Although specific metrics regarding its bottom-out force are not disclosed, many users find it to be exceptionally smooth and responsive, contributing to a fluid typing experience that can enhance both gaming and typing efficiency. On the other hand, if you prefer a more traditional approach with a well-defined feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switch, which boasts a light bottom-out force of 45 grams, might be the better choice for you. Its impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature make it ideal for those who want quiet operation without sacrificing tactile feedback. Ultimately, consider your individual typing style, whether you prioritize innovative design or a reliable, smooth experience, to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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