Haimu Orange Sea vs. Durock Sea Glass

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Haimu Orange Sea and the Durock Sea Glass both offer unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences, making them appealing options for enthusiasts. The Haimu Orange Sea is renowned for its impeccably smooth typing experience and neutral sound signature, providing users with a consistent feel that encourages prolonged typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switches captivate with their striking pastel colors and distinct typing experience. Thanks to a proprietary material blend, these switches offer a uniquely airy and wisp-like feel, creating an illusion of weightlessness despite their 62g bottom-out force. Additionally, the Sea Glass switches produce a particularly hollow sound signature, adding an element of character to your typing routine. Ultimately, the choice comes down to whether you prioritize the smooth, neutral performance of the Orange Sea or the feathery, lightweight sensation of the Sea Glass. 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

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$2.79 per 10

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Haimu Orange Sea and the Durock Sea Glass, there is a distinct difference in the composition of their top housings. The Orange Sea utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer nature which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material is notable for its translucency, making it ideal for RGB lighting applications as it can enhance the visual aesthetic while contributing to a more resonant auditory experience. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass employs a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing. This combination yields a sound profile that is brighter but not as sharp, showcasing a different auditory character that leans towards pleasantness rather than precision. Thus, while both switches facilitate clear sound output, the Orange Sea emphasizes crispness due to polycarbonate’s properties, while the Sea Glass offers a softer brightness due to its polymer blend.

The bottom housings of both switches also exhibit differing characteristics that significantly influence their respective sound profiles. The Orange Sea features a nylon bottom housing, renowned for providing a deeper and fuller sound that is softer and more absorbent compared to harder plastics. This results in a rounder sound signature that can complement the brighter top housing, leading to a well-rounded auditory experience. Meanwhile, the Sea Glass’s bottom housing, also composed of the polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, contributes to a similarly pleasant sound profile, though it does not possess the same degree of depth central to the Orange Sea's design. As a result, the bottom housing of the Sea Glass delivers a depth that reflects both the uniqueness of its materials and the overall tonal balance intended by its design.

Ultimately, the combination of materials used in both the Haimu Orange Sea and the Durock Sea Glass contribute uniquely to the overall sound profile and typing experience. While the Orange Sea’s polycarbonate top housing injects a sharper clarity complemented by a nylon bottom housing’s depth, the Sea Glass operates on a more consistent signature due to its blended top and bottom housings. When engaging with either switch, the experience will embody elements of both their designs, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out feel and sound, and the top housing impacting the release sound. Therefore, while the sound profiles can be distinctly different due to their compositional choices, excellent auditory outcomes can be achieved whether utilizing the sharper polycarbonate or the balanced polymer blend due to the specifications of each housing material.

Weight

When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, a distinct difference is evident in both their actuation and bottom out forces. The Orange Sea switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, compared to the Sea Glass, which requires a medium actuation force of 45 grams. This difference means that the Orange Sea is more accommodating for long typing sessions, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter feel. Additionally, the bottom out force for the Orange Sea is notably lighter at 45 grams, while the Sea Glass has a more substantial bottom out force of 62 grams. Consequently, the Durock Sea Glass switch provides a heftier typing experience, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feedback. Overall, the Orange Sea is lighter and may offer a fatigue-free typing experience, whereas the Sea Glass, being heavier, is suited for those who favor a more robust and deliberate press.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch measures 3.6 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Orange Sea provides a more responsive experience with its shorter travel distance, which can be particularly appealing to gamers looking for quicker input times. In contrast, the Sea Glass, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more substantial feel for those who appreciate a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference: if you favor faster response times and a snappier feel, the Orange Sea is the better option; however, if you prefer a more traditional and hearty typing experience, the Sea Glass is the way to go.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are noted for their neutral sound signature, providing a typing experience that is neither overly loud nor too muted, making them quite versatile for various environments. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switches deliver a uniquely hollow sound signature that adds a distinct character to the typing experience. While both switches offer a pleasant auditory backdrop, the Orange Sea’s more traditional sound profile contrasts with the airy quality of the Sea Glass switches, which may appeal to those looking for something different.

In terms of feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switch boasts an impeccably smooth typing experience, allowing for a fluid and uninterrupted keypress. This smoothness aligns well with the Sea Glass switches, which are also designed to deliver an incredibly frictionless experience, characterized by a sense of weightlessness and gentle resistance. The Sea Glass switches introduce a mild, feathery sensation, making them exceptionally light and easy to press, which may reduce finger fatigue during extensive use. While both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, the Sea Glass’s nuanced lightness and distinct airiness provide an additional layer of comfort that may be particularly appealing for prolonged typing sessions.

In summary, both the Haimu Orange Sea and Durock Sea Glass linear switches deliver excellent typing experiences with their smoothness and pleasant sound characteristics. While the Orange Sea offers a neutral sound and smooth feel, the Sea Glass distinguishes itself with its uniquely hollow sound and an airy, frictionless typing experience. Those seeking an effortless typing experience with minimal fatigue may find either switch appealing, but the Sea Glass's additional lightness and dryness may provide a more distinctive feel. Ultimately, personal preference will guide which switch suits an individual user best, as the sound and feel of each switch can vary based on a user’s keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Haimu Orange Sea and Durock Sea Glass linear switches will largely depend on your preferences for typing feel, sound, and the types of tasks you typically engage in. If you favor a lighter touch, find comfort in a smooth and neutral acoustic profile, and prefer a switch that minimizes finger fatigue for long typing sessions, the Haimu Orange Sea switch, with its 45g bottom-out force and impeccably smooth feel, is an excellent option. This makes it particularly well-suited for activities that require rapid key presses, such as gaming or extended typing for work without the weight of a heavier switch. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly firmer typing experience with a unique blend of dryness and airiness, the Durock Sea Glass switch, which boasts a 62g bottom-out force and frictionless feel, will serve you well. This switch’s distinctly hollow sound signature combined with its feathery and easy-to-press characteristics makes it ideal for those who prefer a more tactile feedback while still enjoying a smooth typing journey. Ultimately, the choice should reflect your unique typing style and the activities you prioritize, so consider how each switch aligns with your needs and preferences before making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

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Durock Sea Glass Linear

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn more