Haimu Orange Sea vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Spring Breeze offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Haimu Orange Sea, known for its impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, excels as a linear switch, making it an ideal choice for typists who crave a seamless, uninterrupted keystroke without the added noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze brings a clicky sensation to the table, delivering tactile feedback that many gamers and enthusiasts appreciate for its responsiveness and auditory confirmation with each press. While the Orange Sea is perfect for those seeking a quieter, more fluid typing experience, the Spring Breeze is tailored for users who enjoy a pronounced clicking sound that enhances their engagement. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Spring Breeze, the key difference lies in the composition of their top housings. The Orange Sea features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its superior rigidity and clarity. This material contributes to a sharper, more crisp sound profile that enhances the auditory experience, particularly for those who enjoy RGB lighting, as polycarbonate is inherently translucent. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze employs a nylon top housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper, rounder sound profile. This fundamental difference in top housing material significantly influences the overall acoustic characteristics of the switches.
On the other hand, both the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Spring Breeze utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This shared feature means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile upon actuation due to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. In terms of texture and noise dampening, this similarity leads to parallel experiences when typing and bottoming out on either model. The nylon bottom housing enhances the control over sound produced during key presses, which can create a more pleasant and muted typing experience when compared to switches with harder bottom housings.
Despite the differences in top housing materials—polycarbonate in the Orange Sea and nylon in the Spring Breeze—the shared nylon bottom housing results in similar acoustic outcomes during key actuation. The interaction of the two materials in each switch influences the overall sound and feel: the polycarbonate top of the Orange Sea sharpens the release sound, whereas the nylon top of the Spring Breeze provides a warmer, fuller tone. Typists will find that while the bottoming out experience of each switch is consistent due to the nylon bottom housing, the release characteristics will be distinct, enhancing the personal preference factor in choosing between the two.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. 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 softer touch that allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Spring Breeze has a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile feel that some users may appreciate. Therefore, if you prefer a lighter switch for longer use, the Orange Sea is the better option, while those who enjoy a firmer push should opt for the heavier Spring Breeze. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal typing preferences and intended usage.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it's clear that they differ notably. The Orange Sea has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Spring Breeze measures 4.0 mm. This makes the Haimu Orange Sea the shorter option, which may appeal more to gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter distances typically facilitate faster key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze, with its longer travel distance, might be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel under their fingers, offering a greater sense of depth with each keystroke. So, for users who value a more immediate typing experience, the Orange Sea switch would likely be the preferred choice, whereas those favoring a fuller keystroke experience might lean towards the Spring Breeze.
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 Spring Breeze 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 features a neutral sound signature that allows for a subdued typing experience, which can be preferable for users who appreciate a quiet environment. This makes it an excellent choice for office settings or shared spaces where noise could be a concern. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch does not have a specific sound description, but generally, clicky switches are known for their distinctive auditory feedback during key presses. This clicky sound can be satisfying to some users and adds a level of auditory engagement that the Orange Sea does not provide. It is important to remember that the sound produced by each switch can also hinge on other components, such as the keyboard frame and keycap materials.
When it comes to feel, the Haimu Orange Sea is renowned for its impeccably smooth typing experience, providing a pleasant and fluid keypress that many linear switch enthusiasts favor. This smoothness can lead to less fatigue during long typing sessions, making it ideal for both gaming and productivity. Conversely, the Outemu Spring Breeze, while it lacks a detailed description of its feel, is associated with the tactile feedback characteristic of clicky switches, which typically offers both a noticeable bump at actuation and an audible click. For users who enjoy that tactile sensation, the Spring Breeze may provide a more engaging feel than the smooth, uninterrupted action of the Orange Sea.
In conclusion, while the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch presents a smooth and neutral typing experience suited for quieter environments, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch offers the more tactile and audible feedback that can enhance engagement for users who appreciate a clicky experience. The choice between these switches ultimately depends on personal preferences regarding sound and feel; those who prefer quiet and smooth typing will likely favor the Orange Sea, while those who enjoy tactile feedback will lean towards the Spring Breeze.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch largely depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a smooth typing experience with a light actuation force, the Orange Sea switch is an excellent choice. Its 45-gram bottom out force allows for quick typing and gaming without the fatigue that can come with heavier switches. This makes it ideal for typists who prioritize speed and a fluid feel, particularly in fast-paced gaming or when you spend long hours typing. On the other hand, if you enjoy the tactile feedback of a clicky switch, the Spring Breeze with its 55-gram bottom out force may better suit your needs. While it doesn’t have standout characteristics like a smooth feel or sound signature, the moderate resistance can provide a satisfying feedback experience that some users prefer for precise typing and gaming. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize smoothness and lighter keystrokes or a clicky tactile response and a bit more resistance.
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