Haimu Orange Sea vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the distinctions between options like the Haimu Orange Sea and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro can significantly affect your typing experience. The Haimu Orange Sea, classified as a linear switch, is celebrated for its impeccably smooth feel and neutral sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize seamless keystrokes without the distraction of tactile feedback. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offers a medium level of tactility, designed for a light touch and delivering a balanced typing experience that many refer to as the "Goldilocks" option—neither too soft nor overly firm. This makes the Violet Gold Pro particularly appealing for those who appreciate a gentle reminder of key activation without the excessive noise or resistance of more tactile switches. Ultimately, both switches cater to distinct preferences, but the choice will depend on your individual typing style and needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Haimu Orange Sea and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro share notable similarities, particularly in the choice of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches benefit from the inherent characteristics of polycarbonate, which is a stiffer plastic that enhances sound clarity and resonance. This choice leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is desirable for users who favor crisper audio feedback. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting integration, making both the Orange Sea and Violet Gold Pro visually appealing when illuminated. Users can expect similar acoustical results due to this common material, as both designs aim for an engaging auditory experience.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the two switches diverge, with both utilizing nylon, a classic in the world of switch construction. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This characteristic contributes to a rounder acoustic experience that contrasts with the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate top. Despite their bottom housings being made from the same material, the overall typing feel may vary slightly depending on the combination with the respective top housing. Users will note that while the nylon contributes to a more muted bottom-out sound, the distinct contributions of the top housing will still color the overall sound output.
Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in both the Haimu Orange Sea and Dareu Violet Gold Pro creates a balanced auditory experience. Each switch presents a unique character due to the interaction between the stiffer polycarbonate top and the softer nylon bottom. As a result, users will experience distinct sound profiles that blend sharpness with depth, facilitating a versatile typing experience. Whether opting for the Orange Sea or the Violet Gold Pro, users can anticipate rich sound dynamics that highlight the strengths of both polycarbonate and nylon, ensuring satisfaction in both visual and auditory designs.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force of the Violet Gold Pro remains unspecified. The Orange Sea has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer effortless typing over long sessions or during gaming. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial push and feedback while typing. Furthermore, the Orange Sea's bottom out force is documented at 45 grams, which aligns with the force needed to trigger its action, while the bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro is unknown. Consequently, typists looking for a lighter switch should opt for the Haimu Orange Sea, whereas those who favor a stronger typing experience would benefit from the Dareu Violet Gold Pro.
Travel distance
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Orange Sea is the shorter of the two, offering a more responsive experience, which can be appealing to gamers seeking quicker keystrokes. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback and a feeling of depth, which some users prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Haimu Orange Sea would be the better choice, whereas the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is better suited for users looking for a deeper, more tactile response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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 it comes to sound, both the Haimu Orange Sea and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches are characterized by a neutral sound signature. The Orange Sea's sound profile contributes to a quiet typing experience, making it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office. Similarly, the Violet Gold Pro, with its moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile, also supports a versatile use case that accommodates both beginners and advanced users alike. Ultimately, users can expect a relatively subdued auditory experience with either switch, although the overall sound may be influenced by the specific keyboard build and keycap materials employed.
Regarding feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switches stand out for their impeccably smooth typing experience, which is characteristic of linear switches. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro switches deliver a medium tactile feel with a mild bump that offers a distinct yet approachable experience. The tactile sensation from the Violet Gold Pro is described as "stepped," providing a noticeable feedback without being overwhelming. In this context, the Orange Sea appeals to those who prefer seamless keystrokes, whereas the Violet Gold Pro caters to users seeking a balanced tactile response.
In summary, while the Haimu Orange Sea switches are ideal for users who prioritize smoothness and minimal sound distraction, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches are better suited for individuals who appreciate tactile feedback without a harsh typing experience. Both switches feature a neutral sound profile, allowing them to blend well into various settings, but they cater to different typing preferences: one for linear smoothness and the other for gentle tactility. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize the linear action of the Orange Sea or the balanced tactile feedback of the Violet Gold Pro.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switches, consider the specific typing experience you prefer and the contexts in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a smoother keystroke with a lighter actuation force—perfect for rapid typing or gaming—then the Haimu Orange Sea would likely be the better choice. Its 45-gram bottom-out force makes it exceptionally nimble, allowing you to glide through tasks with ease while maintaining a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, if you appreciate feedback through tactile feedback without being overly jarring, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offers a balanced middle ground. With its mild tactility and a sound profile that fits various environments, this switch is particularly well-suited for office use or long typing sessions where comfort and subtlety are paramount. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize speed and smoothness or a more nuanced tactile experience.
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