Cherry MX Black vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options emerge: the Cherry MX Black and the Haimu Orange Sea, both linear switches that cater to different preferences. The Cherry MX Black is renowned for its robust design and textured smoothness, thanks to Cherry's innovative Hyperglide tooling. This switch presents a deep, low-pitched sound profile and is characterized by its stiff actuation, making it a favorite among typists and gamers who appreciate a more tactile feedback in their keystrokes. Meanwhile, the Haimu Orange Sea offers a strikingly smooth typing experience paired with a neutral sound signature, appealing to those who prioritize a quiet and seamless feel during extended use. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on your typing style and sound preferences. 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
60g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Black and the Haimu Orange Sea, notable differences arise, particularly in the chosen materials for the top housing. The Cherry MX Black employs a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory profile. The nylon's softness contributes to a rounded sound that many typists may find pleasing and conducive to a more muted typing experience. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which adds a completely different tonal quality to the switch's performance. This material’s stiffer nature creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, making it stand out between the two switches, especially for users who may prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing.
While the top housing materials differ, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings. This shared material means that, despite the divergent auditory experiences created by the top housing, the overall sound produced when bottoming out the keys will retain a deeper and fuller character due to the nylon’s inherent properties. The bottom housing has a significant influence on the sound and feel when a key is pressed, meaning that regardless of the top housing differences, typists will experience a level of sound absorption leading to a harmonious interface when bottoming out with either switch. Thus, while one switch may offer a more refined sound when released, they converge at the point of key actuation, where the nylon bottom housing plays a pivotal role in sound profile consistency.
Furthermore, the aesthetic implications between the two switch designs should be considered, especially regarding RGB lighting. The Haimu Orange Sea’s polycarbonate top housing is not only functionally distinct in sound but also visually appealing, as its translucence lends itself well to LED backlighting. This characteristic allows for vibrant RGB effects that can enhance the visual experience of the keyboard, while the MX Black's nylon top housing may not achieve the same level of illumination. Nevertheless, both switches provide a unique typing experience influenced by their construction, where the stance on sound profiles and aesthetic considerations may lead users to choose one switch over the other based on personal preference or specific use cases. Ultimately, while both may share nylon in the bottom housing, their distinct top housings ultimately guide how they perform during use.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Black features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a substantial choice for users who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea offers a much lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, catering to those who favor comfort for long typing sessions without the fatigue associated with heavier switches. The lighter Orange Sea switch is ideal for users who prioritize ease of use and longer endurance, while the heavier MX Black would appeal to those seeking a more robust feel in their typing experience. Thus, if you prefer lighter switches, the Haimu Orange Sea is the better option, while the Cherry MX Black is suited for those who appreciate a firmer push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Cherry MX Black features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Haimu Orange Sea has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, positioning it as the shorter switch. This means that users seeking a more responsive experience may prefer the Orange Sea switch, as shorter travel distances often lead to quicker actuation times—an attractive feature for gamers. Conversely, the traditional and deeper feel of the Cherry MX Black may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial key press. Thus, the choice between these switches largely hinges on personal preference for either a more immediate response or a deeper actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00, whereas the Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79.
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 Cherry MX Black switches deliver a rich, low-pitched tone that is characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow quality. This deep sound profile can create a satisfying auditory experience while typing, often appealing to users who prefer a more grounded acoustic feedback. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches possess a neutral sound signature, which indicates that they may produce a sound that is neither particularly high nor low in pitch. While these switches promise an impeccably smooth typing experience, without additional descriptors or sound characteristics, the aural experience remains somewhat undefined in comparison to the distinctly low-pitched nature of the MX Black.
Regarding feel, Cherry MX Black switches are known for their textured nature, which introduces noticeable friction during key presses. This texture can enhance the tactile feedback for users who enjoy a bit of resistance while typing, offering a more engaged typing experience. Additionally, the MX Blacks are recognized for their stiff actuation, necessitating a greater force for both actuation and bottoming out. This firmness can be beneficial to typists who prefer a more deliberate touch. Conversely, the feel of the Haimu Orange Sea switches is unidentified, leaving us to speculate about their tactile characteristics. Given that the Orange Sea switches are categorized as impeccably smooth, they may provide an entirely different experience that caters to those who favor effortless, frictionless keystrokes.
In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Black switches stand out with their distinctive low-pitched sound and textured, stiff actuation, the Haimu Orange Sea switches present a more ambiguous profile with their neutral sound and unexplained tactile qualities. Users can expect different auditory and tactile experiences between the two, with the MX Blacks offering a more traditional and tactile typing experience while the Orange Sea could appeal to those seeking smoothness without clear information on its texture or resistance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel during typing.
Conclusion
To summarize, choosing between the Cherry MX Black and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch that offers a heavier feel, with more resistance and a textured surface, the Cherry MX Black is an excellent choice. Its 80-gram bottom-out force suits users who enjoy a more tactile typing experience and appreciate the deep, low-pitched sound profile it provides. These switches excel in environments where a distinct audio response is desirable, making them a solid option for both typists and gamers who like to feel the weight of their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches, with their 45-gram bottom-out force, are perfect for those who want a lighter touch and a smoother typing experience. If you value a neutral sound and an impeccable feel without any noticeable friction, these switches will cater to your needs, allowing for quick and fluid keystrokes ideal for long typing sessions or rapid gaming. In the end, whether you lean towards the robust nature of the MX Black or the nimble ease of the Orange Sea, understanding these characteristics will help you make a more informed decision that enhances your overall typing experience.
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