Haimu Orange Sea vs. Huano Strawberry Latte

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, personal preferences play a crucial role, especially when comparing the Haimu Orange Sea and the Huano Strawberry Latte, both of which are linear switches renowned for their smooth keystrokes. The Haimu Orange Sea is celebrated for its impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a clean, unobtrusive experience while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte shines with its super smooth performance, utilizing the latest molds from Huano to deliver a balanced sound profile that strikes a perfect compromise between being not overly quiet yet avoiding excessive resonance. While both switches offer a stellar experience for enthusiasts, each has unique characteristics that might cater to different user needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.

By the numbers

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$2.79 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Haimu Orange Sea and the Huano Strawberry Latte feature contrasting materials in their top housings, which profoundly affect the acoustic characteristics and overall tactile experience of the switches. The Orange Sea employs polycarbonate as its top housing material, which significantly contributes to sharper and crisper sound profiles. This stiff plastic not only promotes clarity and resonance but also enhances RGB lighting effects due to its translucency. In comparison, the Strawberry Latte's top housing is made from polyketone (POK), known for its low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability characteristics. The POK material facilitates a smooth keystroke while delivering a clacky tonal quality, though it does not offer the same resonant clarity that polycarbonate provides. Thus, while both switches excel in different dimensions of user experience, the choice of top housing materials leads to unique acoustic nuances that distinguish the two models.

In terms of bottom housing, both the Haimu Orange Sea and the Huano Strawberry Latte utilize nylon, renowned as a classic material in switch design. Nylon's softness absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience during keystrokes. This shared material choice results in similar underlining acoustic characteristics, exhibiting the classic, rounded sound profile common among nylon-based switches. Notably, the impact of the bottom housing in both switches will be felt during the actuation and bottom-out phases of typing, providing a sense of consistent sound dampening and richer audio feedback, regardless of the distinct high-pitched clarity brought by the top housing materials.

When considering the totality of the housing materials, the combined effect of the Haimu Orange Sea's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom contrasts with the Huano Strawberry Latte's POK top and nylon bottom, creating different auditory experiences. While the nylon bottom insert serves to soften the overall sound signature for both switches, the top housings dictate the variance in sound clarity and delivery. Therefore, when comparing these models, the combination of softer nylon and stiffer or smoother top materials ultimately tailors the user experience, offering enthusiasts the ability to choose based on their auditory preferences—crispness and light for the Orange Sea versus smoothness and clack for the Strawberry Latte. Nevertheless, both models can deliver enjoyable feedback to their users despite the differences.

Weight

When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, both switches exhibit similar bottom out forces at 45 grams, indicating that when pressed down fully, they require the same force to reach the bottom. However, their actuation forces differ slightly; the Orange Sea has an actuation force of 37 grams, making it marginally heavier than the Strawberry Latte's lighter 35 grams. This means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter switch that feels easier to actuate may favor the Strawberry Latte for prolonged use, as it could reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile experience may be drawn to the Haimu Orange Sea despite the slight increase in actuation force. Overall, while both switches provide a light typing experience, the Strawberry Latte offers a slightly easier actuation, appealing to users seeking a lighter touch.

Travel distance

Both the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch share an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that, when pressing down on the keys of either switch, users will experience the same depth of travel, resulting in a similar tactile experience. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect comparable feedback and responsiveness when typing or gaming, making either switch a suitable choice depending on other preferences, such as feel or sound.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Haimu Orange Sea switch features a neutral sound signature that provides a balanced auditory experience, making it versatile for various environments. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch is noted for its balanced sound profile, characterized as neither overly quiet nor excessively resonant. Both switches offer a satisfactory acoustic experience, with the sound quality likely influenced by factors such as the keyboard frame and keycap selection, thus presenting users with a suitable experience regardless of their choice.

When it comes to feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switch is renowned for its impeccably smooth typing experience, allowing for effortless keystrokes that enhance overall user satisfaction. Similarly, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch boasts a super smooth feel, attributed to the advanced molds utilized in its production. Both switches excel in delivering a seamless typing sensation, making them attractive alternatives for those who prioritize smoothness in their typing experience.

Overall, both the Haimu Orange Sea and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches provide exceptional qualities in sound and feel, with each switch offering a distinct auditory experience while maintaining a smooth typing performance. This shared focus on smoothness makes either option an excellent choice for newcomers seeking a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, personal preference, especially regarding sound characteristics, will guide which switch is better suited for an individual’s typing style.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch will ultimately boil down to your personal preferences for tactile feedback and sound profile. If you prioritize a smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the Haimu Orange Sea is an excellent option. Its lightweight 45-gram bottom out force makes it ideal for those who enjoy quick and effortless keystrokes, making it suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons where speed is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced sound profile that isn't too quiet or overly resonant, the Huano Strawberry Latte may be the better choice. Also featuring a 45-gram bottom out force, it provides a similarly smooth feel, but with a sound character that strikes a balance, ensuring an engaging auditory experience without being disruptive. Ultimately, consider what matters more in your typing experience: the ultra-smooth feel of the Orange Sea or the balanced sound profile of the Strawberry Latte, and let that guide your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more