Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Haimu Orange Sea represent two distinct paths tailored to different typing preferences. The Cherry MX Purple RGB is celebrated for its refined tactile experience, featuring a short, medium-strength bump that delivers feedback with each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a balance of tactile sensation and moderate force. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are renowned for their impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, appealing to users who prefer a linear switch for its seamless responsiveness and quiet operation. While the Cherry MX Purple RGB caters to tactile enthusiasts who appreciate that satisfying bump, the Orange Sea provides a fluid experience sought after by gamers and typists alike for rapid keystrokes. 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
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 Purple RGB and the Haimu Orange Sea switches, a notable difference lies in the composition of their top housings. The MX Purple RGB features a nylon top housing, known for its softer properties that create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to nylon's sound-absorbing ability, allowing for a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and delivers a sharper, more resonant sound. This distinction not only affects the auditory experience when typing but also influences the aesthetic quality of the switches, as polycarbonate's translucency makes it a popular choice for showcasing RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Haimu Orange Sea utilize nylon. This shared material results in a similar auditory experience, with both switches producing a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out. Since nylon is known for absorbing sound, the bottom housing contributes significantly to the overall acoustic quality and tactile feel when keys are pressed down. Though both switches enhance the typing experience through the use of nylon in their bottom housings, the differing top housings create a contrast in sound profiles that can be felt and heard distinctly during use.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in the top and bottom housings shapes the overall performance of each switch. While the MX Purple RGB's nylon top creates a softer and more muted sound upon key release, the polycarbonate top of the Haimu Orange Sea offers a sharper and more vibrant auditory response. However, the presence of nylon in both bottom housings means that both switches will share a similar bottom-out feel and acoustic quality. Thus, even with their different top housing materials, the switches can yield comparable results in terms of tactile feedback due to the consistent use of nylon on the bottom, allowing users to enjoy the benefits of both sound profiles depending on their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The MX Purple RGB features an actuation force of 45 grams, which provides a stronger resistance when typing, appealing to individuals who prefer a more substantial feel to their keystrokes. In contrast, the Orange Sea switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it more suited for long typing sessions or gaming where a quicker response is beneficial. While the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple RGB is unavailable, the Haimu Orange Sea has a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that while the Orange Sea is lighter in actuation force, both switches will feel heavier when fully pressed down, albeit the MX Purple RGB's exact bottoming out characteristics remain unknown. As such, individuals seeking a lighter overall typing experience might gravitate toward the Haimu Orange Sea, while those who appreciate a heavier actuation might prefer the Cherry MX Purple RGB.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Cherry MX Purple RGB features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option that offers a deeper keypress. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, appealing to users who prefer a faster response time and a more responsive typing experience. This shorter travel can feel less abrupt for some, while others may appreciate the added depth of the MX Purple RGB for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences: if you favor a more pronounced depth in your typing, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is the way to go, whereas if you seek quick and efficient keystrokes, the Haimu Orange Sea may be the better option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB switch produces a distinctive tactile bump which contributes to a slightly audible click. This sound profile is well-balanced but can be pronounced depending on the board and keycaps used. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switch boasts a neutral sound signature, characterized by its linear nature that minimizes noise, making it more suitable for environments where quiet operation is preferred. While each switch has its unique auditory personality, the overall sound experience varies widely based on additional factors such as the keyboard construction and chosen keycap materials.
Focusing on the feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a refined tactile experience highlighted by a short, medium-strength bump. This makes each keystroke satisfying, providing tactile feedback without being overly jarring. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea is known for its impeccably smooth typing feel, which is a hallmark of linear switches where keystrokes glide seamlessly from the top to the bottom without any tactile interruption. This smooth operation is ideal for those who prefer an uninterrupted flow while typing or gaming, signaling a stark contrast to the tactile feedback of the MX Purple.
In summary, the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Haimu Orange Sea switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. If you're drawn to a tactile bump with a more pronounced sound, the Cherry MX Purple may be the right fit for you. Conversely, if you seek a smooth, quiet typing experience, the Haimu Orange Sea could be your ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on your personal typing style and the acoustic environment you prefer, though both switches are designed to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience in distinct ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch should be guided by your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate a tactile feedback that gives you a satisfying bump as you type, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is ideal for you, especially if you enjoy a balanced tactile experience that’s not overly stiff or harsh. This switch is well-suited for users who spend a lot of time typing and benefit from the tactile sensation to avoid bottoming out, making it great for both gaming and everyday use. On the other hand, if you prefer an exceptionally smooth and quiet keystroke, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch is your best bet. With a light bottom out force, it’s perfect for users who value a fluid typing experience and want to minimize typing noise, whether you're gaming late at night or working in a shared environment. Ultimately, the decision rests on whether you lean more towards a tactile feel that enhances feedback or a smooth linear action that prioritizes quiet and ease.
Mentioned in this article
