Haimu Orange Sea vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Haimu Orange Sea and the Gazzew U4T. The Orange Sea, known for its impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, caters to users who prefer a linear switch that offers a consistent, uninterrupted keypress without any tactile bump. This makes it ideal for fast typists and gamers looking for swift keystrokes without accidental misfires. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T presents a delightful tactile experience characterized by its bassy 'thock' sound and sharp tactile feedback. This switch satisfies those who appreciate a more pronounced response with each actuation, enhancing both auditory and tactile satisfaction during use. Whether you lean towards the smoothness of the Orange Sea or the tactile richness of the U4T, both switches offer unique advantages suited to different typing preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Haimu Orange Sea and the Gazzew U4T differ significantly in the materials used for their top housing, which directly influences the sound and aesthetic characteristics of the switches. The Orange Sea's top housing is crafted from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for producing a sharper, crisper sound profile. This material's translucency is also a considerable advantage for those looking to illuminate their switches with RGB lighting, as the clarity enhances the visual effects. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T utilizes a proprietary blend commonly referred to as "boba plastic." This blend is inherently softer and contributes to a richer, deeper sound profile, which creates a very different auditory experience when typing or pressing the keys. Whereas the polycarbonate housing emphasizes clarity and sharpness, the Gazzew's blend aims for warmth and fullness.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Haimu Orange Sea and the Gazzew U4T harness nylon and a proprietary plastic blend, respectively. The nylon used in the Orange Sea's bottom housing is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound, leading to a deeper and fuller audio profile that enhances the overall typing experience. This quality results in a sound that is rounder, giving a more muted resonance upon bottoming out the key. The U4T's bottom housing, while also delivering a rich and deep sound profile, utilizes the same proprietary "boba plastic" seen in its top housing, emphasizing softness and acoustic dampening. This similarity means that although the top housings differ markedly, both switches can produce a deep and satisfying sound when bottoming out, allowing for comparable auditory experiences despite their top housing differences.
Ultimately, the combined effects of the top and bottom housings contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of each switch. For the Haimu Orange Sea, the sharpness and clarity of the polycarbonate top, paired with the rich depth of nylon in the bottom, create a unique auditory experience that balances brightness with warmth. In the Gazzew U4T, the consistency of the softer "boba plastic" in both housings ensures a cohesive sound experience, with less stark contrast between the top and bottom sounds. Therefore, while both switches can create an engaging typing experience, their distinct materials yield variations in sound characteristics—ranging from the clear highs of the Orange Sea to the enveloping lows of the U4T—demonstrating how material choice intricately shapes user experience in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces reveal distinct characteristics suited for various preferences. The Orange Sea features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the U4T lacks a specified actuation force, but its bottom out force is notably higher at 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This suggests a heavier typing experience, appealing to users who favor a more substantial keystroke feel. Overall, the Haimu Orange Sea is the lighter option, while the Gazzew U4T provides a heavier feel, suitable for different typing experiences based on user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, we find that the Orange Sea has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the U4T features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer. The difference in travel distance can impact your typing or gaming experience significantly; the Orange Sea's shorter travel distance offers quicker response times, which might appeal to gamers looking for rapid activation, whereas the U4T's longer travel distance provides a more pronounced tactile feedback that some users may prefer for a deeper, satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize speed or a more substantial typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79, whereas the Gazzew U4T comes in at $6.50.
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 sound, the Haimu Orange Sea switches present a neutral sound signature that emphasizes a smooth and unobtrusive keystroke experience. They don’t introduce any harsh tones, making them suitable for a quieter environment or prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T switches deliver a distinctly bassy, thocky sound profile that resonates with a depth and richness during use. The 'thock' of each keystroke enhances the auditory feedback, offering a satisfying auditory experience reminiscent of a deep thud or a soft knock. However, the overall sound of both switches can be influenced by additional factors like the choice of keyboard casing and keycaps.
Regarding feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are known for their impeccably smooth type feel. This allows for an effortless and fluid typing experience, making them appealing to those who prioritize a consistent keystroke without interruptions. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T switches provide a pronounced tactile feedback that is sharp and assertive. The tactile bump is both strong and crisp, ensuring that each keystroke is distinctly felt, which can enhance typing accuracy for users who prefer defined feedback.
In conclusion, both the Haimu Orange Sea and Gazzew U4T switches cater to different typing preferences, with the Orange Sea focusing on smoothness and neutrality in sound and feel, while the U4T emphasizes tactile feedback and a rich auditory experience. By understanding these differences, users can choose a switch that aligns with their desired typing experience, whether they lean towards a quiet, smooth interface or a more resonant, tactile engagement.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch ultimately boils down to your typing preferences and usage scenario. If you prioritize a smooth and light keypress, the Orange Sea would be ideal, especially if you enjoy a quieter typing experience and often find yourself typing for long periods. Its 45-gram bottom-out force means less finger fatigue, making it suitable for both casual use and fast-paced gaming. On the other hand, if you seek a more tactile experience with auditory feedback, the Gazzew U4T is likely more up your alley. With its higher bottom-out force of 65 grams and that satisfying 'thock' sound, it provides a pronounced tactile bump and a richer auditory feedback that many typists find enjoyable. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate pronounced feedback for their typing rhythm or for tasks where precision in key activation is paramount. In the end, your experience will be shaped significantly by whether you prefer the smoothness and subtlety of the Orange Sea or the tactile intensity and satisfying acoustics of the U4T.
Mentioned in this article
