Haimu Orange Sea vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, both the Haimu Orange Sea and Dareu Snow present compelling options for users seeking smooth linear performance, but they each offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Haimu Orange Sea is renowned for its impeccably smooth typing feel and a neutral sound signature, making it a great choice for those who prioritize a clean and distraction-free experience while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch takes typing to the next level with its innovative use of POK material, resulting in a deeper, low-pitched sound signature that many enthusiasts find pleasing. This switch is not only smooth but also offers a 'thocky' feel, which can add a layer of tactile enjoyment for users who desire a bit more auditory feedback. While both switches are linear and designed for a seamless typing experience, they cater to different auditory preferences and tactile sensations. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 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
POK
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Haimu Orange Sea and Dareu Snow switches both utilize advanced materials for their housings, with notable differences in the composition of their top housings. The Orange Sea features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This combination results in a sharper and crisper sound profile, making polycarbonate an excellent choice for enhancing RGB lighting effects due to its clear visual properties. In contrast, the Snow employs a POK (polyketone) top housing, which is also engineered for durability and smoothness. While POK doesn't facilitate the same level of translucency as polycarbonate, it excels in wear resistance and shock absorption, contributing to a distinct yet cohesive audio experience characterized by smooth and clacky sounds.
When examining the bottom housing materials, both the Haimu Orange Sea and Dareu Snow switches share a common feature: nylon. This classic switch housing material is recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which effectively absorbs sound vibrations. The presence of nylon in both switches ensures a consistent typing experience, where the absorbing qualities of the material enhance the overall auditory feedback. Therefore, despite the differences in their top housing materials, the bottom housing in both switches contributes to a similar acoustic texture, resulting in a duller and rounder sound during keystrokes.
In terms of overall performance, the distinct characteristics of the top housings in both switches lead to varied sound profiles; nevertheless, their shared nylon bottoms unify their auditory experiences. When pressed, each switch's nylon bottom housing provides a substantial impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top materials influence the release sound when the keys are lifted. This complementarity means that regardless of the differences in top housing materials—polycarbonate for the Orange Sea and POK for the Snow—users can still anticipate a full-bodied sound experience largely shaped by the nylon bottoms, allowing both switches to appeal to a wide range of preferences despite their construction variances.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Orange Sea features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for prolonged use in work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Snow switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a more substantial and firm typing experience. This increased resistance may appeal to users who favor a stronger tactile feedback under their fingers. Ultimately, if you're looking for a lighter switch, the Haimu Orange Sea is the clear choice, while the Dareu Snow caters to those who appreciate a bit more weight in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, we find that the Orange Sea has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Snow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive switch, the Snow would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, which can lead to faster response times—an important consideration for gamers. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with greater depth in the keypress, the Orange Sea would better suit your needs with its longer travel distance. Thus, the Haimu Orange Sea offers a depthier actuation at 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Snow provides a quicker, more immediate response at 3.3 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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 is noted for its neutral sound signature, making it a versatile choice for various environments, whether at home or in the office. The sound profile is understated, offering a smooth experience without any harsh or distracting noises. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch delivers a deeper, thocky sound that produces a satisfying, rich tone with each keypress. This creates a more profound auditory experience characterized by a low-pitched thud or soft knock, which can be particularly appealing for those who enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback while typing. The choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference regarding sound: whether one prefers the subtle neutrality of the Orange Sea or the substantial richness of the Snow.
When considering the feel of each switch, the Haimu Orange Sea is praised for its impeccably smooth typing experience, providing an effortless glide with every keystroke. This makes it suitable for extended typing sessions, delivering a comfortable and consistent response. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch introduces a bouncy feedback sensation, giving a lively, spring-like response when pressed. This added vitality can make typing more engaging and responsive, which many users might find enjoyable. While both switches offer smooth operation, the Orange Sea leans towards a more uniform experience, whereas the Snow provides a dynamic rebound that can enhance the tactile engagement during use.
In summary, both the Haimu Orange Sea and Dareu Snow switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Orange Sea provides a neutral sound profile with a smooth typing experience, making it a reliable choice for a variety of settings. Meanwhile, the Snow offers a deeper, thocky sound and a bouncy feel that may appeal to those who enjoy more pronounced auditory and tactile feedback. Selecting between the two will ultimately depend on whether the preference leans towards a more subdued, smooth typing experience or a lively, engaging tactile sensation with a rich auditory signature.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Haimu Orange Sea and Dareu Snow linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a lighter bottom-out force for a more effortless typing experience, the Orange Sea is ideal. Its impeccably smooth feel and neutral sound signature make it a great choice for long typing sessions, especially if you're looking for something that won’t fatigue your fingers easily. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bit more resistance and enjoy a deeper, thocky sound, the Dareu Snow would be a better fit. Its use of POK material adds to both the unique feel and auditory experience, providing a pleasant bouncy feedback that can be highly satisfying for various tasks, from gaming to casual typing. In essence, selecting the Orange Sea will yield a lighter, more subdued experience, while the Snow offers a richer sound and a slightly firmer typing feel.
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