Haimu Orange Sea vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Orange Sea and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) stand out as two compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear typing experience. The Haimu Orange Sea switches are celebrated for their impeccably smooth feel and neutral sound signature, creating an invigorating typing experience ideal for both gaming and general typing tasks. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches utilize Ly stems to deliver an exceptionally smooth actuation with a resonant sound profile that adds a unique auditory dimension to every keystroke. While the Orange Sea offers a light and vibrant typing experience that many users find refreshing, the Tomcat (Heavy) emphasizes a more profound auditory feedback that can enhance the tactile experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to distinct preferences: one prioritizing smoothness and neutrality, the other resonating with a richer sound. 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

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.79 per 10

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Haimu Orange Sea and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) exhibit a remarkable similarity, particularly in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches share the characteristic of having a polycarbonate upper, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate lends itself to a clear and resonant auditory experience, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate articulate keystrokes. Additionally, both switches utilize translucent polycarbonate, which enhances their appearance when paired with RGB lighting. This commonality ensures that users will enjoy a vibrant lighting effect and a bright sound profile regardless of their choice between the two switches.

On the contrary, in their choice of bottom housing, both the Orange Sea and the Tomcat (Heavy) opt for nylon, a classic housing material known for its distinctive acoustic properties. Nylon is relatively softer than polycarbonate, and this softness allows it to absorb sound more effectively, fostering a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a result, users can expect a more rounded auditory experience from the bottom-up keystrokes of both switches. This shared nylon bottom contributes to the overall sound and feel during typing, enhancing the user’s comfort and enjoyment as they immerse themselves in their typing tasks.

Even though the top and bottom housings of the Haimu Orange Sea and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) utilize different materials, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon across both switches ensures a synthesis of sound qualities. The polycarbonate top housing brings clarity and resonance to the initial keystroke while the nylon bottom housing deepens the overall typing experience with a fuller feedback. Therefore, even with the distinct properties of each material affecting separate parts of the keystroke, the result is a well-rounded, dynamic typing experience that draws on the strengths of both polycarbonate and nylon. Consequently, whether choosing the Orange Sea or the Tomcat (Heavy), users will achieve a balanced auditory delight that harmonizes the best features of each material.

Weight

The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch present contrasting characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, leading to different typing experiences. The Orange Sea features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. As a result, the Orange Sea switch allows for easier keystrokes, while the Tomcat (Heavy) provides greater resistance, which some users may find more satisfying. Therefore, if you favor a lightweight switch for extended use, the Orange Sea would be your ideal choice, while the Tomcat (Heavy) caters to those who prefer a firmer push with more feedback.

Travel distance

Both the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users will experience the same key press depth when engaging either switch. This similarity ensures a consistent tactile feedback when pressing down on the keys, making either option suitable for those who prefer a linear switch with a uniform travel distance. As a result, users looking for a comfortable and balanced typing experience can expect similar performance between the two switches, as their travel distance plays a crucial role in the overall feel and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch is neutral, providing a quiet yet pleasant acoustic experience that doesn’t distract from typing. It maintains a subdued resonance that can complement a variety of environments, making it ideal for shared spaces or office settings. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) presents a more resonant sound profile, adding a deeper quality to each keystroke. The richer sound may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing, although it is essential to remember that the final sound is also influenced by the keyboard’s construction and keycap materials.

When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Haimu Orange Sea is characterized by its impeccably smooth typing experience. While the Orange Sea is not tactically aggressive, it provides a medium tactile response that ensures a satisfying feedback without overwhelming the typist. The invigorating nature of the switch fosters a snappy and reactive sensation, making typing more engaging. On the other hand, while the Tomcat (Heavy) switches boast Ly stems that promise a super smooth experience, specific descriptors about their tactile response were not provided. Therefore, it’s unclear how they compare in the tactile sensation department.

In summary, both the Haimu Orange Sea and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches cater to typists seeking smoothness, though they diverge in their sound signature, with the Tomcat offering a more resonant quality. The Orange Sea excels in providing a connective typing experience, while the Tomcat’s soothing smoothness remains somewhat less defined due to the lack of specific tactile descriptions. Ultimately, both switches can deliver enjoyable typing experiences, but the choice largely depends on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between Haimu Orange Sea linear switches and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches ultimately comes down to your typing preferences and the typing experience you seek. If you favor a lighter touch and enjoy a smooth, balanced typing experience with a more neutral sound profile, the Haimu Orange Sea is the perfect fit for you. With a bottom-out force of only 45 grams, these switches provide an invigorating, accented feel that allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue, making them suitable for both casual users and gamers who require rapid key presses. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feedback and don't mind a heavier actuation, opting for the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches might be your best bet. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 64 grams, these switches deliver an incredibly smooth typing experience complemented by a resonant sound profile, ideal for those who appreciate a tactile sensation that reflects the weight of their keystrokes. In essence, selecting between these two switches hinges on whether you want a lighter, more effortless touch with pronounced feedback or a heavier, resonant experience that emphasizes weight and tactile presence.

Mentioned in this article

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more