Gateron Melodic vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two notable options to consider are the Gateron Melodic and the Haimu Orange Sea. The Melodic is celebrated for revitalizing the clicky switch genre, seamlessly blending smooth factory lubrication and dual-railed stems to provide an invigorating, crunchy feedback, all while delivering that iconic clicky sound that typists often cherish. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea stands out with its impressively smooth feel and neutral sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing performance. Each switch caters to different user preferences: if you thrive on auditory feedback and tactile sensation, the Melodic might be your go-to, whereas if you favor a smooth and subtle typing experience, the Orange Sea could be your ideal match. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Melodic and Haimu Orange Sea switches share notable similarities in their housing materials, leading to a comparable sound profile and typing experience. Both switches utilize a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffness characteristic of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound as keys are pressed and released, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a more vibrant auditory feedback. The translucency of the polycarbonate makes it particularly beneficial for setup involving RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through effectively, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing visual effect when illuminated.
In contrast to their shared top housing material, the Gateron Melodic and Haimu Orange Sea differ in their bottom housing composition. Both models feature a nylon bottom housing, which plays a critical role in the overall sound profile of each switch. The nylon's softer quality contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, as it absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound characteristic, enriching the user experience by providing a pleasing contrast to the sharper tones created by the polycarbonate top. It is the interaction of these materials, with the softer nylon bottom contrasting against the stiffer polycarbonate top, that ultimately shapes the overall acoustics of the switches.
When considering how these housing materials affect the typing experience, it is essential to recognize the distinct roles each plays in sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing predominantly influences the bottom-out sound and sensations felt during key presses, while the polycarbonate top housing is more impactful during the key release, adding to the auditory experience. Despite the similarities in their material choices, the combination of both nylon and polycarbonate in each switch creates a nuanced interaction that allows users to enjoy a unique typing experience with both the Gateron Melodic and Haimu Orange Sea. Consequently, both switches deliver a satisfying tactile and audible feedback, with users likely finding parallels in performance attributable to the harmonious blend of their materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, notable differences emerge in both their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Melodic has an undefined actuation force and a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating that it provides a firmer resistance when fully pressed down, which may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea has a defined actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it notably lighter overall. This lighter feel could be advantageous for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it requires less effort per keystroke. The Melodic is classified as heavier due to its higher bottom out force, which means it may not be as comfortable for prolonged use compared to the lighter Orange Sea switch. Overall, if you prefer a lighter switch, the Haimu Orange Sea is the better option, while those seeking a more robust typing experience may gravitate towards the Gateron Melodic.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, we find that the Melodic has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Orange Sea measures at 3.6 mm. This makes the Gateron Melodic the longer of the two switches, offering a more traditional feel that some users might prefer for a deeper keypress experience. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea's shorter 3.6 mm travel distance provides a quicker response, which is often favored by gamers seeking faster key actuation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches hinges on personal preference: if you appreciate a hearty depth to your keystrokes, the Melodic might be your go-to, whereas those desiring a snappier feel may opt for the Orange Sea.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Melodic clicky switch stands out with its resonant and crunchy auditory characteristics. Its higher-pitched profile delivers a clean and sharp sound that can encapsulate the user in a delightful auditory experience akin to stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. The clicky nature of the Melodic adds a layer of engagement, making each keystroke feel distinct and lively. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch presents a neutral sound signature, leading to a less pronounced auditory experience. This difference implies that while typing on the Melodic may feel vibrant and interactive, the Orange Sea is likely to provide a quieter and more subdued atmosphere during use.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Melodic offers a luxurious typing experience characterized by its buttery smoothness and invigorating feedback. The combination of smooth, factory-lubed components and a dual-railed stem ensures each keystroke is both effortless and responsive, providing notable feedback that enhances the typing experience. Users can expect a moderate to firm actuation force that adds to the snappiness of the switch. Conversely, details about the tactile quality of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch remain unspecified, making it difficult to provide a comparative feel experience. However, linear switches are generally known for their uninterrupted keystrokes, which would offer a different typing sensation devoid of tactile bumps or clicks.
In conclusion, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch delivers an engaging auditory experience complemented by a luxurious tactile feel, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate classic clicky feedback. Meanwhile, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch offers an unspecified but reportedly smooth typing experience with a neutral sound. The differences between these two switches represent the broader spectrum of personal preference in mechanical keyboards, indicating how one may prioritize sound and feedback differently when choosing their ideal switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, when considering your options between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, your choice ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you enjoy a classic clicky sound paired with tactile feedback, the Melodic is an excellent choice. Its resonant, crispy auditory profile and medium actuation force of 60 grams offer an invigorating and engaging typing experience, ideal for typists who thrive on sound cues and pronounced feedback. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate a lively atmosphere while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Haimu Orange Sea switch stands out with its light 45-gram bottom-out force and buttery-smooth keystrokes, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or a quieter work environment. Ultimately, consider your typing style, whether you favor pronounced feedback or a more subdued, seamless experience, and choose accordingly to enhance your mechanical keyboard journey.
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