Haimu Orange Sea vs. Outemu Lotus

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Lotus can significantly influence your typing experience. The Haimu Orange Sea switches are celebrated for their impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, making them a solid choice for users who prioritize a clean and seamless keypress without auditory distractions. In contrast, while the Outemu Lotus may not have a distinct reputation, it offers its own benefits that cater to those seeking a reliable and consistent linear switch experience. Both switches share the smooth actuation and quiet operation typical of linear switches, appealing to gamers and typists alike. 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 Lotus Linear

$2.79 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Lotus, we observe a clear distinction in their choice of materials for the top housing. The Orange Sea's top housing is crafted from polycarbonate, renowned for its stiffness and translucency, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced, particularly valuable when RGB lighting is incorporated, as the clear housing allows for vivid illumination. In contrast, the Outemu Lotus utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material celebrated for its softer properties that absorb sound. This absorption leads to a deeper and rounder sound profile, which contrasts sharply with the crispness associated with polycarbonate. Thus, while both housings serve the fundamental purpose of encasing the switch mechanism, they produce distinctly different auditory experiences: the Orange Sea emphasizes brightness, while the Lotus delivers a fuller sound.

The bottom housing of both the Orange Sea and Lotus switches, however, shares a commonality as both utilize nylon as their chosen material. Nylon's inherent characteristics contribute to a deeper, richer sound profile by absorbing sound waves, leading to a duller and more rounded sound. Since both switches rely on nylon for their bottom housings, their performance in this aspect is closely aligned. This similarity suggests that any distinct auditory differences between the two switches will largely emanate from the contrasting materials used in their top housings. Consequently, the overall sound experience from typing on these switches will be influenced not only by the bottom housing qualities but also significantly by the attributes imparted by each switch’s unique top housing material.

In synthesizing the sound profiles of the two switches, it becomes evident that the combination of their respective top and bottom housing materials creates unique auditory experiences. The Haimu Orange Sea, with its polycarbonate top, will tend to resonate more brightly on release, while the nylon bottom ensures a rich, full sound when the key bottoms out. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus embraces a strategy of sound absorption, resulting in a deeper auditory signature due to its use of nylon for both top and bottom housings. In essence, while the switches may share some characteristics due to their bottom housing materials, the contrasting top housing materials result in comprehensive differences that define the user experience. Therefore, even with a consistent bottom housing, the Orange Sea and Lotus switches offer distinct profiles, highlighting how the interplay between materials can significantly influence the final sound output.

Weight

When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, both exhibit relatively light actuation forces, with the Orange Sea at 37 grams and the Lotus slightly lower at 35 grams. This makes them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, particularly for users who prefer lighter switches for less strain on their fingers. However, the bottom out forces differ; the Orange Sea has a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Lotus is slightly heavier at 50 grams. This means that while both switches provide a comfortable actuation experience, the Lotus offers a more substantial bottoming out feel due to its higher force, which could appeal to those who prefer a firmer tactile experience. Overall, the Orange Sea is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, while the Lotus provides a heavier feel at the bottom.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, the Orange Sea has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lotus has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This indicates that the Orange Sea offers a deeper key press experience, which some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Lotus may be more appealing to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more responsive feel during fast-paced gameplay. Therefore, for those who prefer a more pronounced keypress, the Orange Sea would be the better choice, whereas those who value rapid actuation might lean towards the Outemu Lotus.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch offers a neutral sound signature that allows for a more understated typing experience. It produces minimal noise during operation, making it an excellent option for quiet environments or for those who prefer a more subtle auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the Outemu Lotus linear switch does not have a defined sound characteristic, which leaves some uncertainty about its auditory qualities. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound experience can be significantly influenced by additional factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycap material used.

In terms of feel, the Haimu Orange Sea is renowned for its impeccably smooth typing sensation. This feature aims to deliver a seamless and satisfying experience during use, allowing for quick and precise keystrokes. Conversely, the feel of the Outemu Lotus remains unspecified, so it’s difficult to draw direct comparisons in terms of tactile feedback. Nevertheless, it’s common for linear switches to possess a smoother feel compared to tactile or clicky switches, which could imply a more consistent typing experience with the Lotus as well.

Overall, while the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch stands out for its neutra sound and exceptionally smooth feel, the Outemu Lotus lacks specificity in sound and feel characteristics. If you're seeking an understated auditory experience and smooth keystrokes, the Orange Sea is a reliable choice. On the other hand, if the qualities of the Lotus were to align more closely with those of the Orange Sea in terms of sound and feel, you might achieve a similarly pleasant typing experience. Ultimately, personal preference and the specific setup will play essential roles in determining which switch might work best for you.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, you should consider your typing and gaming preferences. If you prioritize a lightweight feel and prefer a switch that offers a remarkably smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the Haimu Orange Sea is an excellent choice. Its bottom-out force of 45 grams means you can type for extended periods without experiencing fatigue, making it ideal for both casual and long sessions of typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer tactile experience with a bottom-out force of 50 grams, the Outemu Lotus may better suit your needs, offering reliable performance without the extensive characteristics of smoother switches. While the Lotus does not have standout features in terms of sound or feel, its consistency can be appreciated by those who like a straightforward typing experience. Ultimately, your decision will depend on whether you value the smoother, lighter touch of the Orange Sea or the more deliberate response of the Lotus, ensuring you choose the switch that best aligns with your specific preferences and typing habits.

Mentioned in this article

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

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Outemu Lotus Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more