Haimu Orange Sea vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Haimu Orange Sea and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie are two compelling options, offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Haimu Orange Sea is celebrated for its impeccably smooth typing experience and a neutral sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who seek a quiet yet satisfying keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie brings a thocky sound profile to the table, combined with a medium-weight all-POM design that ensures exceptional smoothness while remaining budget-friendly. Both switches fall within the linear category, promoting a straightforward pressing action without tactile bumps, but they differ in their auditory feedback and overall feel—whether you prefer the quiet elegance of the Orange Sea or the satisfying acoustics of the Sea Salt Smoothie. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$2.79 per 10

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Haimu Orange Sea and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie exemplify contrasting approaches to achieving distinct sound profiles in mechanical switches. The Orange Sea utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is a result of polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing for enhanced clarity and resonance during key presses. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly effective in setups utilizing RGB lighting, as it can effectively diffuse light for aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's top housing is made from POM, known for producing a unique and pleasing sound profile that leans towards the deeper and more muted side. This difference in materials highlights a fundamental dichotomy in sound engineering approaches, with polycarbonate favoring brightness and clarity, while POM is associated with warmth and richness.

When we turn our attention to the bottom housings of these switches, we see a more nuanced comparison. The Orange Sea employs nylon for its bottom housing, a classic material revered for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound waves more effectively, resulting in a more muted, rounded sound. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Smoothie also utilizes POM for its bottom housing, which, while sharing some tonal similarities with nylon, still maintains its unique character, described as pleasing yet muted. The integration of POM in both the top and bottom of the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a consistent sound signature, contrasting with the Orange Sea’s dual-material approach that splits the auditory qualities between two different plastics.

Ultimately, the interaction of these materials leads to distinct auditory experiences in each case. With the Orange Sea, the sharper sounds from polycarbonate in the top housing combine with the deeper qualities of nylon in the bottom housing, resulting in a balanced and dynamic acoustic profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, with both top and bottom housing made from POM, generates a cohesive sound that emphasizes thickness and depth. If one were to utilize a custom switch that matched the top and bottom materials, similar auditory qualities might emerge; however, the interplay between different materials, like polycarbonate and nylon in the Orange Sea, tends to create a more complex tonal range. Therefore, while achieving a specific sound characteristic can be managed, the integration of diverse materials allows for a depth of sound that can often be more engaging.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, noteworthy differences arise. The Orange Sea features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch that is beneficial for extended typing sessions and gaming. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a heavier actuation force of 48 grams, suggesting a firmer keystroke that may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown. Therefore, while the Orange Sea is the lighter option overall, the Gateron switch provides a heavier actuation force. This difference in actuation forces indicates that users prioritizing comfort during prolonged use might lean towards the Orange Sea, while those looking for a stronger tactile feedback would find the Sea Salt Smoothie more appealing.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the Orange Sea has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Haimu Orange Sea the shorter option, providing a snappier response, which is often favored by gamers looking for faster actuation times. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more substantial feel, which some users appreciate for its depth during key presses. Therefore, if you prefer a quicker response, the Orange Sea is the better choice; however, for those who enjoy more feedback and depth, the Sea Salt Smoothie would be preferable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch is known for its neutral sound signature, allowing for a more unobtrusive typing experience that can blend well into various environments. This neutrality can be advantageous for users who prefer a quieter keyboard experience or work in shared spaces where noise might be a concern. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch offers a "thocky" sound profile, which can provide a satisfying auditory feedback during typing while still retaining smoothness. This distinction makes the Sound characteristics of these two switches noticeable; while the Orange Sea may be more subtle, the Sea Salt Smoothie offers that additional richness in sound that some users find appealing. However, it's important to remember that the overall sound can be influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, both switches are remarkably smooth, making them enjoyable for long typing sessions or gaming. The Haimu Orange Sea delivers an impeccably smooth typing experience, which can provide a sense of fluidity and comfort that many may appreciate. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie also prioritizes smoothness, promising exceptional performance while being medium-weight, which may suit users who prefer a slightly firmer keypress. The difference in weight can affect how they feel during extended usage, with the Orange Sea perhaps offering a lighter touch while the Smoothie provides a more substantial feel under your fingers.

Overall, both the Haimu Orange Sea and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences that can cater to different preferences. The Orange Sea provides a neutral sound profile paired with an exceptionally smooth feel, making it a great option for those seeking a more subdued experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie combines a thocky sound with a medium-weight feel, catering to users looking for a bit more richness in their typing experience. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, either switch can deliver a high-quality performance, ensuring that many users can find enjoyment in one or the other.

Conclusion

To summarize, when deciding between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, consider your preferences in sound, feel, and typing experience. If you appreciate a light switch with a smooth typing feel and a neutral sound signature, the Haimu Orange Sea might be your best option. It is particularly well-suited for users who favor a rapid, effortless keystroke without much resistance, making it ideal for fast typists or gamers who require quick key presses. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a medium-weight switch that provides a more pronounced thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is likely to be more to your liking. This switch offers a satisfying auditory feedback while still maintaining ease of use, making it an excellent choice for both casual typing and gaming scenarios where sound quality contributes to the overall experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences for weight, sound, and the overall tactile experience you desire from your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn more