Haimu Orange Sea vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Haimu Orange Sea and the Bsun Tomcat offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Haimu Orange Sea switches are celebrated for their impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, making them an excellent choice for those who seek a refined and understated typing experience. Their accented and invigorating character can enhance the overall feel of your keyboard, adding a touch of vibrancy. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switches, with their Ly stems, promise an equally super smooth typing experience but are characterized by a resonant sound profile that may appeal to users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. While both switches fall under the linear category, they offer unique features that cater to various typing styles and sound preferences. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.79 per 10

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The Haimu Orange Sea and the Bsun Tomcat exhibit remarkable similarities in their housing materials, particularly in the use of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which is notable for its ability to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is primarily due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, the transparency of this material makes it an ideal choice for setups that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant illumination effects. Given these shared properties, users of both switches can expect a similar auditory experience in terms of sound profile and aesthetic appeal when using RGB lighting.

On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches are constructed from nylon, a material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. This is an essential characteristic of the switches, as the bottom housing primarily influences the feel and sound at the bottom-out point of the keystroke. With both the Orange Sea and Tomcat featuring nylon for their bottom housing, users will experience a consistently rich and warm sound signature that enhances overall typing satisfaction across both models.

When considering the interplay between the two housing materials in each switch, the combination of polycarbonate tops with nylon bottoms serves to create a well-rounded auditory experience. The crisper sound profile from the polycarbonate top complements the fuller tones generated by the nylon bottom, allowing for a nuanced performance that caters to diverse typing preferences. In both the Haimu Orange Sea and Bsun Tomcat, this configuration ensures that users can enjoy an engaging typing experience that balances brightness with warmth, regardless of the specific model chosen. Therefore, while each switch may have its unique design elements, the shared choices in housing materials facilitate similar results in terms of sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there are notable differences that could affect user experience. The Orange Sea features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, with a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an ideal choice for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Tomcat requires a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, providing a heftier feel that some users might prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Thus, while both switches serve their purpose well, the Orange Sea is lighter overall, appealing to those who appreciate a softer touch, whereas the Tomcat offers a firmer feedback with its greater forces, catering to users who favor a more pronounced keypress.

Travel distance

The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch both have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that when pressed, both switches will provide a similar tactile response and feel under the fingers. This equality in travel distance suggests that users can expect the same keypress experience regarding depth and actuation point, making either switch a suitable choice for those who prefer a consistent key travel distance. Thus, regardless of which switch is selected, the performance will be essentially equivalent in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch produces a neutral sound signature, characterized by its nicely balanced tonal quality that doesn’t draw too much attention. This makes it versatile and suitable for a variety of environments, both quiet and social. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switch offers a resonant sound profile, which adds an interesting layer of acoustics to the typing experience. This might provide more audio feedback compared to the muted qualities of the Orange Sea, making it more satisfying for those who prefer a bit of auditory presence as they type. However, it's important to note that the sound experience can vary significantly based on the keyboard construction and the type of keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are described as offering an impeccably smooth typing experience with certain accented qualities. This means they provide a pleasant typing sensation that strikes a balance between being tactile enough to feel engaging without being overly aggressive. The invigorating nature of the Orange Sea supports an immersive experience, delivering a snappy and reactive feel during use. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat's feel remains less defined in the provided information, making it challenging to draw direct comparisons. However, the emphasis on the linearity of both switches suggests that users can expect a smooth typing experience regardless of which switch is chosen.

In conclusion, while the Haimu Orange Sea and Bsun Tomcat switches both offer smooth typing experiences, they differ primarily in their sound profiles, with the Orange Sea being neutral and the Tomcat being resonant. The Orange Sea also provides an invigorating feel that enhances the overall typing experience, while the Tomcat's specific feel remains undefined, leaving some aspects unknown. Ultimately, both switches cater to users seeking linear switches, and while their sound and feel vary, users can find satisfaction in the type of smooth performance they both promise.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, it ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you’re looking for. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and an impeccably smooth typing feel with a neutral sound signature, the Haimu Orange Sea would be your best bet. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a comfortable and swift typing experience without the resistance of heavier switches, making it a great choice for extended typing sessions or gaming where speed and fluidity are paramount. On the other hand, if you lean towards a medium-light actuation force and appreciate a resonant sound profile, then the Bsun Tomcat switch is likely more suited to your taste. The Ly stems in the Tomcat provide a super smooth experience, and if your typing style calls for a bit more heft and a distinct feedback signal, it might resonate more with your preferences. Ultimately, consider your own needs and the environments in which you'll be using your keyboard to make the best choice between these two excellent linear options.

Mentioned in this article

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

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Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more