Haimu Orange Sea vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Silent Ocean stand out as reliable options for enthusiasts seeking a smooth and quiet typing experience. The Haimu Orange Sea switches are celebrated for their impeccably smooth feel and neutral sound signature, making them an excellent choice for those who prioritize a tactile and seamless typing experience without the distraction of noise. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean switches offer a focus on enhanced acoustic dampening, ideal for users who prefer a quieter environment, whether for gaming or office use. While both switches fall within the linear category, their unique characteristics cater to different user preferences and needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
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
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 Silent Ocean both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to remarkably similar acoustic properties. Polycarbonate as a material is known for imparting a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This quality arises from its relatively stiff nature, which allows for a clearer and more resonant sound when keys are pressed. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate serves a functional aesthetic purpose in both models, enhancing the visual effect of RGB lighting by allowing light to diffuse effectively through the housing. As both switches share this key material, users can expect a similar auditory experience characterized by crisp and clear sound when engaging with these switches.
On the other hand, when examining the bottom housing of the two switches, both the Orange Sea and the Silent Ocean utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material is recognized for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, largely because it is softer than polycarbonate. Nylon's sound-absorbing qualities result in a duller and rounder sound, providing a contrasting acoustic experience to that offered by the polycarbonate top. Since both models incorporate nylon for their bottom housings, users can anticipate a consistent and pleasant typing experience featuring a rich sound signature, regardless of the brand.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms in both the Haimu Orange Sea and Outemu Silent Ocean ensures a balanced sound profile. When typing, the impact of the bottom housing is felt more significantly, contributing to a rounded bottom-out sound. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound upon releasing the keys, enhancing the overall auditory experience. Therefore, even though the switches are from different brands, their similar material compositions lead to comparable results in sound clarity and depth, providing users with an enjoyable and distinctive typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch with the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Orange Sea boasts a light actuation force of 37 grams, culminating in a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions where comfort is prioritized. In contrast, the Silent Ocean features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams alongside a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, which caters to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the Outemu Silent Ocean is the heavier option, while the Haimu Orange Sea is the lighter switch. This variance means that users seeking a light switch for prolonged use might lean towards the Orange Sea, while those desiring a firmer feel might opt for the Silent Ocean. While both switches exhibit distinct force characteristics, each caters to different user preferences in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, there is a notable difference: the Orange Sea has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Ocean measures 4 mm. This means the Silent Ocean offers a longer travel distance, providing a more substantial press that might appeal to users who prefer a deeper feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Orange Sea could favor gamers seeking quicker response times and more immediate key activation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Orange Sea catering to those who favor responsiveness and the Silent Ocean appealing to those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes.
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 Ocean 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
In terms of sound, the Haimu Orange Sea switch is characterized by its neutral sound signature, offering a subtle, unobtrusive auditory experience. It allows for a certain degree of enjoyment without being overly distracting, making it a suitable choice for environments where concentration is key. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch is designed with silent operation in mind, which typically means it produces very minimal sound during key presses and releases. While the specifics of its sound aren’t detailed, this type of switch focuses on reducing auditory disturbances, making it an excellent option for quiet workspaces or shared environments. Keep in mind that the final sound experience is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard frame and the type of keycaps used.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Haimu Orange Sea offers an impeccably smooth typing experience, which enhances comfort and reduces fatigue during long typing sessions. This smoothness can make the switch feel more responsive and enjoyable for fast typists. The feel of the Outemu Silent Ocean is not detailed, but generally, silent switches prioritize a smooth action as well, making typing feel effortless and fluid. Both switches aim for a pleasant tactile experience, though the specifics might vary due to design intentions.
Overall, both the Haimu Orange Sea and Outemu Silent Ocean switches cater well to users who appreciate smooth linear action, but they diverge in sound profile. The Orange Sea allows for a neutral auditory backdrop, while the Silent Ocean seeks to minimize sound altogether. For users who value a serene typing environment without sacrificing the smooth feel of a linear switch, the Silent Ocean would be an excellent choice. Meanwhile, those who enjoy the peace of mind of a neutral sound signature can take advantage of the Orange Sea's benefits. Ultimately, both switches promise a great experience for linear switch enthusiasts in their own unique ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a lighter actuation force and an exceptionally smooth feel, the Orange Sea switch is likely the better option for you. Its 45-gram bottom-out force allows for effortless typing sessions, making it particularly suitable for users who spend long hours writing or gaming and prefer a quicker response with minimal fatigue. Its neutral sound signature adds to the appeal, providing a pleasant experience without being overly noisy. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial keypress with a medium-heavy 65-gram bottom-out force that offers more feedback as you type, the Silent Ocean switch may be the right choice. While it doesn’t have specific standout features, it may serve well in a quieter environment due to its dampened sound, making it an ideal option for office settings or shared spaces. In the end, your decision should be influenced by how you intend to use your keyboard and the tactile experience you seek.