Haimu Orange Sea vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Haimu Orange Sea and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offers distinct benefits tailored to different typing preferences. The Haimu Orange Sea is celebrated for its impeccably smooth typing feel and a neutral sound signature, making it an ideal option for users who prioritize a responsive and quiet keystroke experience without distraction. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g switch is designed for those who seek a whisper-quiet typing experience, evoking the serene sound of raindrops on a window. This switch features a well-balanced 53g bottom-out force that caters to typists who enjoy a light yet satisfying keystroke. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on your typing style and environment; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches utilize different materials for their top housings, leading to distinct sound profiles that cater to different user preferences. The Orange Sea features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer composition. This material enhances resonance and clarity, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize a bright auditory experience, especially when RGB lighting is involved. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g employs a nylon top housing that delivers a deeper and fuller audio character. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound, producing a more muted sound profile that appeals to those who prefer a less pronounced typing sound. This divergence in materials illustrates how the choice of top housing can significantly influence the overall sound signature of the switches.
On the bottom housing front, the Orange Sea utilizes nylon, while the Silent Sakura - 53g opts for polycarbonate. Both switches thus display an interesting contrast in sound dynamics; the Orange Sea's nylon bottom housing complements the brighter top housing by adding a rounder depth to the sound, balancing its higher-pitched qualities with a more enveloping sonic presence. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 53g's polycarbonate bottom enhances the sharpness of its sound profile, reinforcing the clarity initiated by its nylon top. Here again, we see a clear division: the different materials in the bottom housing create unique resonance effects that affect how the user perceives the sound both when the key is pressed down and when it is released.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials defines how each switch will perform during use. While the Orange Sea’s polycarbonate top creates a brighter sound, the nylon bottom can produce a deeper resonance, making for a well-rounded experience. Similarly, the Silent Sakura - 53g combines its nylon and polycarbonate layers to produce a sound that is both crisp and fuller. If one desires similar auditory results despite the differences in materials, it may be beneficial to pair a polycarbonate top with a nylon bottom or vice versa. This combination allows for a balance between clarity and resonance, underscoring that, while the housing materials differ, sound profiles can still be tailored to meet specific user preferences through strategic selection.
Weight
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch present contrasting characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Orange Sea features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it easier on the fingers, which can be beneficial during prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Silent Sakura requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, offering a more substantial feel for users who prefer a firmer typing experience. Therefore, the Orange Sea is the lighter switch overall, while the Silent Sakura leans towards the heavier side. This distinction in weights and forces can significantly affect user preference: those who favor a lighter touch for longer sessions might opt for the Orange Sea, while those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback in their keystrokes may prefer the Silent Sakura.
Travel distance
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch has a greater travel distance of 4.0 mm. This makes the Orange Sea the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that some gamers might prefer for quicker response times. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura's longer travel distance might appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial key press and a less abrupt typing experience. Thus, if you are looking for a faster response, the Orange Sea would be ideal, but if you favor a deeper feel, the Silent Sakura - 53g is the better choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g comes in at $3.50.
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
The sound profiles of the Haimu Orange Sea and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches are notably distinct. The Orange Sea features a neutral sound signature, allowing users to enjoy a more subdued typing noise that won't be a distraction in quieter environments. Conversely, the Silent Sakura switches are engineered for a whisper-quiet typing experience, making them an excellent choice for those who prioritize minimal sound, akin to gentle raindrops. It's important to note that the overall sound when typing can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap material used, so while both switches lean toward a quieter operation, the Silent Sakura's design inherently emphasizes sound dampening.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Haimu Orange Sea is renowned for its impeccably smooth typing experience. Users can expect a seamless travel with no bumps or interruptions, making it an ideal choice for fast typists or gamers seeking fluid motion. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura - 53g offers a balanced actuation force of 53 grams, catering to users who enjoy a light yet satisfying keystroke. This level of force is designed to provide feedback without overwhelming the fingers, making it particularly appealing to those who enjoy prolonged typing sessions without fatigue.
In conclusion, the Haimu Orange Sea and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches each cater to different preferences within the realm of mechanical keyboards. The Orange Sea provides a smooth, neutral sound and feel, making it suitable for users who appreciate a traditional typing experience without distractions. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura enhances the typing environment with its ultra-quiet operation and balanced actuation force, perfect for those seeking silence and comfort. Both options are valuable in their own right, depending on the user’s specific needs and typing habits.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you value a lighter actuation with a smooth typing feel and a neutral sound profile, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are likely the better choice for you. They are particularly well-suited for those who enjoy fast-paced typing without the distraction of loud keystrokes, making them ideal for both gaming and casual typing in shared spaces. On the other hand, if you find yourself in quieter environments or prefer a more pronounced tactile experience, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches might be your go-to option. With a slightly heavier bottom out force and an exquisitely muted sound, these switches offer a satisfying yet discreet keystroke that’s perfect for office settings or late-night typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal typing style and the sound levels you are comfortable with in your environment.
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