Bsun Olive vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive 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, personal preference plays a significant role in determining which features matter most. The BSUN Olive switch, renowned for its all-POM housings, offers a unique auditory and tactile experience with its resonant, deep sound and pronounced tactile feedback. Its medium weight and long pole stem provide a sharp, crisp bottom-out that many typists find gratifying, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a responsive key feel. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switch shines with its impeccably smooth typing experience and neutral sound signature, appealing to users who prefer a quieter, seamless action without distraction. While the Olive switch is ideal for those who appreciate a tactile bump and satisfying audio feedback, the Orange Sea switch caters to individuals who prioritize a fluid and unobtrusive keystroke. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Olive and the Haimu Orange Sea distinctly influence their acoustic characteristics and performance. The Olive utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its top and bottom housings, which is known for producing a unique and muted sound signature that leans toward deeper tones. This construction ensures that when the key is struck, the resulting sound is less sharp and offers a more rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, making it particularly effective for users who prefer a brighter tone and potentially more tactile feedback.
When examining the bottom housings, the Olive's POM once again reinforces the deeper and more muted sound profile. This is especially significant because the bottom housing predominantly affects the sound when the key bottoms out. Conversely, the Orange Sea is equipped with a nylon bottom housing, a material celebrated for its ability to absorb sound and create a duller, more rounded audio experience. While nylon offers a rich and fuller sound, it still provides a contrast to the sharper resonance delivered by the polycarbonate top housing of the Orange Sea. Thus, the combined use of these materials results in a harmonious blend of sound qualities that appeal to different preferences.
In terms of the overall sound experience, the distinction between the housing materials aligns with the execution of sound profiles in each switch. Both the Bsun Olive and Haimu Orange Sea demonstrate how the interplay between the top and bottom materials influences the typing experience. While the Olive promotes a consistently muted sound through uniform POM housing, the Orange Sea's hybrid design of polycarbonate and nylon features allows for a diverse sound palette, where the clearer highs from the polycarbonate meet the deeper tones from the nylon. Ultimately, while both switches provide excellent auditory feedback, the specific materials used crucially shape the nuances of sound, allowing for varied preference and experience among users.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Olive switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Orange Sea switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a lower bottom out force of 45 grams, making it distinctly light. This difference means that typists who prefer a lighter switch for comfort during extended use would likely gravitate towards the Haimu Orange Sea, while those who favor a more substantial typing experience may find the Bsun Olive more appealing. Overall, the Olive switch is the heavier option, providing a firmer feel, while the Orange Sea appeals to users seeking a softer keypress experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, the Olive has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Orange Sea features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Olive the shorter option, which may be more appealing to gamers who favor quicker response times due to its reduced distance. Conversely, the Orange Sea, with its longer travel distance, may be preferred by those who appreciate a more substantial feel during key presses, offering a deeper experience. Ultimately, while both switches are designed for different preferences, the Olive’s shorter distance may result in more immediate responsiveness, whereas the Orange Sea provides a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 Bsun Olive switches are notable for their resonant and deep auditory profile. This quality stems from their all-POM housing, which not only contributes to their unique acoustics but also enhances the overall typing experience by producing a satisfying sound with each keystroke. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches present a more neutral sound signature, characterized by impeccably smooth feedback. While the Olive switches deliver a sharper and more pronounced acoustical response, the Orange Sea offers a quieter typing experience. It's worth noting that the sound produced by either switch can be influenced significantly by the keyboard board and keycap materials in use.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Olive switches shine with their pronounced tactile feedback. Described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, they provide a distinct tactile experience that enhances typing engagement. Users will appreciate the medium actuation force that ensures an immersive sensation while typing, thanks to the strong tactile bump that is felt with every keypress. On the other hand, the specifications for the Haimu Orange Sea switches do not provide detailed descriptors for their tactile feel, leaving an unknown quality in comparison. However, the smooth nature of the Orange Sea should still provide a pleasurable typing experience, albeit less tactile than that of the Olive switch.
Overall, the Bsun Olive switches excel in both sound and tactile feedback, offering a richer and more resonant experience, which is particularly enjoyable for users seeking tactile engagement. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches cater to those who prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience. While both switches will deliver satisfactory performance, the choice comes down to personal preference regarding sound and feel. If you prioritize pronounced tactile feedback and a rich auditory response, the Olive switches will likely be more appealing. Conversely, for a smoother and more neutral typing sensation, the Orange Sea will suffice. If you appreciate similar qualities in mechanical keyboards, choosing either switch will yield enjoyable results tailored to your typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch ultimately hinges on your preferences for feel, sound, and typing experience. If you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback with a satisfying auditory experience, the Bsun Olive switches may be your best pick. Their medium-heavy resistance and deeply resonant sound make them ideal for those who cherish a tactile and responsive typing sensation. This switch caters particularly well to typists who appreciate noticeable feedback without overwhelming force, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and smoother feel with a neutral sound profile—ideal for long typing sessions without fatigue—the Haimu Orange Sea switches would fit your needs perfectly. Their light actuation force combined with an impeccably smooth response allows for effortless keystrokes, making them a great choice for rapid typing or gaming where speed and precision are paramount. Ultimately, consider how much tactile feedback or smoothness you desire, along with the weight of the actuation, to find the perfect switch that enhances your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
