Cherry MX Brown vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Brown and Haimu Orange Sea offer distinct experiences catering to different typing preferences. The Cherry MX Brown is celebrated for its subtlety, providing a light typing experience characterized by gentle tactile feedback and minimal sound, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a tactile sensation without overwhelming auditory feedback. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches deliver an impeccably smooth typing feel with a neutral sound signature, appealing to users who prefer a seamless and quiet stroke for a more fluid typing experience. While the MX Brown is ideal for typists seeking feedback in their keystrokes, the Orange Sea reigns supreme for those who value smoothness and silence in their keyboard interactions. 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
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Brown and the Haimu Orange Sea switches present an interesting comparison in terms of their housing materials, particularly in their top housings. The Cherry MX Brown features a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively compared to harder plastics, resulting in a sound that feels duller and rounder. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea showcases a polycarbonate top housing that delivers a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer characteristics of polycarbonate contribute to a clearer and more resonant sound, which is especially notable when RGB lighting is integrated, as the clear housing allows for better light diffusion and visual effects.
When we turn our attention to the bottom housings, both the Cherry MX Brown and Haimu Orange Sea utilize nylon material. As a classic choice for switch housings, the nylon bottom housing in both switches promotes the same deeper and fuller sound profile, functioning similarly in terms of sound absorption. This shared quality in the bottom housing means that regardless of the differences in their top housings, users can expect a consistent auditory experience upon bottoming out the switch. With nylon providing that familiar acoustic signature, both switches foster a comforting typing experience that resonates well with enthusiasts who appreciate a soft landing.
The combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings has a significant effect on the overall typing experience of both switches. For the Cherry MX Brown, the softer nylon top housing influences the sound profile when releasing a key, softening the auditory feedback. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea's polycarbonate top housing imparts a brighter sound on release, paired with the nylon bottom housing, which rounds out the sound upon bottoming out. Thus, while both switches provide a satisfying tactile and auditory experience, users will notice distinct sensations and feedback attributes influenced by the interplay of their materials—combining the softness of nylon with the sharpness of polycarbonate for a unique typing journey.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, notable differences emerge. The MX Brown switch requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Orange Sea switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Orange Sea switch is lighter overall, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming, as it requires less effort to trigger a keystroke and fully press down. In contrast, the MX Brown, with its higher actuation and bottom out forces, provides a more substantial typing experience preferred by those who enjoy a heavier tactile response. Consequently, users seeking a lighter and easier typing experience would benefit from the Haimu Orange Sea switch, while those in favor of a firmer feel may lean towards the Cherry MX Brown.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Cherry MX Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional feel that many typists and gamers prefer for its depth and tactile feedback. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to the current trend of shorter distances favored by some gamers for quicker response times. While the Orange Sea provides a more responsive experience, the Cherry MX Brown may be preferred by those who enjoy a sense of substantial depth in their keystrokes. Thus, for users prioritizing speed and quick reactions, the Orange Sea would be the better choice, while the Cherry MX Brown offers a more pronounced tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Brown 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 comparing the sound profiles of the Cherry MX Brown and Haimu Orange Sea switches, the MX Brown stands out with its bassy and low-pitched characteristics. These features provide a deeper and richer auditory experience during key presses, creating a more enveloping sound that can be satisfying for those who enjoy a pronounced acoustic feedback. In contrast, while the sound profile of the Orange Sea is described as having a neutral sound signature, it is essential to note that specific descriptors are not provided. Therefore, the audio quality of the Orange Sea remains somewhat undefined, but it likely offers a smoother tone compared to the more noticeable bass effects of the MX Brown.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Brown switches exhibit a textured quality, which can introduce a degree of friction during key presses. This tactility, while subtle, may provide a satisfying experience for typists who appreciate a bit of feedback on their keystrokes. Conversely, the feel of the Haimu Orange Sea switches is noted for being impeccably smooth, suggesting a friction-free typing experience that many users might find comfortable. Overall, the tactile sensations between these two switches are likely to cater to different preferences; those who enjoy a defined tactile feedback might gravitate toward the MX Brown, while those who favor a seamless and silky typing experience may prefer the Orange Sea.
In summary, the Cherry MX Brown and Haimu Orange Sea switches cater to distinct preferences in both sound and feel. The MX Brown offers a sound profile that is bassy and low-pitched, accompanied by a textured feel, while the Orange Sea provides a neutral sound profile with an impeccably smooth typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize acoustic feedback and tactility or a quieter and smoother typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Cherry MX Brown tactile switches and Haimu Orange Sea linear switches ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the type of tasks you frequently engage in. If you value a balanced experience with a hint of tactile feedback for a more engaging typing feel, the Cherry MX Brown is an excellent option. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams provides a satisfying sensation when typing, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. Additionally, the bassy sound profile and textured feel give you an immersive auditory and tactile experience, ideal for users who appreciate feedback in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and lightness, especially for rapid key presses in gaming or extended typing sessions, the Haimu Orange Sea, with its lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams and impeccably smooth typing feel, is your best bet. Its neutral sound signature lends itself to quieter environments or offices where minimizing noise is desired. In essence, consider the Cherry MX Brown for a balanced and tactile experience, while the Haimu Orange Sea is perfect for those who lean toward a smooth, swift typing action.
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