Haimu Orange Sea vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Haimu Orange Sea and the SP-Star Polaris Purple offers a unique exploration of typing experiences. The Haimu Orange Sea switches are celebrated for their impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, making them an excellent choice for those who prioritize a fluid and quiet key press—ideal for long typing sessions or a more minimalist work environment. In contrast, the Polaris Purple switches garner attention for their pronounced tactile bump, delivering an exhilarating tactile feedback that can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction. With a snappy sound profile, they cater to users who enjoy a more interactive typing experience. Each switch has its merits—whether you desire the seamless glide of the Orange Sea or the feedback-focused engagement of the Polaris Purple. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Haimu Orange Sea and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, distinguishing them with a sound profile characterized by sharpness, clarity, and resonance. This shared material means that both switches offer a high-pitched and crisp auditory experience, appealing to users who prioritize precision in their keystrokes. The polycarbonate's stiffness is essential in creating a clear sound, and its translucency enhances RGB lighting effects, making these switches visually appealing in gaming setups or creative spaces. Thus, users can expect similar results in sound clarity and aesthetic enhancement from both switches due to this common housing material.
However, a significant contrast arises in the bottom housing materials. The Haimu Orange Sea utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which brings a different auditory quality to the overall switch performance. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the sharper qualities of polycarbonate. This difference means that while both switches share a vibrant top-end sound due to their polycarbonate tops, the Orange Sea will provide a rounder and more muted bass response from its nylon bottom. Users choosing the Orange Sea can anticipate a more pronounced and softer overall auditory experience compared to the Polaris Purple, which maintains a consistent sound profile across both housings.
When pressing the switches, the impact of the bottom housing becomes particularly significant. The nylon bottom of the Orange Sea will influence the bottom-out feel and sound, creating a satisfying thud that contrasts with the sharper click produced by the Polaris Purple’s all-polycarbonate construction. As a result, users will experience varying characteristics from the two switches: the Orange Sea provides a balance of clarity and depth, while the Polaris Purple emphasizes crispness and brightness throughout. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will boil down to personal preference regarding sound dynamics and typing sensations, as the differing bottom housing materials contribute uniquely to their overall performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Orange Sea features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Polaris Purple's actuation force is unknown, but it has a significantly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, while the Orange Sea is lighter overall, offering ease of use for long durations, the Polaris Purple caters to users who prefer a firmer push, aligning with their preferences for a more tactile response. Ultimately, this distinction highlights that the Orange Sea is geared towards ease and comfort, while the Polaris Purple supports a more forceful and traditional typing feel.
Travel distance
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance means that the Orange Sea switch offers a slightly shorter and potentially more responsive feel, which can be advantageous for gamers looking for quicker key activations. In contrast, the Polaris Purple switch, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback, appealing to those who value the sensation of depth when pressing a key. Ultimately, if you prefer a more responsive experience, the Haimu Orange Sea switch would be the better choice, while the Polaris Purple caters to those who appreciate a deeper, more tactile engagement.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Polaris Purple has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Purple for $5.00.
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 it comes to sound, the Haimu Orange Sea switches boast a neutral sound signature that strikes a balance suitable for various environments, making them an adaptable choice for both home and office typing. This neutrality ensures that keystrokes are not overly loud or distracting, thus maintaining a pleasant acoustic environment. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches produce a snappy sound profile, which is lively and engaging. Their distinctive auditory feedback is characteristic of a tactile switch and adds to the enjoyment of typing, providing a more pronounced auditory cue with each keystroke.
In terms of feel, the Orange Sea switch is renowned for its impeccably smooth typing experience, making it a joy to use for prolonged periods. This smoothness typically results from refined materials and manufacturing processes, allowing for seamless key travel without the interruptions common in less polished switches. Conversely, the Polaris Purple offers an exhilarating tactile bump that provides a noticeable feedback during typing. This tactile feedback adds a layer of engagement and satisfaction, making each keystroke feel rewarding. Additionally, the Polaris Purple is noted for its mild characteristics, which make it approachable for a wide range of users, and the polished feel indicates a high-quality typing experience with minimal friction.
In conclusion, both the Haimu Orange Sea and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Orange Sea excels in providing a smooth, neutral typing experience ideal for a variety of settings, the Polaris Purple brings an exciting tactile element and snappier sound that can enhance the joy of typing. Choosing between them will largely depend on whether you prioritize a smooth or tactile experience, but either way, you'll be treated to a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, the decision between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a typing experience that feels light and smooth with a neutral sound profile, the Haimu Orange Sea might be the ideal choice for you. This switch excels in long typing sessions, offering a satisfying and effortless keypress that can help reduce fatigue, making it particularly good for gaming or coding where rapid keystrokes are necessary. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more dynamic typing feel with noticeable tactile feedback, the Polaris Purple could be your go-to switch. The tactile bump provides a rewarding sensation that adds engagement to your interactions, making it well-suited for both typing and casual gaming. Its medium-heavy force and snappy sound add an exciting dimension to the experience, especially if you appreciate that tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice should reflect not only how you type but also what you find enjoyable, whether it's the smoothness of the Orange Sea or the satisfying bump of the Polaris Purple.
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