Haimu Orange Sea vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Haimu Orange Sea and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) can significantly impact your typing experience. The Haimu Orange Sea switches are celebrated for their impeccably smooth feel and neutral sound signature, offering a linear switch that caters to those who value subtlety and precision in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switches stand out with their resonant and clacky acoustic profile, enhancing the tactile experience with every press. They also benefit from an exemplary factory lube job, allowing for a silky smooth typing experience that many enthusiasts adore. While the Orange Sea is ideal for users seeking quiet efficiency, the Strawberry Wine (V2) appeals to those who enjoy auditory feedback and a lively typing environment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
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
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Haimu Orange Sea and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), a significant distinction arises from their top housing compositions. The Orange Sea employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which is noted for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffness, lending clarity and resonance to the auditory experience when typing. This material's translucent quality also enhances the aesthetics of RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for visually appealing keyboards. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) uses a newer material called Ly for its top housing, which is characterized by a bright sound signature and resonant clacks. While both materials strive to enhance sound delivery, the tonal qualities they produce diverge significantly, affecting the overall typing experience.
In contrast, both the Haimu Orange Sea and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This similarity brings about a commonality in the acoustic properties of these switches, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller auditory experience. By dampening the sound, nylon creates a duller and rounder profile compared to the brighter top housings in each model. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel during keypresses remains consistent across both switches, making essential contributions to the tactile experience. Therefore, even though the top housings differ significantly in sound production, the nylon bottom housing provides a grounding element that harmonizes the overall sound characteristics.
Ultimately, the interaction of both housing types contributes to the final sound and feel of each switch. For both the Haimu Orange Sea and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), the incorporation of a polycarbonate or Ly top housing leads to distinctive auditory outputs, while the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a deeper tonal foundation. Each switch's personality emerges from this collaboration, showing how different materials can produce varied outcomes while still retaining some common acoustic properties. Thus, even though they provide different sound profiles through their top housings, the resultant mixing of sounds allows for a fruitful exploration of tactile and auditory sensations when typing.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch to the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Haimu Orange Sea features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, perfect for prolonged use during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, which may cater to those who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing. This indicates that while both switches provide a good performance, the Orange Sea is the lighter option, providing a softer touch overall, whereas the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a firmer resistance for a stronger push feel. Thus, if ease of use and extended typing comfort are a priority, the Haimu Orange Sea would be the preferable choice, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) suits those seeking a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning they provide an identical feel when pressed down. This congruity in travel distance suggests that users can expect very similar tactile experiences when typing or gaming with either switch. Since both switches share this characteristic, users will achieve comparable results in terms of responsiveness and key travel feedback, making either switch a suitable choice depending on personal preference in other features or aesthetics.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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
When it comes to sound profile, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches are known for their neutral sound signature, which provides a balanced auditory experience that does not overly emphasize any particular frequency. This means they deliver a more understated and unobtrusive sound during typing, making them suitable for environments where noise sensitivity is key. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switches present a distinctly different auditory profile, characterized by resonant and clacky notes. The sound produced by these switches is sharp, bright, and percussive, with a clean, high-pitched signature. Users can expect an immersive auditory experience that brings a lively element to their typing, making these switches engaging for those who enjoy pronounced sound characteristics in their mechanical keyboards.
In terms of feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are celebrated for their impeccably smooth typing experience, ensuring that each keystroke is fluid and seamless. This smoothness enhances typing efficiency and comfort, allowing users to type for extended periods without experiencing finger fatigue. The Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches also provide a pleasurable typing experience, thanks in part to an impeccable factory lube job that contributes to their silky smooth feel. This results in minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys, further enhancing the overall fluidity of the typing experience. While both switches offer exceptional smoothness, the factory lube on the Strawberry Wine (V2) sets it apart as particularly indulgent.
In conclusion, while both the Haimu Orange Sea and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switches deliver a highly satisfying typing experience, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound and nuance. The Orange Sea's neutral sound and smooth feel make it an excellent choice for those who prefer a discreet typing experience, whereas the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a lively auditory presence with a silky keystroke sensation that many will find irresistible. Depending on your priorities—whether they lean towards sound or tactile feedback—either of these switches can provide an excellent mechanical keyboard experience, ensuring that your typing is enjoyable regardless of the path you choose.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch that offers an impeccably smooth feel and a neutral sound profile, the Orange Sea may be the ideal choice for you. Its 45-gram bottom-out force makes it a great option for extended typing sessions, where reduced fatigue is important. However, if you enjoy a more clacky and resonant typing experience, with a slightly higher actuation force of 52 grams, then the Strawberry Wine (V2) will likely suit you better. Its exceptional factory lube job provides a silky smooth keystroke, and the unique auditory feedback can enhance your typing experience. In essence, if you prioritize a light and smooth feel with a neutral sound, go for the Orange Sea; but if you're drawn to a more vibrant and tactile auditory experience with just a touch more resistance, the Strawberry Wine (V2) is the way to go. Ultimately, it's all about what makes your typing experience more enjoyable and comfortable.
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