Cherry Nixie vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie 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, two standout options are the Cherry Nixie and the Haimu Orange Sea, both of which fall within the linear switch category. The Cherry Nixies are celebrated for their substantial heft and a uniquely textured typing experience, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern advancements through their updated materials and springs from the MX2A update. Their "thocky" sound and low-pitched feedback create a satisfying auditory and tactile experience for typists. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are lauded for their impeccably smooth keystrokes and a neutral sound profile, making them an excellent choice for users who prefer a seamless and uninterrupted typing experience. Both switches cater to different typing preferences—whether you lean towards the classic feel and feedback of the Nixies or the smoothness of the Orange Sea, each has its distinct appeal. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
63.5g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Cherry Nixie and Haimu Orange Sea exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly affect their overall sound profiles. The Nixie’s top housing is made of nylon, a material renowned for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper, mellower typing experience. This characteristic is particularly appealing for users who prefer a more subdued acoustic feedback while typing. In contrast, the Orange Sea features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a brighter and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This clarity makes polycarbonate switches particularly suitable for setups that include RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced lighting effects and visibility through the housing.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, it's interesting to note that they are both constructed from nylon. This shared material leads to a similar depth and fullness in sound, regardless of the differences in the top housings. Since the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the sound emitted when a key is bottomed out, the nylon construction ensures that both the Nixie and Orange Sea deliver that characteristic soft, round sound upon keystroke. This shared aspect creates a balanced auditory experience that can unify the overall typing feel of the switches, despite their different top housing materials influencing the sound during release.
In summary, the Cherry Nixie and Haimu Orange Sea present an engaging comparison of housing materials. The nylon top housing of the Nixie results in a deeper sound profile while the polycarbonate top of the Orange Sea provides clarity and brightness. Interestingly, both switches share nylon bottom housings, ensuring a rich, full sound upon keystroke. The differences in top housing materials lead to varied auditory experiences, yet the similarities in their bottom housings unite their performance in a satisfying typing experience, allowing users to enjoy both the unique qualities and shared characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Nixie requires an actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, categorizing it as a heavier switch that provides a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Orange Sea has a significantly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it well-suited for users who prefer a lighter touch for long typing sessions or gaming. The distinct difference in actuation forces indicates that the Nixie will demand more effort to trigger keystrokes compared to the Orange Sea. Consequently, those who appreciate a heavier switch experience, highlighting a firmer feel under their fingers, should gravitate towards the Nixie, while users looking for ease and comfort in extended usage might prefer the lighter Orange Sea switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, we see a clear distinction: the Nixie has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Orange Sea measures at 3.6 mm. This makes the Orange Sea the shorter option, providing a more responsive experience that can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker actuation. Conversely, the Nixie's longer 4 mm travel distance may offer a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper keypress, which some users find less abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding the balance between speed and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 Nixie switches stand out with their thocky, low-pitched profile. These switches produce a deep and rich sound that can be incredibly satisfying, reminiscent of a soft "thud" or knock when keys are actuated and released. This auditory cue adds an extra layer of tactile feedback that many users find appealing. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches have an impeccably smooth typing experience, but their sound signature is described as neutral without specific descriptors available. This lack of a strong auditory characteristic implies that these switches may not draw attention to themselves in terms of sound, offering a more subdued typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Cherry Nixie switches are characterized by their textured experience, delivering a noticeable friction when pressed. This texture can enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate a bit of resistance while typing, offering a connection to the keyboard that some users may prefer. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are known for their notably smooth feel, which suggests a friction-free typing experience that caters to users looking for seamless key presses. This smoothness can lead to a more effortless typing session, but it lacks the tactile feedback that some individuals might crave from a more textured switch.
In conclusion, both the Cherry Nixie and Haimu Orange Sea switches cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Nixie combines a thocky sound with a textured feel, making it suitable for those who enjoy a rich auditory experience and tactile feedback. Meanwhile, the Orange Sea focuses on smoothness, appealing to users who prioritize a quieter environment and fluid typing motion. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding sound and feel, as each offers a distinct character that caters to varying styles of typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch largely depends on your individual typing style and preferences. If you appreciate a heavier switch with an 80-gram bottom-out force that provides a substantial feel and a rich, thocky sound, the Nixie is likely your best bet. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a textured typing experience and don't mind the added physical effort during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch, the Haimu Orange Sea with its 45-gram bottom-out force may be more suitable. It delivers a smooth typing sensation that allows for quick, effortless keystrokes, making it great for gaming or extended typing marathons where comfort is a priority. Ultimately, consider what you're looking for in terms of tactile feedback, sound profile, and key resistance, allowing you to choose the switch that fits your style and needs perfectly.
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