Haimu Orange Sea vs. Outemu Dustproof Green
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Dustproof Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, and two options that highlight this diversity are the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Dustproof Green switches. The Haimu Orange Sea, a linear switch, is celebrated for its impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize seamless keystrokes and a quieter workspace. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Green, a clicky switch, offers a more tactile experience with an audible click, perfect for users who enjoy the satisfying feedback of each keystroke and crave a more engaging typing experience. Both switches cater to different needs—whether you prefer the silent efficiency of the Orange Sea or the tactile feedback of the Dustproof Green, each option has its merits. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Dustproof Green switches both feature polycarbonate for their top housings. This shared material is significant because polycarbonate's inherent properties create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of this plastic allows for enhanced resonance, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize sound clarity in their typing experience, especially those who appreciate RGB lighting. This translucency not only contributes to the acoustic qualities but also enhances visual aesthetics when backlighting is utilized. As such, both switches will deliver similar auditory outcomes when pressed, due to the identical material used in their top housings.
However, the differences begin to emerge in the bottom housing of the switches. The Orange Sea utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, known for its softer nature, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrasts with the Dustproof Green, which also utilizes nylon, resulting in a similar sonic effect. In both cases, the nylon contributes to a sound profile that absorbs more noise, producing a duller and rounder typing experience compared to harder materials. This acoustic characteristic is particularly noticeable during the bottom-out phase of the keystroke, leading to a satisfying sound that many typists find pleasing. Thus, while both models use the same materials for their respective components, they will provide distinct auditory signatures due to the qualities contributed by each housing type.
The delineation of sound profiles between the Haimu Orange Sea and Outemu Dustproof Green switches hinges largely on the interaction of their respective housings during operation. While the top housings share similar polycarbonate qualities that enhance clarity and resonance, the nylon bottoms ensure that deeper sounds are achieved, adding a layer of richness to both switch types. The combination of stiffness from the polycarbonate top and the softness from the nylon bottom leads to a well-rounded auditory experience in both cases. As a result, users can expect a harmonious blend of sharper highs from the top and fuller lows from the bottom, regardless of which switch they choose. This consistency in the materials ultimately guarantees similar performance outcomes, emphasizing that while nuances exist, the foundational qualities will resonate similarly between the two models.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Orange Sea features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions, as it requires less effort to trigger keystrokes. In contrast, the Dustproof Green switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. This increased resistance provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a firmer push feel. Due to this disparity, the Orange Sea is the lighter option, while the Dustproof Green is the heavier, making them suitable for different user preferences. The variation in forces suggests that users will experience distinctly different typing sensations, with the lighter Orange Sea facilitating comfort over long durations and the heavier Dustproof Green delivering a more tactile feedback for those who enjoy a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch features a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference in travel distance highlights the Orange Sea as the shorter option, which could be more appealing for gamers or those seeking quicker response times during typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Dustproof Green's longer travel distance may cater to users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience and the satisfying depth of a traditional switch. Therefore, while both switches serve different preferences, the Orange Sea provides a snappier, more responsive action, whereas the Dustproof Green offers a more substantial and deliberate feel with its greater travel distance.
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 Green 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 comparing the sound profiles of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, the Orange Sea is noted for its neutral sound signature. This means it operates quietly, allowing for a more subdued typing experience that doesn’t draw attention. In contrast, the Dustproof Green is a clicky switch, which typically produces an audible click with each keystroke, making it more expressive and satisfying for typists who enjoy auditory feedback. While the Orange Sea’s sound is understated, the Dustproof Green offers a more prominent acoustic experience, appealing to those who appreciate the distinctive sound of clicky switches. It's important to remember that the overall sound can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard’s build quality and keycap material.
Regarding the feel of these switches, the Haimu Orange Sea is characterized by its impeccably smooth typing experience. This smoothness can enhance typing speed and comfort, making it favorable for prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Green’s tactile nature provides a noticeable bump at actuation, allowing typists to feel when a key register is complete. This feedback can help prevent errors and improve typing accuracy. While both switches are well-regarded for their distinct feels, the choice between smoothness and tactile feedback ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
In conclusion, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch offers a smooth feel and neutral sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a quiet and fluid typing experience. Meanwhile, the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch delivers tactile feedback and a pronounced sound, appealing to users who enjoy auditory cues while typing. Depending on your preferences, either switch can provide a satisfying experience, but the differences in sound and feel will cater to different types of typists. Whatever your choice, understanding these qualities will help you select the best switch for your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switches, your specific typing preferences will play a crucial role. If you prefer a lighter touch with a smooth, subtle typing experience that minimizes disturbance in shared environments, the Orange Sea switches are an excellent choice. Their low actuation force of 45 grams provides an effortless experience, ideal for fast typists or gamers who want to maximize speed without tiring their fingers. On the other hand, if you enjoy the tactile feedback and distinctive auditory cues of a heavier switch, the Dustproof Green would suit you better. With an actuation force of 80 grams, it offers a more deliberate and robust typing feel, perfect for those who like to feel their keystrokes and appreciate a pronounced sound while they type. Thus, your choice will ultimately hinge on whether you prioritize a smooth, quiet operation or a heavier, clicky typing experience that delivers satisfying feedback.
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