Haimu Orange Sea vs. Outemu Dustproof Black

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Dustproof Black both offer linear experiences that cater to different user preferences. The Haimu Orange Sea switches are celebrated for their impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound profile, making them an excellent choice for typists and gamers who prefer a quiet and seamless keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Black switches, while lacking specific standout features, are designed with durability in mind, promising longevity and resistance to dust that could interfere with performance. Choosing the Haimu Orange Sea can enhance a user’s typing experience with its silky feedback, while the Outemu Dustproof Black appeals to those seeking a robust switch for long-term use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

Outemu Dustproof Black Linear

$2.79 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Dustproof Black both feature polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings, making them similar in terms of materials used for sound and functionality. Polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, resulting in a more resonant keypress. Additionally, both switches employ translucency to their advantage, making them ideal for RGB lighting effects. When illuminated, the aesthetic appeal of both switches is maximized, as the clear polycarbonate allows the glow of the lights to shine through. Thus, users can expect a crisp and vibrant visual experience alongside the auditory benefits resulting from the stiffer material used in the top housing.

Contrasting each switch's bottom housing reveals essential differences in experience despite the material being the same. While both the Orange Sea and the Dustproof Black utilize nylon for their bottom housings, this softer plastic creates a notable difference in sound profiles. The nylon absorbs sound effectively, providing a deeper, fuller auditory experience. The rounder sound that results from the nylon's softer nature enhances the overall typing experience. Since the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, users may find the overall experience to be mellower with both switches due to this characteristic of nylon, but the unique coloration choices and finishes may lead to differing overall aesthetics.

When considering how the top and bottom housings work together, both the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Dustproof Black showcase a harmonious interaction that defines their auditory profiles. Users will experience a blend of the crisp attack from the polycarbonate top combined with the full-bodied resonance from the nylon bottom upon key presses. This combination leads to an impressive overall typing experience, where the distinct properties of each material complement each other seamlessly. Overall, while the switches share similar material compositions that influence their sound and feel, the final user experience is further shaped by how these materials interact, providing a blend of both clarity and fullness that typists seek in high-quality mechanical switches.

Weight

The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Orange Sea features an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option that is likely more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Dustproof Black has a noticeably heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, catering to users who prefer a more substantial tactile experience. As a result, those who favor lighter switches may find the Orange Sea more suitable, while heavier switch enthusiasts would likely lean towards the Outemu Dustproof Black for its robust feel. Thus, users can expect a significantly different typing experience depending on their preference for actuation force and bottom out resistance.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch is 3.6 mm, whereas the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This difference highlights the Haimu Orange Sea as the shorter option, making it potentially more suitable for gamers seeking faster response times. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Black, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, may cater to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. While shorter travel distances can feel more responsive, some may find them too abrupt, whereas a longer travel distance provides a deeper and more satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference regarding typing feel and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound qualities of the Haimu Orange Sea and Outemu Dustproof Black linear switches, the Orange Sea is known for its neutral sound signature, which contributes to a more subdued auditory experience when typing. This makes it well-suited for environments where noise needs to be kept to a minimum. Unfortunately, the sound characteristics of the Dustproof Black switch are not well-documented, leaving a gap in the comparison. However, it's important to note that the overall sound produced by either switch can be significantly influenced by the type of keyboard they are used with, as well as the choice of keycaps, which could lead to a more personalized auditory result.

In terms of feel, the Haimu Orange Sea is renowned for its impeccably smooth typing experience, allowing for effortless keystrokes that appeal to those who prioritize fluidity while typing or gaming. On the other hand, there is no specific qualitative description available for the feel of the Dustproof Black switch, which suggests that it might not be as widely recognized for its tactile feedback or smoothness. However, both switches being linear means that they will share the hallmark characteristic of a lack of tactile bumps, resulting in a similar experience in terms of keypress action.

In conclusion, while the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch offers a well-defined auditory profile and an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch lacks documented sound and feel qualities. This indicates that while you may find the Orange Sea more appealing due to its established characteristics, you can still expect to achieve a linear typing experience with the Dustproof Black, albeit with less clarity on its performance.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you favor a lighter touch and a smooth, tactile experience, the Orange Sea switches would be a great fit, especially for prolonged typing sessions where comfort and reduced finger fatigue are critical. Their neutral sound signature further enhances the overall typing experience, making them suitable for quieter environments or shared spaces. Conversely, if you prefer a firmer feel and are someone who enjoys the resistance of a heavier switch, the Dustproof Black is the way to go. This switch's 80-gram actuation force provides a more pronounced feedback, perfect for those who appreciate a solid, deliberate keystroke, particularly in gaming scenarios where every action counts and precision is key. Therefore, consider your typing habits and environment when choosing between these two switches—to find the one that best enhances your productivity and enjoyment.

Mentioned in this article

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Dustproof Black Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more