Haimu Orange Sea vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style, making the comparison between the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Tom particularly intriguing. The Haimu Orange Sea, classified as a linear switch, is celebrated for its impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, appealing to those who crave a fluid typing experience without any tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom, a tactile switch, offers a distinct feel with its noticeable bump that provides tactile feedback with each keystroke, which many typists find satisfying for both typing and gaming purposes. While the Orange Sea may attract those who prioritize silence and smoothness, the Tom may be more suitable for users who enjoy a bit of feedback to confirm their inputs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 Tom both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, leading to a consistent auditory experience when typing. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness which imparts a sharper, crisper sound profile, yielding a higher-pitched tone. This similarity in material choice means that both switches will likely exhibit a translucent quality, making them particularly suitable for RGB lighting setups. Consequently, users can expect a comparable sound clarity during key presses, as the characteristics intrinsic to polycarbonate amplify resonance and enhance light diffusion, ensuring an aesthetically pleasing lighting effect.
On the other hand, both the Orange Sea and the Tom feature nylon for their bottom housings, establishing a contrast with the polycarbonate top. Nylon is characterized by its softer nature, resulting in a fuller, deeper sound profile that absorbs some of the impact sounds caused by key presses. This correlation between the materials again means that the result will be similar in terms of auditory feedback; typing on both switches will produce a rounded sound that resonates pleasantly. Furthermore, the defining qualities of the nylon bottom housing will influence the overall typing experience, providing a sturdy base that softens the bottom-out sound and adds to the overall comfort during extended use.
In looking at the combined effect of using polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing in both models, one can deduce that the interaction of materials will play a pivotal role in shaping the tactile experience. While the top housing influences the sound made when keys are released, the nylon bottom housing focuses more on the sound and feel experienced when bottoming out. Given the alignment in material choices across both the Orange Sea and Outemu Tom, users can anticipate a well-balanced typing experience characterized by clarity from the polycarbonate and warmth from the nylon, ensuring a consistent performance regardless of the chosen switch.
Weight
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch present a notable contrast in actuation force, which can significantly impact user experience. The Orange Sea features a lightweight actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom-out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Tom switch has a much heavier actuation force of 55 grams, providing a firmer feel that can enhance the typing experience for users who enjoy a more substantial resistance. However, the bottom-out force for the Tom switch is not available, so we cannot make a direct comparison regarding that aspect. Overall, if you want a lighter switch for comfortable long-term use, the Haimu Orange Sea is the preferable choice, while the Outemu Tom is better for those seeking a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, the Haimu Orange Sea measures 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Tom has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference suggests that the Tom switch provides a quicker response time, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking fast actuation. In contrast, the greater travel distance of the Orange Sea may offer a more satisfying tactile experience for those who prefer a deeper feel when pressing keys. As such, while both switches cater to different preferences in typing experiences, the Orange Sea allows for a more pronounced depth, whereas the Tom emphasizes speed and quickness. Overall, if you’re aiming for a more responsive action, the Outemu Tom is the preferable choice, while the Haimu Orange Sea is better suited for those who enjoy a fuller keystroke.
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 Tom 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 switch is known for its neutral sound signature, which allows for a serene typing experience that doesn't stand out or produce unnecessary noise. The linear action results in a quiet operation, making it suitable for environments where discretion is appreciated. In contrast, the Outemu Tom switch, which lacks specific sound characteristics, presents an unknown sound quality, leaving it ambiguous in terms of auditory feedback. Sound profiles can vary depending on the keyboard and keycap choices used, but if you're looking for a more subdued typing experience, the Orange Sea is likely the better option.
In terms of feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switch is celebrated for its impeccably smooth typing sensation. This characteristic enhances the overall experience, allowing for seamless keystrokes without any tactile interruptions. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom switch does not have specified attributes regarding its tactile feel, making it difficult to gauge its performance objectively. The question of how it feels under the fingers remains unanswered, so those who enjoy distinctly tactile feedback may want to explore further.
In conclusion, the Haimu Orange Sea switch offers a well-rounded typing experience with its smooth feel and neutral sound, suitable for users who prioritize quietness and comfort. The Outemu Tom's attributes remain unclear, especially regarding sound and feel; therefore, it may not be ideal for someone specifically seeking a tactile response. Should you wish for a comparable typing experience between the two, opting for the Orange Sea will provide more predictable results, while the Tom may require more exploration to understand its qualities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, consider your typing and gaming preferences closely. If you prefer a smooth and light touch with an easily responsive actuation, the Haimu Orange Sea is an excellent choice, especially for fast-paced gaming or typing tasks where you want minimal resistance. Its neutral sound signature adds to the overall pleasant experience, making it suitable for environments where noise might be a concern. On the other hand, while the Tom switch may have characteristics that appeal to some, the lack of available details about its feel and sound makes it harder to evaluate. If you're leaning towards a tactile experience that gives you feedback when you press a key, consider looking for other tactile switches that offer specific characteristics. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference for either a smooth linear feel or the potential needs for tactile feedback, so choose accordingly based on what feels best for you.
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