Haimu Orange Sea vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches can significantly impact both performance and comfort. The Haimu Orange Sea switches are celebrated for their impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a fluid and refined experience without any disruptive noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White switches offer a quieter typing experience, ideal for environments where sound can be a distraction, such as shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. While both switches are linear and provide a consistent keystroke feel, the Orange Sea stands out for its smoothness, whereas the Silent White prioritizes sound dampening. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Silent White switches, it is evident that both use polycarbonate for the top housing, which plays a crucial role in shaping their auditory characteristics. The polycarbonate material is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This quality leads to a clear and resonant audio experience when typing. Both switches benefit from this material's translucency, allowing for effective RGB lighting display, which is particularly compelling for users who seek visual aesthetics alongside functionality. Since both switches feature polycarbonate for their top housing, they are likely to deliver a similar sound experience during typing, enhancing the overall perception of audio clarity.
In contrast, the bottom housing material diverges for each switch, with both the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Silent White utilizing nylon. Nylon, characterized as a classic housing material, yields a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing, thanks to its softer nature compared to harder plastics. This softness contributes to sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience when using these switches. Even though the top housings of both switches create a crisp auditory layer, the nylon bottom housing’s characteristics allow for a more enriched sound quality at the bottom-out phase of each keystroke. Thus, the switches will present a balanced contrast between the bright clarity of the polycarbonate top and the warm depth of the nylon bottom.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials results in a distinctive typing experience for each switch, with the Haimu Orange Sea and Outemu Silent White exhibiting traits derived from their individual materials. While both switches share the polycarbonate top, contributing a similar acoustic property, the differing nylon bottom housing imparts unique sound dynamics to each switch. The way the sound profile is articulated will depend on the interaction between the two materials: the polycarbonate's sharp resonance will contrast with nylon's full-bodied absorption. Therefore, even with a common element in the top housing, these switches will still feel and sound distinct due to the differentiation provided by their bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Silent White linear switches, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Orange Sea switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a great option for those who prefer less resistance during typing or gaming, allowing for extended use without fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White switch features a medium actuation force of 45 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for users who enjoy a stronger push feel. Consequently, if you're looking for a lighter switch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Haimu Orange Sea would be the preferred choice, while the Outemu Silent White caters to those who appreciate a firmer keystroke. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight distinct user preferences for weight and feel when choosing between these two switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, there is a noticeable difference: the Orange Sea features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent White measures at 3.3 mm. This means that the Orange Sea switch has a longer travel distance, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer a deeper keystroke and a more traditional typing experience. Conversely, the Silent White's shorter travel distance may offer quicker responsiveness, catering to gamers or those who favor rapid keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding feel and responsiveness; those seeking a more pronounced travel might lean towards the Orange Sea, while those prioritizing speed may opt for the Silent White.
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 White 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 is known for its neutral sound signature, allowing it to provide a relatively quiet typing experience without any pronounced audible feedback. This characteristic makes it quite versatile for different environments, whether at home, in an office, or during gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White switch's sound qualities remain unspecified, which could suggest a more ambiguous auditory profile—but it's essential to note that the overall sound can still be influenced by the specific keyboard build and keycap material used, which could lead to a quieter or more resonant experience.
When it comes to the tactile feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switch is noted for its impeccably smooth typing sensation, creating an effortless glide as you press down on the keys. This smoothness can enhance typing speed and accuracy, making it appealing for those who spend long hours working or gaming. Unfortunately, the feel of the Outemu Silent White switch is not described, leaving an unknown for how it compares in terms of smoothness or tactile feedback. For users seeking a seamless experience, the Orange Sea stands clearly in that regard.
In summary, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch offers a well-rounded and enjoyable typing experience with its smooth action and neutral sound, suitable for a wide variety of uses. The Silent White switch, while lacking specific details, could still meet similar needs depending on its construction. Ultimately, if you choose the Orange Sea, you can expect a solid performance, whereas the Silent White's qualities remain to be determined.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, consider your specific typing preferences and environment. If you value a light switch with a smooth feel and a neutral sound character, the Haimu Orange Sea is an excellent choice, particularly for long typing sessions or gaming, where rapid key presses are essential. Its lower actuation force of 45 grams allows for quick and effortless keystrokes, making it perfect if you prefer a softer touch or if you’re prone to fatigue while typing. In contrast, if you desire a bit more resistance and prefer a more substantial feel while typing, the Outemu Silent White, with its medium force of 60 grams, would suit you better. This switch provides a more pronounced feedback, making it easier for touch typists who rely on muscle memory. Moreover, if you need to maintain a quieter workspace, the Silent White’s design is focused on minimizing sound without sacrificing performance. Ultimately, your decision will depend on whether you lean towards a lighter, smoother experience or a more substantial, controlled feel, and whether sound dampening is a priority for your typing or gaming setup.
Mentioned in this article
