Haimu Orange Sea vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Haimu Orange Sea and Gateron Weightlessness present two compelling options, each catering to different typing preferences. The Haimu Orange Sea is celebrated for its remarkably smooth typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize fluidity and a quiet typing environment. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches are renowned for their tactile feedback, offering a subtle to moderate bump that enhances the typing experience for users who enjoy a distinct response with each keystroke. While the Orange Sea's neutral sound signature appeals to individuals seeking a discreet keyboard, the Weightlessness switch's balanced sound profile complements its tactile character, making it more engaging for those who appreciate feedback during typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea and Gateron Weightlessness switches, the materials used for their top housing present a stark contrast that directly influences their acoustic profiles. The Orange Sea features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer nature, which contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound when typing. This use of polycarbonate not only aids in creating a crisp auditory experience but also allows for excellent RGB lighting effects due to its translucency. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness uses a nylon top housing, which is fundamentally softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in materials highlights how the characteristics of the top housing can significantly alter the overall auditory feedback one experiences while typing.
However, both switches share the same nylon material for their bottom housings, which creates a common ground in terms of acoustic contributions. Since both the Orange Sea and Weightlessness utilize nylon in their bottom housing, they elicit a similar sound experience characterized by a softer, rounder tone. This resemblance in design means that regardless of the differing top housing materials, users will find a certain continuity in bottom-out sound and feel due to nylon's properties. As the bottom housing primarily impacts the key's feel upon bottoming out and its surrounding sound profile, this shared characteristic can lead to a balanced acoustic experience despite the broader differences in their top housing.
Ultimately, the unique combination of housing materials in each switch showcases the nuances of sound and feel that can be achieved through deliberate design choices. With the polycarbonate top in the Orange Sea providing a brighter auditory cue, and the nylon bottom supporting a fuller sound, users can expect a distinct typing experience. Meanwhile, the Gateron Weightlessness with its nylon top persists in offering a subdued, balanced sound profile accented by the same nylon bottom. Therefore, while the top housing differences lead to divergent sound characteristics, the similar bottom housings ensure that both switches deliver a certain coherence in tactile feedback and auditory experience, effectively allowing users to appreciate the diversity of keyboard switching mechanics.
Weight
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation force. The Orange Sea boasts a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer less pressure while typing for extended periods. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, indicating a more substantial push feel, which may appeal to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness switch is currently unavailable, leaving a gap in the comparison for that specific measurement. Consequently, users seeking a lighter overall typing experience should consider the Haimu Orange Sea, while those leaning towards a heavier push should gravitate towards the Gateron Weightlessness switch.
Travel distance
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Orange Sea switch offers a more significant depth with its longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more satisfying feel when pressing down on keys. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch's shorter travel distance caters to those who favor faster, more responsive key presses, often preferred by gamers for quicker reaction times. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Gateron Weightlessness might be your ideal choice, whereas if you enjoy a more substantial actuation feel, the Haimu Orange Sea would be more suitable. Both switches provide a unique experience based on individual preferences, reflecting the ongoing trend towards shorter travel distances in modern switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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
In terms of sound, the Haimu Orange Sea switches possess a neutral sound signature, providing a clean auditory experience that avoids any unwanted noise. This can be appealing for those who appreciate clarity without any distracting acoustics. The Gateron Weightlessness switches, on the other hand, feature a balanced sound profile that complements their tactile characteristics. This means that while they do produce a sound, it is neither overly loud nor too quiet, striking a harmonious balance that allows for a satisfying typing experience. However, sound can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used, so individual experiences may vary.
When considering feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are renowned for their impeccably smooth typing experience, which makes for a fluid and enjoyable interaction with the keyboard. This smoothness can enhance typing speed and accuracy for users who prefer a linear switch. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches offer a subtle to moderate tactile feedback that provides a different typing experience. The tactile bump is noticeable enough to confirm actuation without being overly pronounced, catering to users who enjoy a bit of feedback without sacrificing smoothness.
When weighing all available information, the Haimu Orange Sea and Gateron Weightlessness switches each cater to different preferences. The Orange Sea emphasizes a smooth linear feel and a neutral sound, making it ideal for users who prefer a more straightforward typing experience. Conversely, the Weightlessness switches blend tactile feedback with a balanced sound profile, appealing to those who like to feel their keystrokes. Ultimately, both switches can provide satisfying results, but the choice depends on whether one prioritizes smoothness or tactile feedback in a mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a smooth and light typing experience, the Haimu Orange Sea switch, with its 45-gram bottom-out force, offers an impeccably smooth feel and a neutral sound signature, making it a great option for those who prefer to type quickly and with less resistance. This switch is ideal if you find yourself typing for long sessions and appreciate a gentle touch. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bit more feedback while typing, the Gateron Weightlessness switch provides a subtle to moderate tactile feel. Although the specific bottom-out force is not provided, its balanced sound profile enhances the typing experience, making it a solid choice for users who prefer tactile feedback and a hint of resistance as they type. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a smooth linear feel or the tactile feedback typical of a tactile switch.
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