Haimu Orange Sea vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between various options, each offering its unique typing experience. The Haimu Orange Sea switch is celebrated for its impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who favor a quiet and linear response without distracting audio feedback. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches captivate users with their distinct Creamsicle color and a sound profile that resonates with the pleasant clatter of mahjong tiles. With a rich, bassy, and decadent auditory experience, the Sunset Yellow switches deliver not only a medium-weight action suitable for a wide array of typists but also boast a unique Ly stem and a proprietary lubrication method that enhance their overall polished feel. While the Orange Sea is ideal for those seeking a serene typing environment, the Sunset Yellow provides a more indulgent sensory experience. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Haimu Orange Sea and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches, a distinct difference emerges between their top housings. The Orange Sea features a polycarbonate top housing that offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, facilitating enhanced acoustics. This stiffer plastic is conducive to creating clearer, more resonant audio characteristics, particularly advantageous when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow is equipped with a POM top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both switches serve to affect the auditory experience of typing, the variance in top housing material influences the nature of the sound significantly, highlighting how the properties of polycarbonate compared to POM yield different auditory results.
The bottom housings of both switches present another layer of comparison. The Orange Sea utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is celebrated for its ability to generate a deeper, fuller sound profile, characterized by a more muted and rounded tone. Nylon’s softer nature contributes to sound absorption, leading to a distinctive typing experience. Conversely, the Sunset Yellow features a POM bottom housing that similarly produces a pleasing sound, albeit with a unique quality that aligns more closely with its top housing attributes, maintaining that deeper and more muted auditory signature. The consistent deeper profile from both switches' bottom housings indicates a synergy between the two materials employed in the Sunset Yellow, while the nylon in the Orange Sea distinctly steers its sound in a different direction.
Overall, when analyzing the combination of materials used in both switches, the characteristics of sound and feel emerge as critical points of differentiation. Although each switch offers a unique auditory experience — with the Orange Sea promoting sharper tones through its polycarbonate top, and the Sunset Yellow maintaining a deeper, muted quality from both POM housings — their bottom housing materials play a vital role in shaping the overall typing experience. Ultimately, despite their differences, both switches provide distinct yet desirable sound profiles, emphasizing how the quality and type of housing materials impact the tactile and auditory results of each switch. This diversity of sound profiles ensures that users can choose based on their personal preferences, whether they lean towards the crispness of polycarbonate or the warmth of POM and nylon combinations.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Orange Sea features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a gentler typing experience, especially for extended use in typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, appealing to those seeking a more substantial feel when typing. This means that while both switches are relatively light, the Orange Sea is lighter overall, offering a softer touch, whereas the Sunset Yellow provides a firmer response. As a result, users looking for a lighter switch would likely prefer the Haimu Orange Sea, while those desiring a more pronounced actuation would lean towards the Everglide Sunset Yellow.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Orange Sea features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sunset Yellow has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This means that the Sunset Yellow is more responsive and better suited for gamers seeking quick keystrokes, as it allows for faster actuation. On the other hand, the Orange Sea's longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, providing a deeper actuation experience. In summary, the Sunset Yellow is the shorter option, ideal for responsiveness, while the Orange Sea offers a more pronounced depth for those who favor a more tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79, whereas the Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09.
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, the Haimu Orange Sea switches provide a neutral sound signature, making them ideal for users who prefer a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches produce a captivating sound profile that evokes images of mahjong tiles colliding, characterized by a rich, bassy tone that delivers a deeper and more resonant auditory experience. This thocky quality results in a satisfying “thud” or soft “knock” upon keypress, which enhances the overall typing satisfaction. However, it’s important to note that the acoustic performance of both switches can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used, leading to varying sound experiences.
In terms of feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are recognized for their impeccably smooth typing experience, aimed at providing a seamless interaction with the keys. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches boast feelings of creaminess and frictionlessness, allowing for a buttery and fluid keystroke experience. The combination of a unique Ly stem and a proprietary factory lube method enhances the gliding sensation, ensuring that the user encounters minimal resistance while typing. While both switches aim to deliver a smooth experience, the Sunset Yellow's additional tactile nuances, like the silky sensation and polished travel, set it apart in terms of luxurious feel.
Overall, both the Haimu Orange Sea and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches cater to different preferences within the typing experience paradigm. The Orange Sea provides a straightforward, neutral auditory experience alongside a smooth, straightforward keystroke feel, making it suitable for minimalists or those seeking a less obtrusive typing atmosphere. Conversely, the Sunset Yellow switches cater to users who appreciate auditory depth and a luxurious tactile engagement, turning typing into a more sensory experience. Depending on personal preferences, both switches offer their unique qualities that lead to different yet enjoyable typing experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter switch with a smooth and neutral sound, the Orange Sea is an excellent option for you. It’s ideal for those who prefer a more subtle and minimalist experience without distractions. On the other hand, if you enjoy an indulgent typing experience with a deeper, bassy sound profile, the Sunset Yellow may be more suitable. Its medium-light resistance offers a balance that accommodates a wider range of preferences, and the unique gliding feel delivered by the Ly stem can enhance your overall typing experience. So, consider whether you prioritize smoothness and lightness or a richer auditory and tactile feedback; both switches are exceptional, but your specific needs will guide the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.