Haimu Orange Sea vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, the Haimu Orange Sea and Durock Piano switches present two compelling options, each offering a unique typing experience. The Haimu Orange Sea is celebrated for its impeccably smooth feel and neutral sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a straightforward typing experience without distractions. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switches stand out due to their proprietary material blend, delivering a gliding push feel complemented by a deep, creamy sound signature, perfect for users who appreciate a richer auditory feedback and silky keystroke. While both switches excel in delivering a linear feel, their distinct characteristics cater to different typing preferences and environments. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Haimu Orange Sea and the Durock Piano switches showcase a distinctive contrast in their sound profiles due to the different materials used in their constructions. The Orange Sea employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer makeup, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and more resonant sound. This is particularly beneficial for users who enjoy a crisper audio experience, especially when RGB lighting is involved. On the other hand, the Durock Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend for its top housing. While the specific characteristics of this blend remain undisclosed, it is designed to deliver a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile, which contrasts with the clarity of the Orange Sea's polycarbonate.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, we see a further divergence in material attributes. The Haimu Orange Sea features a nylon bottom housing, which is renowned for its ability to absorb sound, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder materials. This results in a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Durock Piano also employs a proprietary POM blend in its bottom housing. Although the exact specifications of this blend are similarly ambiguous, it promises a deep and satisfying sound profile, echoing the bottom-out experience users can expect. The Nylon in the Orange Sea's bottom housing contrasts with the Piano's POM blend in that it emphasizes a fuller tone rather than merely deep audio.
In terms of overall sound performance, both switches achieve similar outcomes through the interplay of their respective housing materials. While the Haimu Orange Sea draws on the clarity of polycarbonate and the absorption qualities of nylon, the Durock Piano relies on its POM blend throughout both the top and bottom housing pieces. The Orange Sea’s distinct sound characteristics arise from the clarity of the polycarbonate topped off by the absorbing nature of the nylon, ensuring a specific sound experience. Meanwhile, the Durock Piano, through its consistently deep POM blend in both top and bottom housings, would deliver a different but equally satisfying feel and sound, highlighting the importance of material choice in keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Orange Sea features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a gentler touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Durock Piano has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, although its actuation force remains unspecified. This ambiguity means we cannot directly compare the actuation forces of the two switches. However, we can definitively state that the Orange Sea is the lighter option, appealing to those who favor a less strenuous keypress, while the Durock Piano, with its heavier bottom out force, provides a more substantial typing feel for users who appreciate a stronger push during use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Haimu Orange Sea has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Piano features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Orange Sea offers a shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking faster response times, as it allows for quicker key presses. In contrast, the Durock Piano's longer travel distance provides a more pronounced tactile feel that some users might prefer for a more hearty typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth, as the Orange Sea suits those who seek quicker actuation, whereas the Piano caters to those who enjoy a more traditional feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
The Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 per 10 switches.
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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Haimu Orange Sea switch and the Durock Piano switch, the Orange Sea presents a neutral sound signature, which allows for a more subdued typing experience. This neutrality can make the switch feel versatile and appropriate for various environments, including quieter settings. In contrast, the Durock Piano switches possess a deep, creamy sound signature that leans towards a bassy profile. This richer sound can add a satisfying auditory feedback with lower frequency tones during keystrokes, enhancing the overall typing experience with an enjoyable resonance. The exact sound experience can vary depending on other factors like your keyboard build and keycap choice, but the fundamental characteristics present in each switch create distinct auditory environments.
In terms of feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switch is known for its impeccably smooth typing feel, making it a delight for users who prioritize fluidity when typing. This smoothness suggests a consistent and enjoyable experience across the keypress. The Durock Piano switch, however, takes this fluidity to another level with a frictionless and silky feel. The frictionless aspect minimizes any resistance while typing, ensuring an effortless experience, while the silky texture further enhances the smoothness, making for an exceptionally enjoyable typing sensation. Although both switches provide a remarkable typing feel, the Piano switch stands out for its unique blend of characteristics that aim for a more luxurious experience.
In conclusion, both the Haimu Orange Sea and Durock Piano switches offer distinct advantages in terms of sound and feel. While the Orange Sea provides a neutral sound and smooth typing experience, the Piano distinguishes itself with its bassy sound profile and frictionless, silky feel. Each switch caters to different preferences, meaning that users seeking a versatile and quieter typing experience may lean towards the Orange Sea, whereas those who prioritize a richer sound and an ultra-smooth feel might find the Durock Piano more appealing. Ultimately, the right choice depends on individual typing preferences and the ambiance one seeks in their mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch with a smooth, neutral feel and are looking for a typing experience that minimizes fatigue during extended use, the Haimu Orange Sea is an excellent choice. Its 45-gram bottom out force makes it particularly suitable for fast-paced typing or gaming where rapid key presses are essential. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more substantial feel and a richer sound signature, the Durock Piano with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams may be the way to go. Its creamy, bassy sound profile and frictionless, silky travel provide a luxurious typing experience that many enthusiasts find satisfying. Therefore, consider how you want your keyboard to feel and sound, as well as the activities you’ll be using it for, in order to make the best choice for your needs.
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