Haimu Orange Sea vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Black can significantly influence your typing experience. The Haimu Orange Sea is celebrated for its impeccably smooth feel and neutral sound signature, making it an appealing option for those who prioritize a seamless keystroke without any auditory distraction. In contrast, the Outemu Black, while also a linear switch, may not have as distinct a reputation, but can still provide a consistent and reliable performance. Users who appreciate a firmer touch may lean towards the Outemu Black for its sturdiness. Both switches offer a linear typing experience, which means they lack tactile bumps and clicks, providing uninterrupted keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Haimu Orange Sea and Outemu Black switches both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housings, leading to a similar sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper tone. This is due to the inherent stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when the switch is actuated. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for excellent RGB lighting effects, which is an aesthetic advantage both switches share. Their identical top housing materials ensure that users will experience a consistent auditory quality during key presses, reinforcing the appeal for gamers and typists who value a clear sound output.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the two switches diverge in their material choices. The Haimu Orange Sea employs nylon for its bottom housing, a traditional material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softness contributes to a sound that feels more muted and rounded, providing a distinct contrast to the crisp tones generated by the polycarbonate top. In comparison, the Outemu Black also features nylon in its bottom housing, replicating the same rich auditory characteristics. Therefore, while the top halves of the switches yield a similar sound signature, the overall audio experience during usage involves a unique blending of these materials, whereby the nylon bottom enhances the depth of sound.
In terms of user experience, the duality of these materials means that both switches will exhibit noticeable differences when pressed. The nylon bottom in both switches concentrates on damping the impact sounds when bottoming out, resulting in a rounded auditory experience, while the polycarbonate top contributes to the sharper sounds upon release. Consequently, although the top housing of both switches is identical, the sound and feel produced during typing will be shaped differently by the interplay of the materials used in their respective bottom housings. This creates a nuanced and layered auditory experience for users, showcasing how the properties of both polycarbonate and nylon complement one another, regardless of which switch is being used.
Weight
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch present contrasting characteristics when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Orange Sea switch has a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer longer typing sessions with less fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Black switch features a significantly heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, appealing to users who favor a more substantial, tactile typing experience. The marked difference in force between the two switches indicates that the Orange Sea is the lighter option, allowing for easier keystrokes, while the Black is the heavier switch, offering more resistance. This distinction ensures that users can select a switch that best fits their typing preferences and usage scenarios, whether they prioritize comfort or a firmer feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, the Haimu Orange Sea measures 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Black has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Orange Sea the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking quicker key presses. In contrast, the Outemu Black, with its longer travel distance of 4 mm, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial depth in their keystrokes, offering a more traditional typing experience. Therefore, if you are aiming for faster response times, the Haimu Orange Sea switch would likely be the preferred choice, while those who enjoy a deeper, more deliberate press might gravitate towards the Outemu Black switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79, whereas the Outemu Black comes in at $3.10.
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 Haimu Orange Sea linear switch is recognized for its neutral sound signature, delivering a satisfying acoustic profile that is neither too loud nor too quiet. This makes it a great choice for typists who want to maintain focus without being distracted by extraneous noise. On the other hand, information regarding the sound characteristics of the Outemu Black linear switch is not readily available. However, it’s important to remember that the overall sound experience can vary significantly depending on the keyboard construction, stabilizers, and keycap materials used.
In terms of feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switch is acclaimed for its impeccably smooth typing experience, which enhances overall comfort during long typing sessions. This smoothness can lead to an uninterrupted flow while typing, making it appealing for both gamers and typists. The feel of the Outemu Black linear switch is also not specified, leaving an open space for users to explore its tactile characteristics. Without specific details, it’s challenging to draw a direct comparison regarding how maintaining smoothness differs between the two switches.
In conclusion, while the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches shine with their notably smooth feel and neutral sound profile, the qualities of the Outemu Black linear switches remain less defined. Despite this, if smoothness is consistent across both brands, users can expect similar typing experiences with an emphasis on the other factors influencing sound. Overall, personal preference in tactile feedback and acoustic profile will ultimately guide newcomers in making their selections.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Black linear switches ultimately depends on your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch with a smooth feel and enjoy a more subdued sound profile, the Haimu Orange Sea with its 45-gram actuation force would be a better fit for you. This switch is ideal for longer typing sessions or for those who favor speed and quick responsiveness, making it a great choice for gaming or extensive typing tasks. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial resistance while typing and appreciate a switch with a firmer feel, the Outemu Black's heavier 82-gram actuation may provide the tactile feedback you’re looking for, despite the lack of specific sound characteristics associated with it. This switch might suit you better if you prefer a more deliberate typing experience or if you’re concerned about accidental key presses during gaming. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and preferences; the right switch can enhance your overall experience on your mechanical keyboard.
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