Haimu Orange Sea vs. Outemu Red

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Red both offer linear options that cater to different preferences. The Haimu Orange Sea is celebrated for its impeccably smooth typing experience and a neutral sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a seamless feel without any auditory distractions. In contrast, while the Outemu Red lacks standout features boasting a strong reputation, it still provides a solid linear switch experience often favored by gamers for its quick actuation and consistent performance. Ultimately, while both switches offer linear characteristics that enhance typing and gaming, their unique qualities can make a significant difference in your overall experience. 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 Red Linear

$2.79 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Red switches share a remarkable similarity in their material composition, specifically with both utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing. This choice of material contributes to a sound profile characterized by its sharpness and clarity. Polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, is known for enhancing the resonance of the switch, which means users can expect a higher-pitched and crisper audio experience when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for RGB lighting applications, allowing light to pass through more effectively and create visually striking effects. Given that both switches rely on polycarbonate for their top housings, users can expect similarly vibrant and resonant sound profiles when engaging with either model.

On the other hand, both the Haimu Orange Sea and Outemu Red switches opt for nylon as their bottom housing material, which adds another layer of similarity to their overall construction. Nylon's softer plastic composition leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile, resulting in a typing experience that is distinct from that of harder materials. When pressed, the nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, providing a muted and rounded tonal quality. This crafting approach enables both switches to balance the clarity provided by the polycarbonate top with the warmth and depth that nylon brings to the base. Consequently, the two switches will deliver a well-rounded auditory experience while sharing structural characteristics.

Furthermore, the interaction between the two housing materials within each switch yields a nuanced typing experience. Because the top housing is made of polycarbonate, it influences the sound of key releases, producing a sharper and more resonant sound when the keys are lifted. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing primarily shapes the feel and sound upon bottoming out, contributing to a more subdued and fuller sensation. Therefore, while both the Haimu Orange Sea and Outemu Red switches share the same materials in both the top and bottom housings, their distinct contributions lead to an elegant blend of sharpness and depth within the pulling experience. Whether you opt for one switch over the other, the provided materials create consistent performance attributes based on their shared design philosophy.

Weight

When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch to the Outemu Red linear switch, there are notable 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 ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch, which can be beneficial for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Red has a heavier actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial push feel that some users may find preferable for typing. As such, those who enjoy a heavier switch might gravitate toward the Outemu Red. Overall, the Orange Sea is the lighter option, catering to those seeking a more effortless typing experience, while the Outemu Red offers more resistance for a firmer keystroke.

Travel distance

The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch have differing travel distances, with the Orange Sea measuring 3.6 mm and the Outemu Red at 4 mm. This indicates that the Orange Sea offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Red switch, which is more traditional in its 4 mm distance. For gamers or users who favor faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Orange Sea may be more appealing; however, those who appreciate a more substantial tactile feedback might prefer the depth provided by the Outemu Red. Thus, while both switches can cater to specific preferences, they offer distinctly different experiences in terms of travel distance, making the Orange Sea the more responsive option, and the Red switch the one that provides a more robust feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch offers a neutral sound signature, allowing for a clean and unobtrusive typing experience. This makes it suitable for both office environments and personal use, as it won't draw unnecessary attention when you’re typing. In contrast, the Outemu Red switch does not have a specific sound quality attributed to it, which may indicate it produces a standard linear sound profile. However, it's important to note that the sound of any switch can vary based on factors like the choice of keyboard plate and keycap material, so personal experimentation may yield different results.

When it comes to feel, the Haimu Orange Sea stands out for its impeccably smooth typing experience. This smoothness enhances comfort and increases typing speed, making it a favorable choice for prolonged usage. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Red switch is not specifically described, leaving it open to interpretation. However, both switches are linear, which typically means they do not provide a tactile bump, catering to users who prefer a consistent key press from top to bottom.

In conclusion, while the Haimu Orange Sea switch is noted for its smoothness and neutral sound profile, the Outemu Red switch's attributes remain less defined. Users choosing between these two switches can expect a generally smooth feel from both, but the Orange Sea provides a unique sound quality that may enhance the overall typing experience. Ultimately, trying both switches in person, if possible, will provide the best insight as individual preferences and keyboard combinations can significantly impact performance and satisfaction.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, you'll want to consider your personal preferences regarding actuation force, sound, and tactile feel. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a smooth typing experience, the Haimu Orange Sea is an excellent choice, especially for tasks that require extended typing sessions or fast-paced gaming, thanks to its bottom-out force of just 45 grams. The neutral sound signature of the Orange Sea makes it unobtrusive, allowing you to focus without distractions. Conversely, if you are someone who prefers a slightly firmer touch while typing or gaming, the Outemu Red might be more suitable for you with its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams. While the Red switch may not be well-known for specific characteristics, its dependable feel can provide a more robust typing experience that some users appreciate. Thus, the choice ultimately boils down to whether you favor a lighter, smoother feel with less audible feedback, or a more substantial resistance with a classic linear feel.

Mentioned in this article

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

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Outemu Red Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more