Haimu Orange Sea vs. Outemu Silver

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Orange Sea and Outemu Silver both offer linear experiences, yet they provide distinctive characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Haimu Orange Sea switches are celebrated for their impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, making them an excellent choice for users who prioritize a quiet and seamless typing experience. In contrast, while the Outemu Silver switches do not have a specific standout feature, they are appreciated for their reliable performance and responsiveness, which can enhance gaming experiences. Ultimately, depending on your priorities—whether it's a beautifully smooth feel or dependable performance—the choice between the Haimu Orange Sea and Outemu Silver switches can significantly impact your typing or gaming 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 Silver Linear

$2.79 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Haimu Orange Sea and Outemu Silver switches share notable similarities in their material composition, particularly in their top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which delivers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely a result of polycarbonate's inherent stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for switches designed to accommodate RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant illumination effects. Therefore, users can expect similar auditory responses and aesthetic enhancements when using either switch, given that the polycarbonate top housing reinforces the sound profile in virtually identical ways.

In terms of the bottom housing, both the Orange Sea and Silver models are constructed from nylon. This material selection leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile while typing, attributable to nylon's softer plastic properties, which absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. The result is a sound that feels more rounded and rich, offering a distinct tactile experience. As both switches feature nylon for their bottom housing, users will enjoy a consistent performance regarding the sensation and auditory feedback during use. The compatibility of nylon between the two models further emphasizes their effectiveness in providing a cohesive typing experience.

Despite the similarities in housing materials, the combined characteristics of each switch ultimately influence how they perform. The dual-material approach, where polycarbonate is featured in the top housing and nylon in the bottom, means that sound and tactile feedback will differ based on the action performed. While both switches yield comparable sound clarity from their polycarbonate tops, the pure output and impact are influenced by the nylon's role in the bottom housing, enhancing the subjective experience for the user. Consequently, depending on whether you are pressing down or releasing a key, the signature qualities of each material will be distinctly apparent, demonstrating how even similar materials can deliver a unique user experience when combined thoughtfully.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, distinct differences emerge that cater to varied typing preferences. The Orange Sea boasts an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. In contrast, the Silver switch features a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, positioning it in the medium-heavy range. This distinction indicates that the Orange Sea is better suited for users who prefer lighter switches, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier Outemu Silver switch offers a more substantial push feel, appealing to those who appreciate a stronger typing experience. Therefore, while both switches serve distinct user needs, the Orange Sea is the lighter option preferred for prolonged use, while the Silver switch provides more resistance for a robust tactile feedback.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, we find distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Haimu Orange Sea features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Outemu Silver, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that for users seeking responsiveness and quicker actuation, the Orange Sea switch may offer a more favorable experience. On the other hand, those who prefer a more traditional and hearty feel in their key presses might gravitate towards the Outemu Silver switch, with its longer 4 mm travel distance. Thus, if you value speed and rapid response times, the Haimu Orange Sea would be the better choice, while the Outemu Silver caters to those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch boasts a neutral sound signature, which results in a pleasantly undistracting typing experience. This quality is ideal for users who prefer a quieter environment, allowing for focused work or gaming sessions without unwanted noise. The Outemu Silver linear switch, however, lacks specific details or descriptors regarding its sound characteristics. It's worth noting that the overall sound a switch produces can vary significantly based on factors such as the keyboard build and the keycap materials used, so users might experience different results in practice.

When it comes to feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are renowned for their impeccably smooth typing experience. This smoothness contributes to a seamless and enjoyable tactile interaction with the keyboard, making it an appealing choice for typists and gamers alike. Conversely, there is no available information on the feel of the Outemu Silver switches. Therefore, it’s challenging to directly compare the two in this regard, leaving uncertainty about how they might perform in terms of tactile response and feedback.

Overall, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch stands out primarily for its smooth feel and neutral sound, making it a solid choice for those seeking comfort and noise control. In contrast, the Outemu Silver’s qualities remain unknown, which may leave potential users pondering its performance. For those who prioritize a smooth typing experience with minimal sound, the Orange Sea is certainly the more advantageous option.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, your personal preferences and typing style play a crucial role. If you favor a lighter switch that delivers an impeccably smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the Haimu Orange Sea is an excellent choice. Its 45-gram bottom out force makes it ideal for extended typing sessions where comfort is a priority, and it's perfect for users who enjoy rapid key presses and a more responsive feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a firmer resistance and a more deliberate typing experience, the Outemu Silver with its 65-gram bottom out force is likely to suit you better. Although it lacks distinctive features, its medium-heavy feel can provide satisfying tactile feedback, especially for those who enjoy gaming or require more force behind each keystroke. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to whether you lean towards a lighter, smoother typing experience or a firmer, more robust one.

Mentioned in this article

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silver Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more