Haimu Orange Sea vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preference, and two intriguing options from Haimu exemplify this variety: the Haimu Orange Sea and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Haimu Orange Sea is celebrated for its impeccably smooth typing feel, characterized by a neutral sound signature that makes it an ideal choice for users seeking a seamless and quiet typing experience. Conversely, the Haimu Viola Tricolor offers a distinct tactile experience, featuring a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to each keystroke. With its pronounced tactility, the Viola Tricolor provides satisfying feedback without overwhelming the sense of touch, appealing to typists who enjoy a more dynamic interaction with their keyboard. Each switch has unique merits: the Orange Sea for its smoothness and quietness, and the Viola Tricolor for its engaging tactile response. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Haimu Orange Sea and the Haimu Viola Tricolor demonstrate a striking similarity in their choice of materials, specifically regarding their top housings created from polycarbonate. Both switches leverage the properties of polycarbonate, a material recognized for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances resonance, resulting in an articulate audio experience for the user. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top allows for impressive RGB lighting effects, providing a visually appealing feature that tech enthusiasts cherish. Since both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, users can expect a similar auditory performance and aesthetic courtesy of this material choice.
Moving down to the bottom housing, both the Orange Sea and Viola Tricolor opt for nylon as their preferred construction material. Nylon's inherent softness effectively absorbs sound, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory profile. This characteristic ensures that the typing experience can be described as smooth and rounded, contrasting with the crispness of the polycarbonate top. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the sound and feel during actuation, the nylon's properties add a richness to the overall experience that balances out the sharper tones produced by the top housing material. Consequently, while both switches share the same nylon composition in their bottom housing, the combination of materials between the nylon bottom and polycarbonate top works cohesively to provide a unique typing experience.
In essence, the Haimu Orange Sea and Haimu Viola Tricolor embody a complementary synergy between their housing materials, yielding a comprehensive sound profile that takes advantage of the strengths of both polycarbonate and nylon. While the use of polycarbonate enhances clarity and brightness in the upper section, the nylon bottom presents a counteracting depth that softens the overall auditory output. Thus, even with the different materials used for the top and bottom housings, their harmonious interplay allows users to enjoy a well-rounded typing experience characterized by both articulateness and richness. This balance of sound profiles ultimately leads to similar outcomes in terms of user experience across the two models.
Weight
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch present a marked contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Orange Sea features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a suitable option for those who prefer prolonged typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor has an unknown actuation force, but its bottom out force is significantly heavier at 63.5 grams, indicating a more substantial feel when a keystroke is fully pressed. Since the Orange Sea is lighter overall, it is likely more comfortable for users seeking ease and less strain during extended use, whereas the Viola Tricolor's heavier bottom out force caters to individuals favoring a more pronounced tactile feedback and resistance during typing. Overall, the Orange Sea offers a lighter, more agile typing experience, while the Viola Tricolor provides a robust, heavier experience for those who appreciate a firmer key feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Orange Sea features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Viola Tricolor offers a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is longer. This distinction means that users seeking faster response times may find the Orange Sea more appealing, as its shorter travel distance aligns with the preferences of many gamers for rapid key presses. Conversely, those who favor a more substantial feel when pressing keys might prefer the Viola Tricolor, as its extended travel distance provides a heartier depth. Therefore, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences for responsiveness versus tactile depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch stands out with its neutral sound signature, which leads to a pleasantly subdued acoustic experience while typing. This means that the sound produced by the Orange Sea is more about a soft thud rather than a prominent auditory feedback, allowing for a quieter typing environment. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch delivers a thuddier and punchier sound profile that is more character-rich. Described as bassy and low-pitched, the Viola Tricolor generates a deeper, more resonant tone during key presses, providing an engaging auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience for users who appreciate a little more aural character.
When it comes to the feel, the Haimu Orange Sea delivers an impeccably smooth typing experience that caters to users who prefer an uninterrupted motion without tactile interruptions. This smoothness is ideal for those who favor low-friction typing, allowing for quicker, less distracting keystrokes. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor offers a medium tactile experience, providing a satisfying feedback that strikes a perfect balance between being overly tactile and flat. The invigorating nature of the Viola Tricolor, characterized by its pronounced actuation force and responsive feedback, greatly enhances immersion, making typing feel more dynamic and engaging.
In conclusion, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch offers a smooth and neutral typing experience with a soft sound, making it suitable for those who prefer a quieter, uninterrupted feel. Meanwhile, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch provides a more lively auditory and tactile response that appeals to users seeking a richer typing experience. Each switch has its unique strengths—if you appreciate auditory feedback and tactile sensation, the Viola Tricolor will resonate more with your preferences, while the Orange Sea will satisfy those who prefer smooth efficiency. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound character or a fluid typing motion.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, your choice should reflect your typing style, preferences, and intended usage. If you lean towards a lighter touch and appreciate a silky smooth experience, the Orange Sea is your best bet. Its 45-gram actuation force means you can type softly without straining your fingers, making it an ideal choice for extended typing sessions or casual gaming where rapid key presses are essential. The neutral sound signature also enhances the experience, making it suitable for quiet environments or for those who enjoy a more subdued auditory profile. Conversely, if you find joy in tactile feedback and favor a little more resistance with your keystrokes, the Viola Tricolor is likely to resonate with you. Its weighty 63.5-gram force provides a satisfying firmness that can enhance your typing rhythm while delivering a punchy, bassy sound that adds character to your interactions. This switch is perfect for those who type with energy and appreciate a pronounced tactile sensation that isn't overpowering. Ultimately, both switches have unique strengths—your choice should align with whether you prioritize smoothness and lightness or tactile feedback and richness in sound.
Mentioned in this article
