Cherry MX Red vs. Haimu Orange Sea

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, choosing the right switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular linear options are the Cherry MX Red and the Haimu Orange Sea. The Cherry MX Red is a classic choice, celebrated for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, which provides a robust typing experience characterized by a 'thocky' and low-pitched auditory feedback; this makes it a great option for those who appreciate a more tactile response and satisfying sound while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches stand out with their impeccably smooth feel and neutral sound signature, making them an ideal selection for users seeking a quieter typing experience without sacrificing performance or responsiveness. Both switches have their unique advantages, catering to different preferences for sound and feel in typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Red Linear

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$5.90

$4.00 per 10

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and Haimu Orange Sea switches, notable differences emerge in their top housing compositions. The MX Red features a nylon top housing, which contributes to its deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylo is a softer plastic that absorbs sound effectively, creating a duller, more rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer structure, which facilitates a more resonant sound that can be particularly appealing to users who prefer brightness in their typing experience. Thus, the choice of material not only affects sound quality but also enhances the overall tactile feedback for each switch.

Both switches, however, feature the same material in their bottom housing—nylon—which influences the feel and sound when the keys bottom out. The nylon bottom housing of both the MX Red and Haimu Orange Sea contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its inherent sound-absorbing properties. While the top housing materials yield distinct sonic profiles, the commonality in bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a similar auditory foundation. Consequently, users can expect a softer, more muted sound when pressing the keys down, regardless of the contrasting auditory characteristics introduced by the top housings.

Ultimately, the combination of the differing top materials with the shared nylon bottom housing shows how housing materials can work together to create an integrated sound experience. The MX Red’s nylon top dampens sound, producing a rounder tone, while the Haimu Orange Sea's polycarbonate top elevates the clarity and brightness. This interplay means that while the acoustic profiles may diverge, the final typing experience retains a satisfying and cohesive feel across both switches. By understanding these distinctions, users can make informed choices based on their sound preferences and typing habits, leading to an optimized mechanical keyboard experience.

Weight

When comparing the Cherry MX Red linear switch to the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Red features an actuation force of 45 grams, which is heavier than the Haimu Orange Sea's actuation force of 37 grams. This means that users who appreciate a lighter switch and prolonged typing sessions may find the Orange Sea more comfortable. However, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Red is unspecified, while the Orange Sea has a bottom out force of 45 grams, making the latter a clear choice for those who favor a distinctly substantial feel when the key is fully pressed down. Essentially, while the MX Red offers a firmer actuation feel, the Orange Sea provides a lighter and more responsive typing experience. Overall, those seeking a balance between typing comfort and a more tactile response might lean towards the Haimu Orange Sea for its lighter actuation force and defined bottom out.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, it is evident that they differ significantly. The Cherry MX Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, considered traditional and ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced feel with each keystroke. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, appealing to users who prefer quicker response times often favored by gamers. This shorter distance allows for faster actuation and a more immediate feedback experience, which some might find beneficial for competitive play. However, for those who appreciate the sensation of depth in their key presses, the MX Red's longer 4 mm travel distance may offer a more satisfying tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Cherry MX Red and Haimu Orange Sea linear switches, the MX Red delivers a thocky and low-pitched auditory experience. Its deeper, more resonant sound provides a robust feedback that many typists find satisfying; the thocky nature results in a soft "knock" when keys are actuated, creating an immersive typing atmosphere. In contrast, while the sound characteristics of the Orange Sea switches are not explicitly detailed, they are recognized for having a neutral sound signature, which suggests they produce a more balanced auditory feedback without overwhelming bass or treble. This may result in a quieter experience, depending on the keyboard setup, including the choice of board and keycaps.

In terms of feel, the MX Red switch is often described as having a textured sensation, which means typists might encounter noticeable friction with each key press. This texture can provide a distinct feedback, making each keystroke a tactile experience that some users appreciate for its engagement in typing. On the other hand, the feel of the Haimu Orange Sea is not detailed, which leads to uncertainty about its specific characteristics. However, given its reputation for smoothness, one can infer that it may offer a friction-free typing experience, favoring those who seek an effortless transition between key presses.

In summary, while the Cherry MX Red switch stands out with its thocky sound and textured feel, the Haimu Orange Sea will likely provide a smoother, more neutral auditory and tactile experience. If one enjoys a deeper auditory feedback with a textured typing experience, the MX Red is a suitable choice. Conversely, if a smoother and more balanced touch is preferred, the Orange Sea may be the better option. Ultimately, personal preference will play a significant role in selecting between these two options, and experimenting with both could yield the best understanding of what suits an individual's typing style and sound preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Cherry MX Red and the Haimu Orange Sea switches largely depends on your personal typing preferences and the sound experience you value in a mechanical keyboard. If you enjoy a somewhat heftier and thocky feel paired with a richer, lower-pitched sound, the Cherry MX Red would be your best bet. It's ideal for users who appreciate a more engaged typing experience, possibly benefiting gamers who thrive on a tactile response during intense sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer an impeccably smooth typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Haimu Orange Sea is the way to go. With its lighter actuation and absence of texture, it caters to those who seek effortless keystrokes for both gaming and prolonged typing tasks without any interruption. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing style and auditory preferences; this will ultimately guide you to the perfect choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Red Linear

$5.90

$4.00 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more