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Haimu Orange Sea vs. Dareu Sky V3

An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Haimu Orange Sea and the Dareu Sky V3 both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Haimu Orange Sea is renowned for its impeccably smooth typing feel and a neutral sound signature, making it a solid choice for those who prioritize a seamless and quiet typing experience. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 boasts medium-light weight and is celebrated for its balanced design, which appeals to a wide range of users, from casual typists to gaming enthusiasts. The neutral sound profile of the Sky V3 further enhances its versatility, catering to those who enjoy a subdued yet responsive keystroke. While both switches excel in providing comfort and precision, they also embody distinct nuances that might better suit your individual typing style. 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

40g

Bottom-out force

45g

Bottom-out force

N/A

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

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

Gold-plated spring

Housing materials

Both the Haimu Orange Sea and the Dareu Sky V3 utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which significantly influences the overall sound profile and aesthetic characteristics of the switches. The polycarbonate material is known for its rigidity, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This shared feature means that both switches will provide a more pronounced auditory experience, particularly in the sound produced when releasing a key. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal of the switches when RGB lighting is employed, making them especially attractive to users who prioritize both sound and aesthetics in their mechanical keyboards.

In contrast, the bottom housing of both the Haimu Orange Sea and the Dareu Sky V3 is made from nylon, a material with distinctly different acoustic properties compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is recognized for its softer nature, which absorbs sound waves, preventing them from resonating sharply. As a result, when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings, users can expect a deeper, fuller sound profile. Both switches, therefore, maintain consistent quality in terms of sound absorption and overall typing experience, due to the nylon's inherent ability to produce a rounder, more subdued sound upon bottoming out.

Ultimately, the combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings of both the Orange Sea and Sky V3 leads to a unique typing experience while also allowing for comparative sound characteristics. With polycarbonate enhancing the top-end frequencies and nylon providing a softer, deeper tone from the bottom, users can appreciate the distinct qualities each material brings to the table. Consequently, when pressed, the overall sound and feel will reflect the characteristics of both housing materials – crispness from the polycarbonate and depth from the nylon – resulting in a balanced auditory performance that enhances gameplay or typing experience regardless of the switch choice.

Weight

When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, the actuation forces exhibit a notable difference. The Orange Sea requires an actuation force of 37 grams, making it lighter compared to the Sky V3, which requires a slightly higher actuation force of 40 grams. This means that users of the Orange Sea may enjoy longer typing sessions with less strain due to its lighter feel, making it a convenient choice for both work and extended gaming. However, the bottom out force for the Dareu Sky V3 remains unknown, which leaves a gap in directly comparing how much pressure is needed to press the switch all the way down. In contrast, the Orange Sea has a bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a solid tactile response for those who prefer a heavier typing experience. Therefore, while the Orange Sea offers a lighter option for ease of use, the Sky V3 may cater to users seeking a more substantial push feel, provided its bottom out force aligns well with these preferences when more information becomes available.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, the Orange Sea has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sky V3 has a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference means that users seeking quicker response times may find the Orange Sea more appealing due to its shorter travel distance, which allows for faster actuation, making it a preferred choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Sky V3, with its longer travel distance, offers a more substantial feel, which some users may appreciate for its depth and satisfying keypress experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus a more pronounced actuation feel.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The Dareu Sky V3 has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky V3 for $4.76.

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

The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch features a neutral sound signature, making it relatively quiet and unobtrusive during use. This quality enables the switch to blend well in various environments, whether it's a home office or a bustling workplace. While specific descriptions of the Orange Sea's sound characteristics are limited, its emphasis on neutrality suggests that it delivers a balanced auditory experience similar to the Dareu Sky V3. The Sky V3 also sports a neutral sound profile, characterized as subdued, allowing for comfortable typing without drawing too much attention. This combination of subtlety in sound makes both switches versatile choices for users who appreciate a quieter typing experience.

In terms of feel, the Haimu Orange Sea boasts an impeccably smooth typing experience, which likely provides a seamless transition between keystrokes. This smoothness can enhance the overall comfort and efficiency of typing, appealing to both novice and seasoned typists alike. The Dareu Sky V3, on the other hand, is described as offering a mild typing feel, which crafts a gentler experience compared to more aggressive switches. The mild characteristics of the Sky V3 make it welcoming for all typists, ensuring that they can easily adapt to its feel. Although direct comparisons may vary, both switches cater to a comfortable and agreeable typing experience, with the Orange Sea slightly leaning towards a smoother execution.

In conclusion, both the Haimu Orange Sea and Dareu Sky V3 linear switches present enjoyable qualities suited for a variety of typing needs. With similar neutral sound profiles and an emphasis on comfort, either switch can provide a pleasing experience for users. The Orange Sea's distinctively smooth feel sets it apart slightly in the realm of performance, while the Sky V3's mild characteristics make it a reliable option for many. Ultimately, both choices stand as excellent introductions to the world of mechanical keyboards, offering comfort and precision that will cater well to newcomers and keyboard enthusiasts alike.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Haimu Orange Sea and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter touch and a smooth typing experience, the Haimu Orange Sea with its 45-gram bottom-out force will likely suit you well. Its elegantly smooth feel and neutral sound signature cater to a more casual typing approach, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy prolonged typing sessions without the fatigue of heavier switches. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a balanced option that caters to both comfort and precision, the Dareu Sky V3 is an excellent alternative. Although its bottom-out force isn't specified, its medium-light weight and mild typing experience provide a versatile feel that adapts well to various environments, whether it’s for gaming or professional work. With its neutral and subdued sound profile, the Sky V3 can seamlessly fit into any setting without disturbing those around you. In essence, consider the Haimu Orange Sea for smooth, lightweight strokes and the Dareu Sky V3 for a balanced, adaptable typing experience.

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