Haimu Orange Sea vs. Outemu Red Panda

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly enhance your typing experience. The Haimu Orange Sea switches, known for their impeccably smooth feel and neutral sound signature, offer a linear typing experience that invites fast, uninterrupted keystrokes ideal for gamers and typists alike. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda switches introduce a delightful tactile element, providing a light-medium amount of tactility that is accompanied by a unique auditory profile—a bassy, raindrop-like bottom-out sound complemented by a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. While the Orange Sea is perfect for those who prioritize speed and fluidity, the Red Panda appeals to users who enjoy tactile feedback and a more engaging typing experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$2.79 per 10

$3.40 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Red Panda exhibit notable similarities and differences that contribute to their overall acoustic profiles and aesthetics. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which has been shown to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic stems from polycarbonate's relative stiffness, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of these switches. Since both switches share this component, they are likely to exhibit similar sound qualities when the key is released, adding to the experience of using either switch.

While the top housings of the Haimu Orange Sea and Outemu Red Panda are the same, their bottom housings differ significantly. Both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Consequently, when pressing down on the keys, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing will dominate the bottom-out sound and feel of each switch. Despite the different top housing materials, the shared nylon composition allows for a consistent and rich auditory experience while typing, showcasing the interplay between the two housing types.

In conclusion, the Haimu Orange Sea and Outemu Red Panda switches feature consistent materials for their top and bottom housings, leading to harmonious sound interactions. Both benefit from the clarity provided by polycarbonate in their top shells, while simultaneously leveraging the acoustic dampening properties of nylon in their bottom sections. This dual-material setup ensures that users appreciate the sharpness from the top while experiencing the depth from the bottom, culminating in a well-rounded typing experience no matter which switch is chosen. Ultimately, these similarities and contrasts in housing materials serve to highlight the intricate design and craftsmanship inherent in these mechanical switches.

Weight

When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch to the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, we observe notable differences in both 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 suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming without excessive fatigue. In contrast, the Red Panda has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger key feel. Consequently, if you're inclined towards lighter switches, the Orange Sea is the better choice, whereas the Red Panda caters to users seeking a firmer response. Overall, these differences highlight how the actuation and bottom out forces of each switch can significantly impact user preference and comfort during prolonged use.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Orange Sea features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Red Panda has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Although both switches offer a relatively short travel distance—ideal for gamers seeking quicker response times—the Orange Sea’s greater distance provides a more pronounced tactile feedback, which could appeal to users who prefer a fuller keypress experience. Ultimately, if fast response is your priority, the Red Panda may suit you better due to its shorter travel distance, whereas those who enjoy a deeper feel might gravitate towards the Haimu Orange Sea.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Haimu Orange Sea switch boasts a neutral sound signature, which means it produces a balanced auditory experience without drawing attention to itself. This can create a more subdued typing atmosphere, making it suitable for both quiet environments and shared spaces. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda switch offers a bassier sound profile with a distinctive thocky quality that delivers a deep, rich auditory feedback when typing. This produces a satisfying and more dramatic sound upon bottoming out, complemented by a clackier, higher-pitched sound at the top of the keystroke. The choice between these two comes down to personal preference—those looking for a softer, less obtrusive sound might favor the Orange Sea, whereas users who enjoy a pronounced acoustic experience might lean towards the Red Panda.

When it comes to the feel of each switch, the Haimu Orange Sea is celebrated for its impeccably smooth typing experience, allowing for effortless key presses without any friction or resistance. This smoothness can enhance typing speed and create a pleasurable experience for those who favor linear switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda features a mild tactile feedback, which offers a gentle nudge during a key press without being overly pronounced. This results in a comfortable typing experience that appeals to many users, particularly those who appreciate a slight tactile response paired with a more controlled sound profile. The Orange Sea's smoothness and the Red Panda's mild tactility cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their typing style.

In conclusion, the Haimu Orange Sea and Outemu Red Panda switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that can significantly influence your mechanical keyboard setup. The Orange Sea provides a muted sound profile with smooth keystrokes ideal for users who prefer a more understated typing experience, while the Red Panda delivers a richer and more dynamic sound accompanied by a mild tactile sensation, appealing to those who enjoy a more expressive feel. Ultimately, which switch you choose will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, as both options can provide a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate a lighter typing experience characterized by an impeccably smooth feel and a neutral sound signature, then the Haimu Orange Sea is likely the better choice for you, especially if you plan to type for extended periods or need rapid key presses, as its 45-gram bottom-out force makes it less taxing on your fingers. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback with mildly noticeable bumps that provide a satisfying response while typing, the Outemu Red Panda will serve you well. With its medium 60-gram bottom-out force, the Red Panda balances a fulfilling typing experience with a thocky sound signature that adds an enjoyable auditory element, making it an excellent option for both typing and gaming where feedback is essential. In the end, consider how each switch aligns with your typing style, sound preferences, and specific usage needs to make the most informed decision.

Mentioned in this article

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

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Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$3.40 per 10

Learn more