Cherry MX Orange vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange 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 Cherry MX Orange and Haimu Orange Sea switches stand out as two compelling linear options, each catering to different preferences. The Cherry MX Orange is celebrated for its heritage, being a reissue of the coveted original MX Orange switches, enhanced with modern MX2A generation improvements to fulfill the increased demand from enthusiasts. Known for its smooth keystrokes, the MX Orange provides a reliable and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches offer an exceptionally smooth feel coupled with a neutral sound signature, allowing for a quiet but engaging typing experience. While both switches excel in providing a linear feel, the Cherry MX Orange appeals to those who appreciate a blend of history and refinement, while the Haimu Orange Sea might attract users looking for a fresh and invigorating touch. 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
55g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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 Orange switches and the Haimu Orange Sea switches, notable differences arise in their compositions and the resultant sound profiles they produce. The MX Orange features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer plastic characteristics. This material tends to absorb more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that creates a more muted acoustic response when typing. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and allows for a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This material's clarity makes it particularly suitable for setups that incorporate RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the lighting effects and adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the switch.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which offers a consistent auditory experience between the two. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a rounded and softer acoustics profile, similar in both switches. The impact of the nylon bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the key. Therefore, while the Cherry MX Orange provides a unique sound profile influenced by its nylon top housing, the Haimu Orange Sea achieves a crisper sound from its polycarbonate top. At the same time, the shared nylon bottom in both switches ensures that the deeper, rounder undertones remain a commonality, creating a harmonious balance regardless of the differences in the top materials.
As a result, users of both switches can expect varied auditory experiences influenced by their respective top housing materials while maintaining some shared characteristics from their nylon bottoms. The feeling and sound produced when bottoming out on either switch will remain similar due to the properties of nylon's absorption. Consequently, transitioning between the Cherry MX Orange switch and the Haimu Orange Sea switch could provide an interesting auditory contrast, while users will still appreciate an underlying consistency in the tactile response during their typing experience. Ultimately, this blend delivers a unique yet cohesive typing experience that caters to different preferences with varying sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch to the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Orange boasts an actuation force of 55 grams, which gives it a heavier and more substantial feel compared to the Haimu Orange Sea's lighter actuation force of 37 grams. This means that users who prefer a firmer keypress may gravitate towards the Cherry MX Orange for a more tactile typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Orange remains unknown, while the Haimu Orange Sea has a bottom out force of 45 grams. This lighter bottom out force contributes to the overall lighter typing feel of the Haimu switch, making it better suited for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, those who favor a lighter touch will find the Haimu Orange Sea more to their liking, while those who appreciate a heavier push may prefer the Cherry MX Orange.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, there is a notable difference: the Cherry MX Orange has a travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the Haimu Orange Sea features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The longer travel distance of the MX Orange may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, providing a deeper response that can enhance typing comfort. In contrast, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Orange Sea caters to those who prioritize quick responsiveness, making it a better fit for gamers who seek rapid key activation. Ultimately, while both switches offer distinct experiences, the Cherry MX Orange stands out with its longer travel distance, while the Haimu Orange Sea provides a more responsive, albeit shallower, option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Cherry MX Orange switch and the Haimu Orange Sea switch, a few distinctions emerge. The MX Orange has a tone that resonates without being overly loud, likely characterized by a balanced acoustics profile suitable for office environments. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea is known for its impeccably smooth type feel and a neutral sound signature, suggesting a quieter yet refined auditory experience during typing. While both switches offer pleasant sound, the MX Orange may have a slightly more pronounced audio presence compared to the subdued nature of the Orange Sea. It's important to note that the acoustic performance of each switch can also be influenced by the specific keyboard and keycap materials used.
Regarding the tactile experience, the MX Orange switch delivers a smooth action that lovers of linear switches appreciate, maintaining a consistent feel throughout the keypress. The Haimu Orange Sea, however, is distinctively accented and invigorating. It provides medium tactile feedback, ensuring a noticeable yet not overbearing experience that promotes a dynamic typing sensation. With its pronounced feedback and firm actuation force, the Orange Sea aims to create an immersive experience that engages typists more actively compared to the straightforward linear feel of the MX Orange.
In summary, both the Cherry MX Orange and Haimu Orange Sea switches cater to different preferences while retaining smooth performance characteristics associated with linear switches. The MX Orange leans towards a more balanced sound and a straightforward feel, perfect for office use and minimal distraction. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea offers a unique tactile feedback experience alongside its neutral sound profile, appealing to those who enjoy a more engaging typing interaction. Ultimately, regardless of the choice, both switches promise satisfying performance, ensuring that typists can achieve enjoyable results with either option.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Cherry MX Orange and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches, your personal preferences and intended use will play a key role in making the right choice. If you are looking for a switch that revives the classic experience with enhanced qualities for a more modern demand, the Cherry MX Orange is an excellent fit, especially if you value a switch with a well-rounded reputation and a smoother typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly lighter actuation force and more pronounced feedback, the Haimu Orange Sea is ideal, particularly if you enjoy the invigorating feel and neutrality in sound that accompanies it. The smooth type feel of the Orange Sea can enhance your overall typing experience, making it suitable for both gaming and extended typing sessions. Ultimately, both switches have their unique strengths, so consider your typing style, the sound you prefer, and the specific tasks you intend to perform when making your choice.
Mentioned in this article
