Haimu Orange Sea vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Orange Sea and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Haimu Orange Sea is renowned for its impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a balanced performance that doesn’t sacrifice either tactile feedback or acoustic clarity. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is designed for those who prioritize sound dampening and a lightweight feel, delivering a whisper-quiet typing experience reminiscent of gentle raindrops tapping against a window. With its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, this switch caters to light typists seeking a subtle and serene atmosphere. Ultimately, both switches have their unique appeals; 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
37g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Haimu Orange Sea and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches employ different materials for their top housings, utilizing polycarbonate in the Orange Sea and nylon in the Silent Sakura. This distinction significantly influences their auditory characteristics. The polycarbonate housing of the Orange Sea contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, creating a clear and resonant experience that is especially highlighted when RGB lighting is incorporated due to its translucency. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Silent Sakura absorbs sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characterized by a duller resonance. Thus, while the Orange Sea is likely to appeal to users seeking a crisper auditory response, the Silent Sakura might attract users preferring a softer, more rounded sound.
When considering the bottom housings, the roles of each material shift as they respectively mirror the qualities seen in the top housings but with an inverse relation. The Haimu Orange Sea features a nylon bottom housing, which also absorbs sound to produce a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This complements the sharper profile of its polycarbonate top, ensuring that the overall sound remains balanced. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura employs a polycarbonate bottom housing that sharpens the overall auditory experience, enhancing the clarity and resonance while contrasting with the deeper sound from its nylon top. This combination allows both switches to deliver distinctive sound profiles by emphasizing different sound qualities across the top and bottom.
Ultimately, both the Haimu Orange Sea and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g provide unique auditory experiences, leveraging the properties of their respective materials. This results in the Orange Sea delivering a bright, crisp sound complemented by deeper notes from the nylon base, while the Silent Sakura exhibits a soft tonal quality from the nylon at the top, contrasted by sharper notes from the polycarbonate base. Users can achieve specific sound profiles through their choice of switch, depending on the balance of crispness and fullness they desire.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, both share the same actuation force of 37 grams, which makes them equally light in terms of keystroke triggering. This similarity means that users can expect a comfortable typing experience, making these switches suitable for long periods of use, whether for work or gaming. However, the bottom out forces differ: the Orange Sea has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Silent Sakura's bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that while both switches feel light during actuation, the Haimu Orange Sea provides a slightly firmer resistance when pressed all the way down. In summary, if you prefer a lighter overall feel, both switches fit the bill, but the Orange Sea will feel a bit more substantial at the bottom, appealing to those who enjoy a stronger feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Haimu Orange Sea has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g features a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference indicates that for those who prioritize quicker response times, the Orange Sea offers a more responsive experience due to its shorter travel. Conversely, users who favor a deeper and more substantial keystroke might prefer the Silent Sakura, as it provides a fuller travel sensation. Ultimately, while both switches offer unique benefits, consumers will need to choose based on their personal preferences for responsiveness versus depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Sakura - 43g for $2.99.
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 offer a neutral sound signature, meaning they won't dominate the auditory landscape of your typing experience. This characteristic makes them suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting, as they provide a balanced acoustic profile that won't distract others nearby. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches are designed for an exceptionally quiet typing experience, producing a sound akin to gentle raindrops tapping on a window. This whisper-quiet operation makes them an ideal choice for those who prioritize stealth, such as in shared living spaces or quiet workplaces, where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum.
When it comes to feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are widely recognized for their impeccably smooth typing experience. This fluidity allows for effortless keystrokes, contributing to a satisfying and responsive interaction with the keyboard. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches provide an ultra-light feel with a bottom-out force of only 43g. This lighter actuation force appeals to typists who prefer a softer touch and swift key presses, making them particularly suitable for those who enjoy light typing or require minimal resistance while gaming.
In conclusion, both the Haimu Orange Sea and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches present unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. While the Orange Sea excels in providing a smooth and neutral acoustic feel, the Silent Sakura is tailored for those seeking a quiet and gentle experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your specific requirements regarding sound and feel, but both can deliver a satisfying typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch should be influenced by your typing preferences and environment. If you’re looking for a switch that offers an impeccably smooth feel with a neutral sound signature, the Haimu Orange Sea is an excellent choice. It features a bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a light resistance that benefits fast typists or gamers who desire rapid keystrokes without a cumbersome effort. However, if you often find yourself in quieter environments, such as shared workspaces or libraries, and you prefer a more subdued auditory experience while typing, the Silent Sakura - 43g would serve you well. With its ultra-light 43g bottom out force and whisper-quiet operation, this switch caters to those wanting a serene typing environment without sacrificing responsiveness. Ultimately, consider what factors matter most to you—smooth tactile feedback versus soundless keystrokes—to guide your decision.
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