Haimu Orange Sea vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience, especially for gamers and typists alike. The Haimu Orange Sea switch is renowned for its impeccably smooth feel and neutral sound signature, offering a balanced typing experience that suits both casual and intense gaming sessions. Described as 'Accented' and 'Invigorating,' this switch is ideal for users who appreciate a more subdued auditory feedback while enjoying a gliding typing sensation. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is specifically designed for gamers, featuring an ultra-low actuation force of just 1mm, which enables lightning-fast responses essential for rapid-fire inputs. Its bright and clacky sound profile, coupled with a snappy feel, makes it a favorite for those seeking an auditory and tactile punch while gaming. Both switches cater to different preferences, whether you prioritize smoothness and subdued sound or speed and a pronounced feedback. 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Haimu Orange Sea and the HMX Vintage Citrus showcase two distinct materials in their top housings, which shape their overall acoustic profiles and tactile feedback. The Orange Sea employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer construction that enables a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material offers a clear and resonant sound, particularly advantageous for users who appreciate the sensory aesthetics of RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant illumination. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus features a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for its softer properties that contribute to a deeper, rounder sound. This difference in material results in a clear distinction in the auditory experience when utilizing each switch, with the polycarbonate offering brightness and clarity, while the nylon offers richness and warmth.
When it comes to the bottom housings of both models, the materials utilized are the same—nylon. This similarity ensures that both switches provide a consistent typing experience on the deeper end of the sound spectrum, as nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials. Consequently, regardless of the contrasting top housing materials, the Orange Sea and Vintage Citrus both exhibit a fuller sound profile when bottomed out, resulting from the nylon's inherent dampening qualities. This harmony in bottom housing design allows users of both switches to enjoy a cohesive sound experience during key presses despite the divergence in their top housing materials.
In summary, while the Haimu Orange Sea and HMX Vintage Citrus utilize distinctly different materials in their top housings, both share nylon in their bottom housings, creating an interesting balance between brightness and warmth in the sound profiles. The polycarbonate top of the Orange Sea intensifies high-pitched acoustics and works harmoniously with vibrant RGB lighting, while the nylon top of the Vintage Citrus caters to preferences for a warmer, more subdued auditory experience. Both designs ultimately deliver a unique typing experience by combining the distinct strengths of their respective materials, resulting in a nuanced interplay of sound dynamics that caters to a wide range of user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch to the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, a notable difference can be observed in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Orange Sea has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a suitable choice for users looking for a switch that allows for easier and longer typing sessions. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus features a heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. This means that the Orange Sea is better for extended use due to its lighter weight, while the Vintage Citrus offers a firmer touch for users who enjoy a more tactile experience. Overall, while both switches have their strengths, the Orange Sea clearly caters to those prioritizing lighter actuation, whereas the Vintage Citrus suits those who appreciate a heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Orange Sea having a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option, while the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This difference in distance can affect the typing experience significantly; those who prefer a more responsive feel might gravitate toward the Vintage Citrus, as its shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses, which is often favored by gamers. On the other hand, the longer 3.6 mm travel distance of the Orange Sea may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback and depth while typing, preventing the sensation of abruptness that can accompany shorter switches. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding response times and the overall tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Haimu Orange Sea and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches, the Orange Sea is known for its neutral sound signature, which tends to be less pronounced, making it ideal for users who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus offers a distinctively bright and clacky sound profile, recognized for its sharp, snappy tones that add an energetic character to each keystroke. This crispness can enhance the auditory feedback during fast-paced gaming, while the Orange Sea remains more subdued, making it possible to achieve a more streamlined auditory environment. Ultimately, if a user prioritizes sound, the choice will depend on their preference for either a quiet or a lively, sharp auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, both switches provide an invigorating typing experience that enhances immersion. The Orange Sea switch is characterized by its accented smoothness, delivering a balance of feedback without overwhelming the user, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus offers an even snappier response due to its rapid actuation, designed specifically for quick inputs in gaming scenarios. The Vintage Citrus's firmer actuation combined with pronounced feedback ensures that each press feels lively and responsive, while the Orange Sea maintains a more rounded, engaging sensation that can also be captivating for prolonged use. Even though both bring an invigorating tactile experience, their distinctive responses cater to slightly different preferences.
In conclusion, the Haimu Orange Sea and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches each have their unique qualities. The Orange Sea presents a smooth feel with a neutral sound, perfect for those who enjoy quieter typing, while the Vintage Citrus stands out with its clacky sound and snappy action, excellent for gamers seeking quick responsiveness. If you opt for the Orange Sea, expect a refined typing experience that balances feedback and comfort, whereas the Vintage Citrus will deliver a thrilling interaction with every keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two will boil down to personal preference in sound and the type of feedback you desire when typing or gaming.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Haimu Orange Sea and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches should be guided by your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a smooth and light typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Haimu Orange Sea is a fantastic option. Its lower bottom out force of 45 grams makes it ideal for those who like effortless keystrokes without overwhelming feedback, perfect for extended typing sessions or casual gaming. On the other hand, if you’re focused on gaming performance, the Vintage Citrus is tailored specifically for that need. With a slightly heavier bottom out force of 53 grams and a quick actuation at just 1mm, it supports rapid-fire inputs while delivering a crisp, clacky sound that's satisfying for both gaming and typing. The snappy nature of the Vintage Citrus enhances responsiveness, making your gaming experience feel more dynamic and engaging. Ultimately, your decision should rest on whether you prioritize a smooth, comfortable typing experience or require the quick responsiveness and distinct auditory feedback that the Vintage Citrus provides for gaming.
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