Haimu Orange Sea vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Orange Sea and HMX Twilight offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Haimu Orange Sea is celebrated for its impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a seamless and quiet typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Twilight stands out with its extended 3.85mm travel distance, providing a softer sound while preserving the signature clacky characteristics that fans of HMX switches have come to love. Both switches fall into the linear category, making them appealing for gamers and typists alike who enjoy a consistent keypress without tactile bumps. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.85 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
Nylon
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Haimu Orange Sea and the HMX Twilight exhibit distinctly different characteristics in their top housing materials, showcasing contrasting sonic profiles influenced by the choices of polycarbonate and nylon, respectively. The Orange Sea utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer composition that results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's translucency allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, making it aesthetically appealing as well. In contrast, the HMX Twilight’s nylon top housing adopts a softer composition, which facilitates a deeper and fuller sound profile. As nylon absorbs sound more effectively, the overall auditory feedback when typing becomes more rounded and muted, creating a different tactile experience compared to that offered by the polycarbonate top of the Orange Sea.
When examining the bottom housing materials, the Orange Sea and the Twilight are aligned in their approach, both employing nylon. This shared choice means that the characteristics associated with nylon, such as a deeper and fuller sound profile, are consistently felt across both switches. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound, which contributes to a more subdued auditory response during typing. Given that the bottom housing plays a crucial role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches deliver similar results in terms of that thicker acoustic experience, ensuring a level of sound uniformity regardless of their differing top housings.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials in the top housings of the Orange Sea and the Twilight lead to distinct sound profiles, while both switches converge in their nylon bottom housing, promoting a familiar acoustic experience. The unique interplay between the stiffer polycarbonate and the softer nylon in the Orange Sea provides a dynamic sound signature that can enhance gaming or typing performance. In comparison, the Twilight's softer nylon top housing offers a more comforting and less piercing sound, which may appeal to users seeking a more muted auditory feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two will largely depend on individual preferences for sound sharpness versus depth.
Weight
When comparing the actuation forces of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, the Orange Sea requires a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Twilight has a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions might find the Orange Sea more comfortable. In terms of bottom out force, the Orange Sea again has a lower value of 45 grams compared to the Twilight's 50 grams. Consequently, both switches offer a light typing experience, but the Orange Sea is notably easier to press, which could be a significant factor for users who type for extended periods. Conversely, the Twilight's heavier forces may appeal to those seeking a more substantial feedback and tactile response in their typing. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter typing experience, the Haimu Orange Sea would be the better choice, while the HMX Twilight caters to those who prefer a firmer feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, it is clear that the Haimu Orange Sea features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Twilight offers a longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This difference allows for distinct typing experiences; the shorter travel distance of the Orange Sea may appeal to gamers seeking quick response times, while the increased travel distance of the Twilight caters to those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing keys. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on an individual’s preference for speed versus depth, with the Orange Sea being more responsive and the Twilight offering a more traditional keypress experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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
In terms of sound, the Haimu Orange Sea switch boasts a neutral sound signature, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more subdued auditory experience while typing. This means that it won’t draw attention to itself and can blend seamlessly into a variety of environments, making it ideal for office settings or quieter spaces. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight switch features a slightly quieter sound due to its extended 3.85mm travel distance while also maintaining the clacky characteristics associated with HMX switches. This results in a unique auditory experience that is both distinctive and subdued, appealing to users who enjoy a blend of smoothness and character in their keystrokes. However, it’s important to remember that the overall sound profile is influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, so users could achieve similar results regardless of the switch.
When it comes to feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are celebrated for their impeccably smooth typing experience, providing a satisfying and responsive feedback as you type. This smoothness allows for fluid keystrokes and a comfortable typing rhythm, which caters to both fast typists and casual users alike. Conversely, the HMX Twilight switches, while offering a different typing experience, also focus on the subjective sense of touch with their own distinctive characteristics. Though the exact tactile feedback details for the Twilight switch are not specified, it can be inferred that its smoothness and slightly longer travel distance may present a unique typing sensation that complements its sound profile.
In conclusion, both the Haimu Orange Sea and HMX Twilight linear switches deliver excellent performance with distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Orange Sea excels with its neutral sound signature and impeccable smoothness, making it ideal for users who prioritize a discreet and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Twilight’s quieter sound and extended travel distance provide a unique blend of auditory delicacy and smoothness, appealing to those who enjoy a slightly more pronounced character in their typing. Ultimately, both switches offer unique benefits, allowing newcomers to find their perfect match based on their personal typing habits and sound preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing style. If you lean towards a switch that offers a light, smooth feel with a neutral sound signature, the Orange Sea is likely the better choice. It’s ideal for those who prefer a quick, effortless typing experience and value a clean, unobtrusive sound while typing. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that provides a slightly firmer bottom out force and an extended travel distance, the Twilight might be more suitable for you. Its unique characteristics provide a quieter yet still satisfying typing experience with that signature clackiness that HMX switches are known for. In essence, if you prioritize comfort and smoothness with a subtle sound, go for the Orange Sea; if you prefer a bit more resistance and a distinctive auditory feedback, then the Twilight is the way to go. Ultimately, the best switch for you will align with your personal typing style and sound preferences.
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