Haimu Orange Sea vs. Outemu Gold

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Gold offer unique experiences tailored to different typing preferences. 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 seek a quiet yet fluid typing experience without the distraction of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold is a clicky switch that provides an audible and tactile response, which can enhance the typing experience for users who enjoy a feedback-rich environment, making every keystroke feel more engaging and satisfying. Choosing between these two switches largely depends on whether you prioritize the smooth, unobtrusive feel of a linear switch or the satisfying click and tactile feedback of a clicky option. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

Outemu Gold Clicky

$2.79 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Gold switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to similar auditory characteristics. Both switches will demonstrate a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to polycarbonate's stiffness and resonance properties. This material's translucency not only enhances the aesthetics of the switches, making them more visually engaging, particularly with RGB lighting, but it also provides a uniform experience in terms of sound clarity. As both switches share this material, users can expect a comparable performance level in the clarity of sound produced upon pressing the keys.

While the top housing of both the Haimu Orange Sea and Outemu Gold switches is made from polycarbonate, the contrasting material in the bottom housing plays a significant role in shaping their overall sound profiles. Both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, which is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This divergence between the stiffer, clearer top housing and the softer, sound-absorbing bottom housing influences the typing experience. The nylon bottom helps create a rounding effect to the sound, which complements the crispness provided by the polycarbonate top to deliver a balanced and enjoyable feedback when typing.

In terms of overall auditory performance, both switches achieve a harmonious blend of sound properties thanks to their specific housing combinations. The positive qualities derived from polycarbonate in the top housing create a crisp brightness, while the nylon bottom homes in on that sound, providing a smoother and deeper response. Consequently, users can enjoy a well-rounded typing experience that combines the clear resonance of polycarbonate with the subdued fullness of nylon, regardless of which switch they choose. The synergy between these materials allows both switches to cater to a similar audience looking for that connection between tactile feedback and sound differentiation.

Weight

The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Orange Sea switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who favor a lighter feel for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Gold switch features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, catering to those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. This difference in weight means that the Orange Sea switch is more suitable for those seeking comfort during prolonged use, while the Outemu Gold offers a firmer response for users who prefer stronger feedback. Overall, if you’re looking for a switch that demands less effort, the Haimu Orange Sea is the better choice, whereas the Outemu Gold is ideal for a more deliberate and robust feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, the Orange Sea features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gold switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference suggests that the Orange Sea may cater better to users seeking quicker response times, making it more suitable for gamers who require rapid keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Gold, with its 4 mm travel distance, could appeal to those who prefer a more profound typing experience, as it provides a more substantial feel with each key press. Therefore, individuals who favor speed should opt for the Haimu Orange Sea, while those who enjoy a heartier typing sensation might find the Outemu Gold more to their liking.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch features a neutral sound signature, making it relatively quiet and unobtrusive compared to more tactile or clicky switches. This characteristic allows for a focused typing experience without excessive noise, appealing to those who prefer a subtle auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold clicky switch lacks a defined sound profile, which makes it difficult to compare directly in terms of audible characteristics. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by any switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard build and keycap materials, which can significantly alter the overall acoustic experience.

In terms of feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are renowned for their impeccably smooth actuation, providing an enjoyable typing experience where each keystroke glides effortlessly. This smoothness is particularly favored by typists who value speed and fluidity in their keystrokes. Contrasting with this, the Outemu Gold switches are expected to feature a more tactile feedback, with a noticeable click upon actuation, delivering an engaging and responsive typing experience that caters to those who appreciate a pronounced tactile sensation. However, specific details on the Gold's feel remain unspecified, leaving some aspect of its performance unknown.

In conclusion, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch offers a smooth, quiet typing experience characterized by a neutral sound profile, which is ideal for environments where noise levels need to be managed. In contrast, the Outemu Gold clicky switch presents a more tactile interaction, potentially aimed at users who prefer pronounced feedback and sound while typing. While the specific sound quality of the Gold switch is unclear, users will find that both switches deliver unique experiences tailored to different preferences—whether one seeks the serenity of the Orange Sea or the engagement of the Gold.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize smooth keystrokes and a lighter actuation force, opting for the Orange Sea would be ideal. Its 45-gram bottom-out force offers a more effortless typing experience, making it particularly well-suited for typing long documents, programming, or casual gaming where speed and fluidity are essential. The neutral sound signature of the Orange Sea further enhances its appeal for those in quieter environments or shared spaces. On the other hand, if you find satisfaction in tactile feedback and enjoy an audible click while typing, the Outemu Gold’s 60-gram bottom-out force might be more aligned with your needs. The Gold switch's medium resistance provides a more tactile experience, which is beneficial for tasks that require accuracy, such as coding or gaming where confirming key presses audibly is advantageous. Thus, your decision should reflect whether you favor smoothness and subtlety or tactile feedback and auditory cues in your keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

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Outemu Gold Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more