Haimu Orange Sea vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Cream Yellow presents a compelling comparison of typing experiences. The Haimu Orange Sea, renowned for its impeccably smooth action and neutral sound signature, offers a linear feel that many users appreciate for its quiet and fluid keystrokes. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize swift and uninterrupted typing, whether for work or gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow is categorized as a tactile switch, providing a noticeable bump at the actuation point that enhances feedback and typing accuracy. This tactile sensation can be particularly rewarding for users who enjoy a more pronounced interaction with their keyboard, making it a popular choice among typists who appreciate the physical response of their switches. 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
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches, a notable contrast emerges in their top housing. The Orange Sea features a polycarbonate top housing that is designed to deliver a sharper and crisper sound profile, leveraging the stiffness of polycarbonate to enhance acoustic clarity. This rigidity translates to a more resonant sound when typing, especially beneficial in setups with RGB lighting due to the material’s translucent nature. Conversely, the Cream Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic material choice that produces a significantly different auditory experience. Nylon softens the sound, delivering a deeper, fuller typing profile that absorbs sound rather than amplifying it, resulting in a rounder auditory output. This fundamental difference in the top housing materials indicates contrasting sound qualities that can significantly affect the typing experience.
Both switches, however, share a commonality in their bottom housing—both utilize nylon, which introduces a deeper sound profile. The nylon bottom housing in either switch contributes to the overall sound when keys are bottomed out, ensuring that both switches echo a similar depth to their action. This reinforces the idea that while the top and bottom housings contribute different qualities to the auditory experience, both the Haimu Orange Sea and Outemu Cream Yellow exhibit deep and full sound attributes when the key is depressed, thanks to the consistent use of nylon in this area. This similarity means that, despite differences in the top housing, the typing experience is unified through the nylon bottom section.
In conclusion, while the Haimu Orange Sea and Outemu Cream Yellow switches are constructed with contrasting materials for their top housings, they align in their choice of nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a recognizable depth of sound when bottomed out. The nuances brought by the polycarbonate top of the Orange Sea sharpen the sound profile, leading to a brighter auditory response, distinctly different from the muted tone provided by the nylon top of the Cream Yellow. Therefore, one's choice between these switches will depend largely on the desired sound profile when typing, with the potential for customization and variation stemming from the differing materials used in their top housings.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch to the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Orange Sea switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Cream Yellow switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium resistance that caters to users who appreciate a more substantial push feel. Consequently, the Orange Sea switch allows for quicker, less strenuous keystrokes, while the Cream Yellow switch delivers a firmer typing experience. Therefore, if you're looking for a lighter switch that can accommodate prolonged use, the Haimu Orange Sea is the better choice, whereas the Outemu Cream Yellow is ideal for those who favor a heavier and more deliberate typing experience.
Travel distance
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Orange Sea offers a more substantial feel when pressed, which may appeal to users who prefer a deeper travel for a more hearty typing experience. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow’s shorter travel distance caters to those who appreciate quicker responses and a more abrupt actuation, making it potentially more suitable for gamers. Ultimately, if responsiveness is your priority, you might opt for the Cream Yellow, whereas if you prefer more substantial feedback from your keypresses, the Orange Sea would be the better choice.
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 Cream Yellow 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 boasts a neutral sound signature that contributes to a relatively quiet typing experience, making it ideal for those who prioritize discretion in shared spaces or during long typing sessions. The precise auditory characteristics of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch are less defined, leaving some ambiguity surrounding its sound profile. However, it's essential to note that the sound produced by both switches can significantly vary based on the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, so users may still achieve a satisfactory auditory experience with either choice depending on their setup.
In terms of feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switch is renowned for its impeccably smooth typing sensation, providing a seamless travel experience that many typists find satisfying. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch's feel is not particularly well-documented, which leaves it open to interpretation and personal experience. The smoothness of the Orange Sea may appeal to those who enjoy a fluid typing rhythm, while the Cream Yellow's tactile nature could potentially offer a different but equally enjoyable typing experience, although further insights into its tactile feedback would be helpful.
In conclusion, the Haimu Orange Sea switch offers a distinct advantage in terms of both sound and feel, showcasing a smooth experience paired with a neutral sound profile. The Outemu Cream Yellow, while lacking detailed subjective qualities, remains a potential alternative for those willing to explore its tactile characteristics. Ultimately, personal preference plays a crucial role, and both switches can provide satisfying results depending on the user's priorities and specific keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a smooth, consistent key press with minimal noise, the Orange Sea switch will serve you well, making it an excellent choice for both gaming and extended typing sessions. Its 45-gram actuation force ensures that your fingers won’t tire easily, which is ideal if you tend to type for long periods. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly heavier switch that provides tactile feedback, the 60-gram bottom-out force of the Cream Yellow switch may feel more satisfying, particularly for typists who enjoy the sensation of a bump to confirm that their keystroke has registered. While the Cream Yellow may not be as renowned for its smoothness or sound profile, it offers a solid and reliable feel, making it a good option for those who want tactile distinction without sacrificing performance. Ultimately, consider what aspects are most important to you—whether it's the weight, the smoothness, or the tactile feel—as you make your decision.
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