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Haimu Orange Sea vs. Outemu Dustproof Brown

An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Dustproof Brown present distinct options that cater to different typing preferences. The Haimu Orange Sea switch, a linear switch, is celebrated for its impeccably smooth feel and neutral sound signature, making it an excellent choice for users who favor swift, uninterrupted key presses for gaming or typing. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch offers a tactile experience that provides a clear feedback with each keystroke, ideal for typists who appreciate a more pronounced feel without the noise of a clicky switch. While the Orange Sea promises a seamless and quiet typing experience, the Dustproof Brown caters to those who find comfort in tactile feedback, enhancing their typing accuracy. 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

65g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Total travel

4.00 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Partial box

Stem construction

Partial box

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

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

22mm extended double-stage spring

Spring

Stainless steel

Housing materials

The Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Dustproof Brown both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to a similar auditory experience. As described, polycarbonate is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiff nature. This characteristic allows for a clear and resonant sound that many users find appealing, particularly in scenarios involving RGB lighting, where the translucency of the polycarbonate enhances visual effects as well. Users can expect that both switches will offer an enhanced aesthetic and auditory experience from their polycarbonate top housings.

The bottom housing materials of both switches exhibit a notable contrast, as the Orange Sea employs nylon, while the Dustproof Brown also features nylon. This selection results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon absorbs sound due to its softer plastic composition. The dual nylon structure contributes to a duller and rounder auditory experience while typing. Both switches will convey the qualities of their nylon bottom housings, producing a more cushioned sound when bottoming out, further enhancing the overall tactile experience of the switches.

Ultimately, when considering the combined effects of these materials, both the Orange Sea and Dustproof Brown achieve a balanced sound profile. While they share the polycarbonate top housing, which influences the sound upon releasing a key, the nylon bottom housing offers a deeper tonal quality when pressing down. This results in a well-rounded experience where the top housing provides crisp clarity, and the bottom housing introduces warmth, allowing users to enjoy both the impact of typing and an aesthetically pleasing RGB display.

Weight

When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Orange Sea features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Dustproof Brown offers a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, which provides a more substantial typing experience suited for those who prefer a firmer push while typing. Due to these differences, users seeking a lighter switch will gravitate toward the Orange Sea, while those desiring a more robust feel will opt for the Dustproof Brown. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences regarding typing sensation and comfort during extended use.

Travel distance

The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch differ in their travel distances, with the Orange Sea measuring 3.6 mm and the Dustproof Brown at 4 mm. This means that the Dustproof Brown has a longer travel distance, offering a deeper keystroke that can provide a more substantial feel when typing, which some users appreciate for the tactile feedback it offers. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Orange Sea might be more appealing to gamers or users who prioritize quick response times, as it requires less effort to activate. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that allows for rapid key presses, the Orange Sea is the better choice, while those who prefer a more pronounced typing experience may gravitate towards the Dustproof Brown.

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 Dustproof Brown 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

The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch is known for its neutral sound signature, which means it offers a relatively quiet typing experience without the pronounced clicks associated with tactile or clicky switches. This makes it suitable for environments where noise can be a distraction, allowing for a more focused and serene typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch does not have a distinct sound profile attributed to it, meaning its acoustic characteristics may vary depending on the specific board and keycap combination. However, as with any switch, the sound can be influenced by these factors, so while the Orange Sea provides a more predictable auditory experience, the Dustproof Brown could produce a similar subdued sound depending on overall setup.

When it comes to feel, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch is celebrated for its impeccably smooth typing experience. Users can expect an uninterrupted keypress from top to bottom without any tactile bumps, making it ideal for those who prefer a fluid motion when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Brown is a tactile switch, likely offering a noticeable bump at the actuation point, providing feedback that can enhance typing accuracy and touch. This tactile feel can be quite appealing to users who enjoy a more engaging experience during use, but it could feel less smooth when compared directly to the Orange Sea.

In summary, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch is characterized by a smooth feel and neutral sound, providing a quiet and seamless typing experience, while the Outemu Dustproof Brown offers a tactile bump that adds feedback but varies in sound quality. If you’re looking for a more subdued acoustic profile, the Orange Sea may be the better choice, while the tactile feedback of the Dustproof Brown might appeal to those who prefer a more interactive typing sensation. If you're inclined toward a smoothness in feel with predictable acoustics, the Orange Sea will deliver that effectively, whereas if you appreciate a tactile engagement, the Dustproof Brown could satisfy that need, albeit with varying sound characteristics.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and the type of feedback you desire. If you enjoy a lighter touch and prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke experience, the Orange Sea is an excellent choice, especially if you're engaged in fast typing or gaming where keystroke speed can enhance your performance. The linear nature of the Orange Sea also means fewer distractions from key feedback, making it ideal for those who prefer a clean sound profile without the clicky characteristics often found in other switch types. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more substantial feel with tactile feedback, the Dustproof Brown offers a medium-heavy resistance that can provide more control, particularly beneficial for typing tasks where you want to feel each keystroke without a completely linear response. While it may not have any standout sound qualities, its build is more resistant to dust, adding to its durability. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize smoothness and speed or tactile feedback and resistance.

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