Haimu Orange Sea vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, each variety offers a unique typing experience tailored to different user preferences. The Haimu Orange Sea switch stands out as a linear option, renowned for its impeccably smooth feel and neutral sound signature, providing a serene typing experience that many users find ideal for both gaming and long typing sessions. In contrast, the Jwick Taro switch, which is categorized as tactile, offers a lively and engaging experience with its snappy, medium-level tactility and acute, crisp clacks that enhance the feedback during each keystroke. While the Orange Sea is often favored by those seeking a quieter and uninterrupted typing rhythm, the Taro appeals to users who appreciate the palpable response of tactile feedback. Both switches cater to different preferences, making either a great choice depending on your style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Jwick Taro both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a clarion sound profile characterized by sharper, higher-pitched tones. This similarity arises from polycarbonate’s inherent stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of sounds generated by the switches. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also adds an aesthetic appeal, especially in applications involving RGB lighting, as the light can brightly shine through the clear housing. This shared material composition ensures that both switch models will produce comparable auditory experiences, maximizing clarity and vibrancy during use.
On the other hand, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housing, which introduces a contrasting sonic characteristic to their overall performance. Nylon’s softer composition provides a rich, deeper sound profile that tends to absorb sound rather than resonate, resulting in a fuller typing experience. This softer material contributes to the overall feel when bottoming out—users will notice the impact of the nylon as it softens the sound and feel to deliver a rounded typing experience. The uniformity in the choice of nylon for the bottom housing means that both switches will exhibit similar tactile and auditory qualities, allowing for a distinct contrast between the clear, bright sounds of the polycarbonate top and the deeper, fuller sounds of the nylon bottom.
The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both the Haimu Orange Sea and Jwick Taro highlights the thoughtful design choices that influence the switches' overall performance. While the top housings offer a similar crispness and sharpness due to the polycarbonate material, the bottom housings provide a rounded and muted sound profile thanks to nylon’s properties. The interplay between the two materials not only shapes the auditory experience but also plays a critical role in the tactile feedback felt while typing. Thus, both switches, despite sharing materials, offer a balanced duality that caters to different auditory preferences and typing experiences, making them well-suited to a variety of user needs.
Weight
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch demonstrate significant differences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Orange Sea has a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Taro lacks a specified actuation force but features a notably heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, which caters to those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the Taro's bottoming out is more pronounced, providing a firmer feedback upon key presses. Overall, users looking for a lightweight and easier actuation should gravitate towards the Orange Sea, while those who favor a heavier, more tactile feel might find the Taro more satisfying in their typing experience.
Travel distance
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch have slightly differing travel distances, with the Orange Sea measuring 3.6 mm and the Taro at 3.7 mm. This makes the Orange Sea the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel, which can be particularly appealing to gamers looking for quick keystrokes. In contrast, the Taro's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a traditional typing experience with a bit more tactile feedback. While both switches may still offer good performance, the shorter travel distance of the Orange Sea can help deliver quicker response times, whereas the Taro may be better suited for users who enjoy a deeper keystroke. Thus, your choice between the two should depend on your preference for responsiveness versus depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 the sound of each switch, the Haimu Orange Sea is characterized by a neutral sound signature. This means it produces a balanced acoustic profile suitable for varied environments, maintaining a moderate auditory presence that is unobtrusive in both home and work settings. In contrast, the Jwick Taro switches deliver a more pronounced auditory experience with crisp, acute clacks that elevate the typing sound to a more dynamic level. While the Orange Sea is quieter, the Taro's sound can add an engaging extra layer to the typing experience, but again, it's important to note that sound can also be influenced by the keyboard build and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Orange Sea switches are best known for their impeccably smooth typing experience, creating a seamless and effortless keystroke that many users appreciate for extended typing sessions. This smoothness provides a fluid motion that minimizes finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switches offer a different tactile sensation. They feature a medium level of tactility that is snappy, alongside a buttery smoothness that provides a pleasant typing feedback without overwhelming the user. The stepped nature of the Taro switches gives them a unique feel; users can appreciate the two-stage keystroke that involves both pre-travel and post-travel, which adds to the dimensionality of the typing experience compared to the linear nature of the Orange Sea.
In summary, choosing between the Haimu Orange Sea and the Jwick Taro switches largely depends on personal preference. The Orange Sea's neutral sound and smooth feel make it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter and more fluid typing experience, while the Taro's crisp sound and tactile feedback cater to those who enjoy more pronounced acoustics and tactile responses. Users seeking a more dynamic typing experience might lean towards the Taro, while those wishing for a seamless flow might find the Orange Sea more appealing. Both switches offer unique benefits that can enhance the typing experience based on individual styles and requirements.
Conclusion
To summarize, choosing between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a typing experience that is smooth and light, the Orange Sea is a great option, especially if you often type for extended periods and appreciate a gentle keystroke. Its 45-gram bottom out force makes it ideal for quick typing, gaming, or scenarios where rapid key presses are essential. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and a snappier feel while typing, the Jwick Taro will likely serve you better. With a heavier 67-gram bottom out force and a subtle yet satisfying tactile bump, these switches cultivate an engaging typing experience while delivering an auditory element with their crisp clacks. Choose the Orange Sea for a smooth and fluid experience, particularly if you value speed and low effort, whereas the Taro shines for those who appreciate a tactile approach with a cozy sound profile, making it well-suited for a blend of work and casual use. Each switch has its unique character; your choice will reflect your typing style and comfort preferences.
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