Haimu Orange Sea vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Orange Sea and the Akko Rosewood present intriguing options for enthusiasts seeking a linear typing experience. The Orange Sea switch is celebrated for its impeccably smooth feel and neutral sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a quiet and effortless typing experience, ideal for both gaming and office work. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switch stands out with its deep, satisfying thocky sound, enriched by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, appealing to users who enjoy a more tactile auditory feedback while enjoying the benefits of a linear design. While both switches offer their unique charm and functionality, choosing between them ultimately hinges on personal preferences regarding sound and tactile sensation. 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
50g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Haimu Orange Sea and the Akko Rosewood, a clear distinction emerges in their top housings. The Orange Sea utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that delivers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This rigidity contributes to its ability to create clear and resonant sounds, particularly enhanced when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood opts for a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer composition that produces a deeper, fuller sound profile. While the Rosewood's nylon housing absorbs more sound and results in a rounder auditory experience, both materials impact the overall sound profile of the switches, albeit in significantly different ways.
While the top housing materials vary between the two switches, their bottom housings share the same nylon construction. This is where the two products align in delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon’s softer nature contributes to a muted and rounder tone. The impact of the bottom housing is particularly noticeable when bottoming out the switch, making both the Orange Sea and Rosewood exhibit similar auditory characteristics at that moment. Although the two switches diverge in top housing material, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing allows for some convergence in their overall sound delivery when pressed.
When considering the overall typing experience, the differences in top housing materials will lead to varying sound profiles during key release, while the similarity in bottom housing will provide a consistent foundation for both switches. The Haimu Orange Sea's polycarbonate top may yield a more pronounced sound when letting go of a key, whereas the Akko Rosewood will produce a softer sound due to its nylon composition. Ultimately, the pairing of distinct top housing materials with a common bottom housing results in two unique yet complementary typing experiences. This interplay between the materials not only defines the auditory experience but also influences touch feedback and the overall feel of these switches during use.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Orange Sea switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Rosewood's actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to press. Consequently, those who favor a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming may gravitate towards the Orange Sea. In terms of bottom out force, the Orange Sea has a force of 45 grams, whereas the Rosewood requires a heavier 50 grams to bottom out. Overall, the Haimu Orange Sea is the lighter option with both actuation and bottom out forces being lower than those of the Akko Rosewood, which is designed for users who prefer a more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, we find that they differ significantly. The Orange Sea boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it a slightly shorter option, while the Rosewood has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, which falls within the more traditional range. Gamers may lean towards the Orange Sea for its responsiveness owing to the reduced travel distance, allowing for quick keystrokes and reaction times. In contrast, those who favor a more substantial feel when typing may prefer the Rosewood switch, as its longer travel provides a deeper actuation for a more pronounced feedback. Thus, if you're seeking agility, the Orange Sea is the better choice, whereas the Rosewood caters to a preference for depth and stability.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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
In terms of sound, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are characterized by a neutral sound signature, which allows for a quieter typing experience that many may find appealing in environments that require lower noise levels. This makes them suitable for both office settings and shared spaces. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches deliver a deep, satisfying thocky sound that enhances the auditory feedback during typing. This thocky quality is attributed to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, which resonates beautifully and adds a layer of richness to the acoustic experience. While both switches can deliver pleasing sounds, your choice of keyboard and keycap material will ultimately shape the final auditory outcome.
When discussing feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are best known for their impeccably smooth typing experience. This smoothness is crucial for users who prioritize a seamless keystroke, as it reduces fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switches also provide a satisfying typing feel, although details regarding their specific tactile feedback are less documented. The smoothness established by the Orange Sea can be appealing for typists and gamers alike, while the Rosewood’s pleasant response may offer its own unique appeal.
In conclusion, both the Haimu Orange Sea and Akko Rosewood switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Orange Sea excels in providing a neutral sound and an impressively smooth feel, ideal for users seeking a quieter, more uniform typing experience. Meanwhile, the Rosewood switches stand out with their rich, thocky sound, which contributes to a more dynamic auditory feedback. Ultimately, the best choice between these two switches will depend on individual aesthetic and tactile preferences, with both switches offering high-quality performance suitable for various applications.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Haimu Orange Sea and Akko Rosewood linear switches ultimately boils down to your personal preferences regarding actuation force, feel, and sound. If you prefer a lighter touch for quicker, more effortless keystrokes, the Orange Sea switches, with their 45-gram bottom out force, will provide you with that smooth typing experience, perfect for long typing sessions where comfort and ease of use are paramount. Their neutral sound signature also makes them an excellent choice if you work in shared spaces or prefer a quieter environment. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly heavier actuation and enjoy a more tactile auditory feedback, the Rosewood switches might be your go-to. Their 50-gram bottom out force, paired with a satisfying thocky sound, enhances the tactile experience, making each keystroke feel gratifying, whether you’re typing or gaming. Ultimately, consider what matters most to you—smoothness and lightness with the Orange Sea, or a deeper acoustic profile with the Rosewood. Both options have their unique charm, so it's about finding the right fit for your typing style and preferences.
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