Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts and gamers alike often seek the perfect balance of speed, feel, and feedback. Two prominent linear switches that cater to distinct preferences are the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Haimu Orange Sea. The Cherry MX Speed Silver is renowned for its rapid response time, making it an ideal choice for gamers who require instantaneous actuation and maximum speed. Its full-height design and low spring resistance allow for seamless gameplay, while its textured and low-pitched characteristics contribute to a unique tactile experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea offers an impeccably smooth typing feel with a neutral sound signature, appealing more to those who prioritize a quiet and fluid typing experience. Each switch has its advantages: the Speed Silver excels in fast-paced gaming scenarios, whereas the Orange Sea may be favored for extended typing sessions. 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
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Haimu Orange Sea, a significant distinction arises in their top housing materials. The MX Speed Silver utilizes nylon for its upper housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature. This quality allows nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a sound that is duller and rounder. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea employs polycarbonate for its upper housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. The stiffer makeup of polycarbonate enhances sound resonance and clarity, characterized by a bright and vibrant tonal output that is particularly beneficial if RGB lighting is used, as the clear housing facilitates better light diffusion.
Both switches, however, share a commonality in their bottom housing, both fashioned from nylon. This consistency in material creates an interesting dynamic between the two switches, particularly concerning their overall sound output and feel. As both utilize nylon in the lower housing, they will elicit the same deep and fuller sound profile that this material inherently provides. Consequently, when both switches are actuated, users will experience a similar bottom-out sensation and sound, contributing to a cohesive tactile feedback that emphasizes the strengths of nylon—a characteristic shared between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Haimu Orange Sea.
Overall, while the top housing materials of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Haimu Orange Sea differ, leading to contrasting sound profiles during key release, the uniform use of nylon in their bottom housings creates a commonality in their overall auditory experience. The interplay between the softer nylon housing, which contributes to a warm sound, and the differing upper housings allows users to experience a versatile spectrum of sound characteristics. The MX Speed Silver offers a rounder, aural experience, whereas the Orange Sea provides a more crisp and lively sound when the keys are released. Together, these elements illustrate how the differences in housing materials can contribute to an exceptional and varied typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, we find notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The MX Speed Silver features an actuation force of 45 grams, which is significantly heavier than the Haimu Orange Sea's lighter 37 grams. This means that the MX Speed Silver requires more force to activate a keystroke, resulting in a more robust typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the MX Speed Silver is not specified, making it difficult to draw direct conclusions about its overall feel in terms of bottoming out. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea has a bottom out force of 45 grams, providing users with a clear sense of resistance when fully pressing down the key. Therefore, if you favor a lighter switch for prolonged use or gaming, the Haimu Orange Sea would be a better choice, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may lean towards the Cherry MX Speed Silver, despite its unknown bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches, the Speed Silver features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Orange Sea has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm may seem minimal, but it can significantly impact the feel and responsiveness of each switch, especially for gamers seeking quick reaction times. The shorter travel distance of the Speed Silver allows for faster actuation, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a more responsive experience. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the Orange Sea may offer a more substantial tactile feedback, which some users may find more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for either responsiveness or depth in key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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 Speed Silver switches produce a distinctive thocky and low-pitched tone, delivering a deep, rich sound that can be quite satisfying when engaging with the keys. This acoustic profile resembles a soft "knock" when pressed, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing or gaming. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches do not have a reported sound signature, leaving their acoustic characteristics somewhat ambiguous. However, sound can be influenced significantly by factors such as the choice of keyboard case and keycaps, which may help between the two options.
Regarding the feel, the MX Speed Silver switches are known for their textured experience. This texture adds a layer of tactile feedback that some users may enjoy, while others may find it less appealing due to the noticeable friction when the keys are pressed. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches do not have any specific descriptions regarding their feel, making it difficult to compare directly. However, the MX Speed Silver’s textured feel likely contributes to a unique typing experience that might not be echoed in the Orange Sea switches.
In conclusion, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cherry MX Speed Silver stands out with its textured feel and satisfying thocky sound, making it a strong contender for gamers or those who enjoy auditory feedback. The Haimu Orange Sea’s smooth typing experience and unknown sound characteristics present an alternative that could potentially appeal to users seeking a quieter, more neutral option. Ultimately, while they serve different profiles within the mechanical keyboard world, your choice may come down to whether you prioritize sound and feel or simply prefer a more understated experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches, your specific needs and preferences will determine the best option for you. If you're a gamer seeking swift keypress activation and require the utmost responsiveness, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is your go-to choice. Its low spring resistance and rapid actuation are designed for high-paced gameplay, enabling you to react faster than your competition with its thocky, low-pitched sound profile that many find satisfying. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience and a muted sound, the Haimu Orange Sea switch could be more aligned with your typing style. With its lighter bottom-out force and exceptionally smooth feel, it’s ideal for those who enjoy extended typing sessions without the fatigue that comes from heavier switches. In essence, let your gaming or typing needs guide you; whether it's seeking speed and a pronounced tactile feedback with the Speed Silver or enjoying a gentle, smooth experience with the Orange Sea, both switches offer unique advantages tailored to a variety of users.
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