Haimu Orange Sea vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Orange Sea and the Akko V3 Silver Pro both deliver unique experiences tailored for different types of users. The Haimu Orange Sea switch is celebrated for its impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a serene typing experience without distractions. This switch is ideal for writers and typists who seek comfort and fluidity in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is specifically engineered for gamers, offering a light actuation force and shortened travel distance that allows for rapid keystrokes; its pleasing bassy sound enhances the overall gaming atmosphere. These characteristics make the V3 Silver Pro perfect for competitive gamers who need every millisecond to count. Despite these general distinctions, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The Haimu Orange Sea and the Akko V3 Silver Pro both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in notable auditory similarities between the two switches. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness and translucency, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's ability to resonate clearly enhances the overall sound quality, making the typing experience more engaging, especially for users who value acoustic performance. Furthermore, both switches benefit from the aesthetic appeal that comes with clear housing, particularly when RGB lighting is involved. The combination of these features results in similarly vibrant visual effects, allowing users to enjoy an illuminated typing experience across both switch models.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of each switch diverges in its material composition, with both the Haimu Orange Sea and Akko V3 Silver Pro utilizing nylon. Nylon's inherently softer properties create a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the stiffer polycarbonate. The material effectively absorbs sound, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience when bottoming out the switch. As a result, while both switches share compatible top-housing materials, their bottom housings bring a contrasting acoustic quality, with nylon enriching the tactile feedback and enhancing the lower frequencies of sound produced during use. This distinction highlights the dual nature of the switches, where the characteristics of each material contribute to the overall typing experience.
When using these switches, the interplay of their materials becomes evident. The polycarbonate top housing's sharpness complements the nylon bottom's warmth, allowing for a balanced auditory experience. Users can expect similar results from both switches when it comes to the sound released upon releasing a key, driven primarily by the polycarbonate's resonant properties. However, the bottom-out sound and feel will vary due to the nylon's ability to absorb sound more effectively, making each model unique in its mechanical feedback. In summary, while the top housings share identical material characteristics, the differences in bottom housing materials create distinct layers of sound and tactile experience, making both switches appealing to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch both offer a light typing experience, with the Orange Sea having an actuation force of 37 grams compared to the V3 Silver Pro's 40 grams. This means that the Orange Sea is slightly lighter to press, which could be advantageous for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it may reduce finger fatigue. Both switches have the same bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating that they require the same amount of force to fully press down, regardless of their actuation differences. Therefore, while the Orange Sea provides a lighter touch with a quicker actuation, both switches ultimately feel similar upon bottoming out. Users looking for a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the heavier V3 Silver Pro, whereas those preferring a lighter force would likely enjoy the Orange Sea more.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch measures 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Orange Sea offers a greater depth when pressed down, which can provide a more substantial feel during use, appealing to those who favor a hearty key press. Conversely, the V3 Silver Pro's shorter travel distance may cater to gamers and users seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Therefore, if you're in search of responsiveness, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is the better choice, while those who prefer a deeper key experience might opt for the Haimu Orange Sea.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Silver Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Silver Pro for $3.10.
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 switch boasts a neutral sound signature, meaning it doesn't lean too heavily towards any particular tonal characteristics. This allows for a more balanced auditory experience, appealing to users who prefer a subtle approach without excessive noise. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch produces a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp upon key press. This contrast creates distinctly different auditory landscapes: while the Orange Sea leans towards a more muted acoustic experience, the V3 Silver Pro’s higher tones may resonate better with users who appreciate a more pronounced click during their keystrokes. Ultimately, the selection between the two may hinge on personal preferences regarding sound; both will be influenced by the choice of keyboard plate and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switch is described as impeccably smooth, making for an enjoyable typing experience. This luxurious smoothness means that users can expect minimal resistance and a gradual, fluid keystroke without any jarring interruptions. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is engineered for ease, incorporating a light actuation force alongside a creamy, feathery, and polished typing character. It quickly engages with minimal force, ideal for fast-paced gaming and prolonged typing sessions. This results in an effortlessly smooth sensation that enables users to glide their fingers across the keys with little fatigue. Both switches prioritize comfort and responsiveness, but the V3 Silver Pro caters more towards those who prefer a lighter touch and swift actuation, enhancing both gaming and typing performance.
In summary, while the Haimu Orange Sea switch offers a neutral sound and an impressively smooth typing experience, the Akko V3 Silver Pro delivers a high-pitched auditory signature with a focus on quick responsiveness and low actuation force. The choice between the two ultimately depends on what qualities matter most to you: the balanced audio and luxurious feel of the Orange Sea or the light touch and precise sound of the V3 Silver Pro. Both switches promise satisfying experiences, though your preference may shape the ultimate selection.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch should hinge on your specific usage scenarios and personal preference. If you prioritize a typing experience characterized by an impeccably smooth feel and a neutral sound signature, the Haimu Orange Sea is an excellent option for extended typing sessions, offering a refined and polished sensation that minimizes finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you're more inclined towards gaming, where every keystroke counts, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is tailored for that environment with its light actuation force and short travel distance, ensuring quick responses. The V3 also produces a high-pitched sound that some gamers find satisfying, enhancing their overall gaming immersion. Thus, if you need a switch that caters to both comfort and efficiency, and you're inclined to enjoy a rich typing experience, the Orange Sea will serve you well. In contrast, for rapid execution and a clearer sound profile during gameplay, the V3 Silver Pro would be the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typical activities—whether you're a gamer seeking speed and responsiveness or someone looking for a plush, smooth typing experience.
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