Haimu Orange Sea vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Silent Grey, each offering a distinct typing experience. The Haimu Orange Sea is celebrated for its impeccably smooth feel and neutral sound signature, making it a fantastic choice for those who prioritize a fluid typing motion and minimal audio distraction. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey switches provide a tactile typing experience, characterized by a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, catering to users who appreciate a satisfying tactile feedback without the typical noise associated with more traditional switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference: whether one values the stealthy smoothness of a linear switch like the Orange Sea or the quiet tactile response of the Outemu Silent Grey. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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 Outemu Silent Grey switches share a common characteristic in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, which significantly influences their acoustic profiles. Both utilize polycarbonate, a material known for its stiffness, resulting in a higher-pitched and crisper sound when typing. This inherent quality allows for a clear and resonant auditory experience, particularly notable when the switches are lit up with RGB lighting due to the translucency of the polycarbonate. As such, users of both switches can expect a highly responsive and sharp sound feedback during their typing experience, enhancing the overall interaction with the keyboard.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both the Orange Sea and Silent Grey switches adopts nylon, a classic choice in switch construction. Nylon is softer compared to polycarbonate, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The properties of nylon enable it to absorb more sound, resulting in a sound that is perceived as duller and rounder compared to that produced by the polycarbonate top. Consequently, while the top parts of the switches contribute to the sharpness of the sound upon release, the softer nylon bottom enhances the experience when the key is pressed down, providing a satisfying tactile feedback that resonates differently from that of polycarbonate.
When considering the combined impact of these materials on the overall switch performance, users will find that the interaction between the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom creates a unique auditory and tactile experience. The crispness from the polycarbonate tops complements the fullness provided by the nylon bottoms, illustrating how both switches utilize their material properties to achieve a balanced sound profile. While the individual qualities of each material play a crucial role, it is the synergy of the two that produces a comprehensive and engaging typing experience, allowing users to appreciate the blend of clarity and depth that both the Haimu Orange Sea and Outemu Silent Grey offer.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Orange Sea has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially beneficial during long typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Silent Grey features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial feel and tactile feedback while typing. As a result, the Orange Sea switch is better suited for those looking for lightweight options, while the Silent Grey provides a medium-heavy resistance that some may find more satisfying for a sturdier typing experience. Overall, these differences highlight the importance of personal preference when selecting a keyboard switch.
Travel distance
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference suggests that the Orange Sea switch may provide a quicker response time, making it better suited for gamers who favor shorter distances for enhanced speed and responsiveness. In contrast, the Silent Grey's 4 mm travel distance offers a more substantial feel, which some users may prefer for a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches depends on individual preferences for either a shorter, more responsive action or a longer, more tactile depth in the key press.
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 Silent Grey 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
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch provides a neutral sound signature, contributing to a more subdued acoustic environment while typing. This makes it an attractive option for those who prefer a quieter workspace without the clicking noise often associated with tactile and clicky switches. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is designed to offer a quiet typing experience with a distinctive tactile bump. Its sound profile is notably muted, allowing for a satisfying yet discreet environment ideal for both office settings and home use. Both switches tend to excel in creating a serene typing atmosphere, making them suitable for various preferences depending on the user’s needs.
When it comes to feel, the Haimu Orange Sea is celebrated for its impeccably smooth keystroke, allowing for seamless and effortless typing. This linear switch provides a consistent resistance throughout the press without any tactile feedback, making it ideal for rapid typists and gamers alike who want to avoid any interruption in their motion. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch stands out with its pronounced bump at the actuation point. This tactile feedback not only enhances the typing experience by providing clear confirmation upon keypress but also maintains a smooth keystroke throughout, striking a balance between tactile satisfaction and quiet operation. While both switches deliver their unique typing experiences, the choice ultimately rests on whether one prefers a smooth linear feel or the engaging bump of a tactile switch.
In summary, both the Haimu Orange Sea and Outemu Silent Grey switches cater to distinct preferences in the mechanical keyboard realm. The Orange Sea offers a smooth, linear typing experience paired with a neutral sound, making it great for those who favor fluidity and a quieter ambiance. On the other hand, the Silent Grey provides a tactile feedback sensation that many find rewarding while still retaining a low noise level. Depending on whether you prioritize a buttery-smooth type feel or a tactile response, either switch can meet your expectations for a pleasant typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch hinges on your personal preferences regarding typing feel, sound, and the force required to actuate each switch. If you appreciate a lightweight feel and prioritize smoothness in your keystrokes, the Haimu Orange Sea, with its 45-gram actuation force, would be a suitable choice. It's ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming, where you prefer a quieter environment but still want that fluid, uninterrupted experience. On the other hand, if you value tactile feedback and don't mind a bit more resistance—given the 65-gram bottom out force of the Silent Grey—you might find these switches more satisfying. The pronounced tactile bump provides a clear indication that the key has been actuated, making it great for typists who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience. Additionally, the Silent Grey's quieter operation makes it a perfect fit for shared workspaces or for late-night typing sessions when noise is a concern. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your own typing style and environment; whether you lean towards the smooth and light feel of the Orange Sea or the tactile and robust engagement of the Silent Grey, both switches offer unique benefits to enhance your keyboard experience.
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