Haimu Orange Sea vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Purple offers unique experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Haimu Orange Sea, known for its impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, is a linear switch that appeals to gamers and typists who value swift keystrokes without tactile interruptions. In contrast, the Outemu Purple, a tactile switch, provides noticeable feedback with each keypress, making it a compelling choice for those who prefer a more engaging typing experience and desire to feel the actuation of their keys. While both switches come with their distinct advantages—smoothness and quietude for the Orange Sea and tactile responsiveness for the Purple—each caters to different user needs and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Purple both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, a choice that results in a similar auditory experience characterized by sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profiles. Polycarbonate's stiffer composition contributes to its ability to produce clear and resonant sounds, making it ideal for applications where sound clarity is paramount. The translucent nature of polycarbonate not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard, especially when RGB lighting is utilized, but also ensures that the light can shine through without distortion. Both switches leverage these acoustic and visual advantages, enabling users to enjoy a consistent sound quality when typing and an engaging visual effect when the keyboard is illuminated.
In contrast to their similar choice of material for the top housing, the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Purple feature nylon as the bottom housing material. Nylon contributes a fundamentally different sound characteristic; being a softer plastic, it absorbs sound waves more effectively than polycarbonate. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, giving the user a distinct auditory experience when bottoming out the keys. Since both switches share this nylon bottom housing, they inherit the rounded and muted sound produced by it, emphasizing a softer auditory impact during key presses which contrasts with the sharpness provided by the polycarbonate top.
When these switches are used together, the interplay between the top polycarbonate and the bottom nylon housing creates a nuanced sound profile that encapsulates the strengths of both materials. The overall typing experience is thus influenced equally by the properties of both housing types: the crisper sound from the polycarbonate top and the deeper tones from the nylon bottom. Consequently, while the Orange Sea and Outemu Purple exhibit unique characteristics due to their differing components, they provide a cohesive and enriched typing experience that balances clarity with warmth. Such design choices demonstrate the thoughtfulness behind producing high-performance keyboard switches, where users can enjoy the best sound and aesthetic qualities from both materials.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference in actuation force. The Orange Sea boasts a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, ideal for extended typing sessions at work or during long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Outemu Purple requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing. However, the bottom out force for the Outemu Purple is unavailable, making it difficult to compare their bottoming out characteristics directly. Nonetheless, with the Orange Sea bottoming out at 45 grams, it confirms its overall lighter touch compared to the Purple switch. Ultimately, if you're looking for a lighter typing experience, the Orange Sea is the better option, while those seeking a heavier feel may lean towards the Outemu Purple.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it is clear that the Orange Sea has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Purple switch measures 4 mm. This means that the Orange Sea provides a more responsive feel, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker keypresses. In contrast, the Purple switch, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, offers a more pronounced pressing experience that some users might find more satisfying and less abrupt. Thus, if responsiveness is your priority, the Orange Sea is the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a deeper keypress might prefer the Outemu Purple.
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 Purple 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 it comes to sound, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch is known for its neutral sound signature, which contributes to a quieter typing experience often favored in office or shared environments. This can be particularly appreciated by those who prefer a more subtle auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch does not have a specified sound profile, leaving potential users to consider that sound quality can vary widely depending on the board and keycaps chosen. Ultimately, users may find that both switches can yield similar results in terms of sound dampening, depending on the components involved in their keyboard setup.
Regarding feel, the Haimu Orange Sea stands out with its impeccably smooth typing experience, making it an attractive choice for those who prioritize a fluid keystroke in their typing sessions. This smoothness allows for rapid typing without any noticeable snagging, enhancing overall comfort during extended use. Conversely, the Outemu Purple switch does not have a specific tactile feel described, which may appeal to users who appreciate a less-defined tactile response or those who are simply exploring various keyboard experiences. Despite this, both switches could potentially offer satisfying results depending on personal preference.
In conclusion, the Haimu Orange Sea and Outemu Purple switches present unique characteristics that cater to different typing experiences. While the Orange Sea boasts a smooth feel and a neutral sound, the Purple's tactile attribute remains unspecified, leaving room for exploration. Users looking for a quieter, smooth typing experience might gravitate toward the Orange Sea, whereas those willing to experiment may be drawn to the unknown qualities of the Purple. Regardless of choice, the final experience will greatly depend on individual preferences and the specific keyboard setup used.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch will ultimately depend on your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you are seeking. If you appreciate a smooth typing experience with a light actuation force, the Orange Sea switches are an excellent option. They offer a fluid keypress that is especially appealing for fast typing or gaming, providing minimal resistance and a neutral sound profile that makes them discreet for shared environments. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that offers tactile feedback to enhance your typing experience, the Outemu Purple would be more suited to your needs. Tactile switches like the Purple can provide satisfying bumps at the actuation point, giving you more assurance with each keystroke—ideal for typists who enjoy a more pronounced feel and feedback. Ultimately, consider your typical usage scenarios; for gaming or rapid typing, go for the Haimu Orange Sea, while for writing or tasks where feedback is crucial, the Outemu Purple may be your better bet.
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