Haimu Orange Sea vs. Outemu Cream Blue

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference, with each type offering a unique typing experience. The Haimu Orange Sea switch, a linear switch, is celebrated for its impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a quieter, more streamlined experience, particularly during extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue, categorized as a clicky switch, provides tactile feedback and an audible click with each keystroke, appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced response and the satisfying sound that accompanies their typing. While the Orange Sea offers a refined, seamless experience suited for productivity, the Cream Blue caters to those who appreciate the gratifying feedback that clicky switches are known for. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

Outemu Cream Blue Clicky

$2.79 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The comparison between the housing materials of the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Cream Blue reveals significant differences, particularly in their top housing. The Orange Sea utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which promotes a more resonant sound when keys are released. Additionally, the material's translucency makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups, enhancing visual appeal. In contrast, the Cream Blue employs nylon for its top housing, which results in a fuller and deeper sound. Nylon's softer nature acts to absorb sound rather than amplify it, leading to a rounder and more muted auditory experience when the keys are pressed and released.

When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Cream Blue utilize nylon, creating a level of consistency between the two. The nylon bottom housing shared by both switches contributes a deeper, fuller sound profile, as the material's softness serves to absorb vibrations more effectively, minimizing any harsher sounds. This similarity means that the bottom-out experience when typing on both switches will feel comparable, with a similar depth and resonance, regardless of the contrast presented by their top housings. In situations where users prioritize a smooth and muted bottom-out feel, both switches can provide satisfaction due to their shared nylon composition in the bottom housing.

In summary, the distinct housing materials of the top sections of the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Cream Blue create fundamentally different sound profiles, with the former favoring clarity and brightness while the latter emphasizes warmth and depth. However, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches creates a unifying element that can balance out the overall typing experience. Therefore, while each switch offers a unique auditory character due to its top housing material, users can expect a consistent feel and sound during the bottom-out phase, thanks to the shared properties of their nylon bottom housings. This interplay results in a nuanced but cohesive typing experience across the two models.

Weight

When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Orange Sea features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Cream Blue switch has a heftier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, appealing to users who favor a more substantial and tactile typing experience. This makes the Orange Sea the lighter option, while the Cream Blue is the heavier one. Users opting for the Orange Sea can expect a quicker response with less effort, while those choosing the Cream Blue will enjoy a stronger push feel, enhancing their typing feedback. The differences in their actuation and bottom out forces suggest that each switch caters to distinct preferences in typing style and comfort.

Travel distance

The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance means that users of the Orange Sea switch may experience a quicker response time, which can be advantageous for gamers who prefer a more responsive key feel. Conversely, the Cream Blue switch, with its greater travel distance, may appeal to those who enjoy a deeper, more tactile experience while typing, as it provides more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. Therefore, if you're looking for a shorter and more responsive option, the Haimu Orange Sea would be the better choice, while the Outemu Cream Blue suits users who favor a more traditional, depth-oriented feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch is characterized by a neutral sound signature, meaning it produces a relatively quiet and unobtrusive acoustic profile. This can be advantageous in office or shared environments where excessive noise could be disruptive. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, while lacking a specified sound profile, is generally expected to produce a distinct click sound when activated. This clicky feedback tends to offer an audible confirmation that a key has been pressed, making it a popular choice for typists who enjoy a more noticeable auditory response.

When it comes to feel, the Orange Sea switch is renowned for its impeccably smooth typing experience, allowing for effortless key presses without any tactile bumps or resistance. This smoothness can enhance typing speed and accuracy, appealing to users who prefer a seamless interaction with their keyboard. On the other hand, the Cream Blue switch does not have a specific feel mentioned, but as a clicky switch, it typically presents a tactile bump at the actuation point. This tactile feedback can be satisfying for many users, as it provides a clear indication of key activation, which can enhance the overall typing experience.

In conclusion, the Haimu Orange Sea switch offers a smooth feel combined with a neutral sound profile, ideal for those who favor a quiet and fluid typing experience. Meanwhile, the Outemu Cream Blue switch presents a clicky sound that may appeal to those who appreciate auditory and tactile feedback. While the characteristics of the Haimu Orange Sea are well-defined, the Outemu Cream Blue's qualities remain vague, suggesting that users might experience similar tactile variations based on their specific preferences for sound and feel. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a smooth typing experience or a more engaging auditory feedback.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter actuation force and a smoother, quieter typing experience, the Orange Sea will likely suit you well, especially if you prioritize a serene work environment or enjoy gaming where quick keystrokes enhance your responsiveness. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback and a pronounced click sound that can aid in typing accuracy, the Cream Blue offers a more robust typing experience due to its medium-heavy force and distinct auditory feedback, making it ideal for those who enjoy the more traditional feel of a mechanical keyboard. Thus, your decision should hinge on whether you want a smooth, silent experience or a pronounced, tactile one, determining which switch aligns best with your workflow or gaming sessions.

Mentioned in this article

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

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Outemu Cream Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more