Haimu Orange Sea vs. Huano Sakura

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Haimu Orange Sea and Huano Sakura are two noteworthy options that cater to different preferences. The Haimu Orange Sea switches are celebrated for their impeccably smooth typing experience and a neutral sound signature, making them an excellent choice for users who prioritize a whisper-quiet environment and seamless keypresses. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switches provide a feather-light touch paired with medium acoustics, offering an ideal solution for those who seek comfort during extended typing sessions without sacrificing tactile feedback. While both switches belong to the linear category and promise a satisfying typing experience, their unique characteristics cater to different typing styles 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

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

Huano Sakura Linear

$2.79 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Haimu Orange Sea and Huano Sakura switches differ significantly in their top housing materials, which influences the acoustic output and tactile experience of each switch. The Orange Sea employs polycarbonate as its top housing material, resulting in a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to the plastic's stiffness and resonance qualities. This is advantageous for enthusiasts looking for clarity, particularly when RGB lighting is employed, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual effects of the colors. In contrast, the Huano Sakura utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which, while offering its own unique durability and smoothness, produces a sound profile that is characterized as smooth and clacky. The contrast in materials signifies that the Orange Sea is likely to appeal to users who prioritize clarity and brightness, while the Sakura is tailored for those who value a balanced and robust sound.

When examining the bottom housing, both the Orange Sea and Sakura utilize nylon, which creates a consistent auditory experience across these two models. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile. This similarity suggests that regardless of the differences in their top housing materials, both switches retain a round and subdued sound when typing, thanks to their identical choice of nylon for the bottom housing. As a result, users can expect a durable and comfortable typing experience from either switch, despite the distinct acoustic characteristics introduced by the variation in their top housing materials.

In understanding the overall switch performance, the different top housing materials from both the Orange Sea and Sakura create unique auditory experiences when activated. While the polycarbonate top resonates with higher frequencies, leading to crisper sounds on release, the POK top provides a different tactile feel with its smoothness and sound implications. However, the commonality of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a similar foundational typing experience. Thus, the final acoustic and tactile experience is a result of both distinct and shared materials; where the top housing dictates the switch's sound and feel upon release, the bottom housing grounds the switches in a shared deeper sound profile that maintains a level of familiarity for the user.

Weight

The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch offer similar characteristics when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces, although the Orange Sea is slightly heavier. The Orange Sea has an actuation force of 37 grams, while the Sakura is lighter at 35 grams. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that users will experience a comparable actuation experience with both switches, making for an easy transition between the two if someone prefers the lighter feel of the Sakura or the slightly firmer actuation of the Orange Sea. For those who enjoy a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Sakura is the better option, whereas the Orange Sea may cater to users seeking a bit more resistance without sacrificing comfort.

Travel distance

Both the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning users will experience the same depth of keypress when using either switch. This similarity ensures that both switches offer a comparable feel and consistency in performance, making them suitable for users who prefer a uniform keystroke experience. Since the travel distances are equal, enthusiasts and typists can expect similar tactile feedback and responsiveness from both options in their mechanical keyboards.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch is characterized by a neutral sound signature, making it a good option for users who prefer a subtle auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Huano Sakura linear switch provides medium acoustics, which can lend a slightly more pronounced sound without being overwhelming. It’s essential to keep in mind that the overall sound of both switches can be influenced by other variables, such as the type of keyboard they are housed in and the keycap materials used, but the Orange Sea offers a quieter typing experience compared to the Sakura.

When it comes to feel, the Haimu Orange Sea is renowned for its impeccably smooth typing sensation. Users often find that this smoothness enhances the overall typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. The Huano Sakura, on the other hand, is designed with a feather-light touch, which can make typing feel effortless and comfortable, especially during long sessions. While both switches cater to a pleasant typing experience, the Orange Sea emphasizes smoothness, whereas the Sakura provides an exceptionally light actuation force.

In summary, both the Haimu Orange Sea and Huano Sakura linear switches offer distinct advantages depending on user preferences. While the Orange Sea focuses on providing a smooth and neutral typing experience, the Sakura makes the act of typing feel lighter with medium acoustics. Depending on what you value in a keyboard switch—be it a quieter operation with superior smoothness or a more tactile and audible response with effortless keypresses—either option can deliver a satisfying experience, ensuring that you'll enjoy typing regardless of your choice.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and use cases. If you value an impeccably smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the Haimu Orange Sea is the better choice. Its lightweight actuation force of 45 grams makes it suitable for fast typists and gamers looking for a clean and responsive feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a user-friendly switch that offers a feather-light touch with medium acoustics, ideal for prolonged typing sessions, then the Huano Sakura switch would be the way to go. Both switches have the same bottom-out force, but their character differs significantly; the Orange Sea focuses on smoothness and subtlety, while the Sakura emphasizes comfort and durability during extended use. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize smoothness and a neutral sound or prefer a light touch with medium acoustics that can alleviate fatigue over long periods of typing.

Mentioned in this article

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

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Huano Sakura Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more