Haimu Orange Sea vs. Gateron Type A
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Gateron Type A switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch significantly influences the overall typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the Haimu Orange Sea and the Gateron Type A, both linear switches but with distinct characteristics. The Haimu Orange Sea offers an impeccably smooth typing feel complemented by a neutral sound signature, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a responsive and unobtrusive experience. It falls into the categories of 'Accented' and 'Invigorating,' appealing to those who prioritize a lively interaction with their keyboard. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A, part of Sillyworks' "Project Rehash" / SLAY series, redefines traditional switch design with innovative factory lubing and a medium-weight feel, creating a typing experience that is both comfortable and engaging. With its deeper sound profile categorized as 'Neutral' and 'Subdued,' it caters to users who prefer a more grounded auditory feedback while typing. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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 housing materials of the Haimu Orange Sea and Gateron Type A switches present an intriguing contrast in their design and auditory characteristics. The Orange Sea employs a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile as a result of its stiffness. This choice of material enhances the clarity of the audio feedback generated by the switch, making it suitable for enthusiasts who prefer a more pronounced and crisp typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Type A utilizes a nylon top housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, yields a duller and rounder sound profile due to its sound-absorbing properties. Therefore, while the Orange Sea aims for clarity and brightness in sound, the Type A emphasizes warmth and fullness.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Orange Sea and the Gateron Type A utilize nylon, creating a sense of uniformity in their performance. The nylon bottom housing in both switches serves to absorb sound, contributing to a deeper and fuller acoustic experience. This commonality means that, regardless of the differences in their top housings, both switches deliver a more muted sound signature from the bottom, impacting the overall auditory experience when the switch bottoms out. The similarity in bottom housing material suggests that both models will feel consistent in this aspect, providing users with comparable feedback during key presses.
In conclusion, the distinct top housing materials of the Haimu Orange Sea and Gateron Type A create contrasting auditory profiles, while their shared bottom housing material bridges some of these differences. The polycarbonate of the Orange Sea's top contributes to a brighter sound, while the nylon top of the Type A leans towards a warmer tone. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the nylon used in both ensures that the bottom-out sound remains consistent, adding depth and roundness irrespective of the top housing material. Therefore, users who appreciate the sound characteristics of each switch can still expect similar results in terms of bottom-out feedback, even as the overall auditory experience varies between the two models.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces stand out. The Orange Sea features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for long typing sessions and gaming marathons, where users may appreciate less strain on their fingers. In contrast, the Gateron Type A provides a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This medium-light resistance can offer a more substantial feel while typing, which some users may prefer for its tactile feedback and reassurance that their keystrokes are registered. Consequently, those seeking a lighter switch for extended use may gravitate towards the Orange Sea, while individuals desiring a firmer push might find the Gateron Type A more appealing. Overall, the Orange Sea offers a gentler typing experience, whereas the Type A presents a more robust feel.
Travel distance
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Type A linear switch features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Orange Sea switch offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Type A, making it potentially more responsive and suited for gamers who value quick key presses. On the other hand, the Type A's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced depth in their typing experience, which can lead to a less abrupt feel during use. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preference for responsiveness versus the depth of the switch's actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79, whereas the Gateron Type A comes in at $4.70.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Haimu Orange Sea switches and the Gateron Type A switches, distinct characteristics emerge. The Haimu Orange Sea boasts a neutral sound signature, providing a balanced auditory experience that caters to users regardless of their typing environment. This neutrality is complemented by a somewhat subdued nature, meaning that while it isn't entirely silent, it produces a quieter sound compared to more assertive switches. The Gateron Type A, on the other hand, is noted for having a deeper sound profile. This switch leans towards the lower end of the sound spectrum, offering a more pronounced auditory feedback that can be desirable for users who appreciate a richer sound during typing sessions. Ultimately, while both switches offer pleasant auditory experiences, the Orange Sea leans towards a more neutral, soft sound, whereas the Type A presents a deeper, resonant profile.
In terms of feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switches provide a unique typing experience characterized as invigorating and accented. The invigorating aspect offers pronounced feedback with a moderate to firm actuation force, creating an engaging and responsive typing sensation. It's essentially a tactile experience that is both snappy and immersive. The accented descriptor complements this by conveying a medium level of tactility, ensuring that users experience a clear response without overwhelming resistance. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A switches, while innovative and well-lubed, do not have specific descriptors provided; therefore, a direct comparison on feel cannot be made. This lack of detailed feedback leaves the subjective experience of the Type A switches somewhat ambiguous in comparison to the distinctly smooth and engaging sensation of the Orange Sea.
In summary, the Haimu Orange Sea switches offer a balanced sound profile and an invigorating, tactile feel, making them a versatile choice for a wide range of typing experiences. The Gateron Type A switches also offer a unique auditory experience with a deeper sound but lack specific descriptions regarding their tactile feel, making it difficult to analyze them side by side. While both switches promote enjoyable typing experiences, the Orange Sea shines with its smoothness and clarity, while the Type A's offerings remain somewhat undefined. For newcomers seeking a reliable and pleasurable typing experience, the Orange Sea switches may present a more confident choice, particularly for those who value a well-rounded sound and feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the specific use case you have in mind. If you prioritize a smoother typing experience with a lighter actuation force, the Orange Sea is an excellent choice; its 45-gram bottom-out force and impeccably smooth feel make it ideal for long typing sessions, gaming, or any situation where speed and comfort are paramount. Conversely, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch that offers a more subdued and deeper sound signature, the Gateron Type A, with its 55-gram bottom-out force, is a fantastic option. Its medium-light feel blends well for both casual and professional use, making it suitable for various environments, whether you're in an office or at home. Ultimately, consider what aspects matter most to you—be it the weight, sound, or overall feel—before making your final decision.
Mentioned in this article
