Haimu Orange Sea vs. Gateron Smoothie

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, your choice can significantly influence your typing experience, and two notable options are the Haimu Orange Sea and the Gateron Smoothie, both of which are linear switches. The Haimu Orange Sea is esteemed for its impeccably smooth typing feel and a neutral sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a clean and unintrusive auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie distinguishes itself as an all-POM switch that breaks through price barriers without sacrificing quality, featuring a thocky sound signature that delivers a delightful auditory feedback along with remarkable smoothness and a lightweight touch. While both switches offer smooth actuation and are ideal for gamers and typists alike, the choice between them often boils down to personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

Gateron Smoothie Linear

$2.79 per 10

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Haimu Orange Sea and the Gateron Smoothie switches, we notice distinct differences in their top housings. The Orange Sea features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Smoothie’s POM top housing. The use of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, results in a more resonant sound, particularly suited for highlighting RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Smoothie’s POM housing generates a deeper and more muted sound profile, creating a different auditory experience that may be more appealing to users who prefer a subtler click. While both top housings influence the overall sound of the switches, the fundamental qualities of polycarbonate and POM establish contrasting sound characteristics.

Examining the bottom housings of both switches reveals a more profound similarity. The Orange Sea sports a nylon bottom housing known for eliciting a fuller and deeper sound profile, owing to its softer nature, which absorbs sound effectively. Conversely, the Smoothie utilizes a POM bottom housing that also provides a deeper and muted sound. Interestingly, POM maintains sound characteristics that parallel those of nylon in terms of depth, indicating that both materials offer unique auditory experiences that may resonate differently with various users. Despite their differences in composition, both designs aim to achieve a mellow auditory atmosphere, although through different mechanisms of sound absorption and resonance.

In essence, the unique responses of the Haimu Orange Sea and the Gateron Smoothie switches derive from the interplay of their varying top and bottom housing materials. While the Orange Sea's polycarbonate top enhances sharpness, contributing to its bright sound profile, the presence of nylon in its bottom housing assures a rich and fuller auditory experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie achieves a similar deep sound through its POM material in both top and bottom housings, resulting in a cohesive acoustic character. Ultimately, each switch's housing materials fundamentally influence user experience, with users achieving unique auditory outcomes based on their material preferences. The overall typing experience will thus differ between the two, shaped by their distinctive sound properties, even though both switches strive to provide satisfying auditory contexts.

Weight

When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, we find a notable difference in their actuation forces. The Orange Sea has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Smoothie requires a bit more effort at 40 grams. This difference suggests that the Orange Sea may be preferable for users who seek a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for prolonged use during work or long gaming sessions. Additionally, the Orange Sea's bottom out force is measured at 45 grams, which means it provides a gentle yet noticeable resistance when fully pressed down, enhancing the overall typing experience for those who prefer a softer feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie's bottom out force is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare how it feels when fully actuated. If the Smoothie's bottom out force happens to be similar to the Orange Sea, users might experience a more substantial push feel, which could appeal to those who prefer a heavier switch for a more tactile typing experience. Overall, the Orange Sea is the lighter option, while the Smoothie's weight characteristics remain uncertain.

Travel distance

Both the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch have identical travel distances of 3.6 mm, meaning that users will experience the same keypress depth with both switches. This similarity ensures that both switches can provide a comparable typing or gaming experience, as the distance from the top to the bottom is the same. Consequently, whether one opts for the Haimu Orange Sea or the Gateron Smoothie, they can expect a consistent feel during use.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Haimu Orange Sea switches present a neutral sound signature, which means they don't emphasize any particular tone or pitch while typing. This gives them a balanced acoustic profile, making them suitable for various environments where a more subdued auditory presence is desired. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie switches deliver a thocky sound profile characterized by a deep, rich tone that asserts itself with each keystroke. This results in a satisfying auditory feedback reminiscent of a soft knock or a deep thud. The Smoothie switches are not only low-pitched but also provide a more subdued sound, creating a pleasant yet less intrusive typing experience compared to the cleaner sound of the Orange Sea switches.

In terms of feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are celebrated for their impeccably smooth typing experience, which allows for a seamless keystroke without any noticeable resistance. This smoothness is coupled with a neutral touch that emphasizes comfort during extended typing sessions. The Gateron Smoothie switches, on the other hand, are described as buttery, creamy, and silky, offering an exceptionally fluid and enjoyable typing sensation. They are designed to provide a seamless and effortless keypress, giving users a luxurious feel as fingers glide over the keys. While both switches focus on a smooth typing experience, the Smoothie's tactile sensations may give users a slightly more elevated experience due to their buttery and creamy characteristics.

In summary, while the Haimu Orange Sea switches provide a neutral sound and a remarkably smooth typing feel, the Gateron Smoothie switches stand out with their thocky sound and silky keypress experience. Typists seeking a more audible and tactile experience may prefer the Smoothie, while those who favor a quieter and equally smooth operation might lean towards the Orange Sea. Regardless of choice, both switches promise a high-quality typing experience, with the decision ultimately hinging on personal preference for sound and feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Haimu Orange Sea and the Gateron Smoothie switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding feel and sound. If you appreciate a lightweight touch and are looking for a switch that offers a peculiarly smooth typing experience along with a neutral sound signature, the Haimu Orange Sea might be your best bet. This switch is great for those who favor a responsive, tactile feel without overwhelming noise, making it perfect for both typing and quiet gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you find enjoyment in a richer, more robust acoustic feedback while typing, or if you want something that feels exceptionally smooth with that extra touch of character, the Gateron Smoothie could be your ideal choice. With its thocky sound profile and buttery, creamy feel, this switch excels in environments where a bit of noise is welcome, especially if you enjoy a more tactile response paired with a satisfying auditory experience. Ultimately, your selection should mirror your typing preferences, whether that leans towards a subtle, efficient experience or a lively and engaging one.

Mentioned in this article

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn more