Haimu Orange Sea vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, options can often be overwhelming, especially when comparing switches like the Haimu Orange Sea and the Wuque Studio WS Brown. The Haimu Orange Sea is celebrated for its impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, making it an enticing choice for those who prioritize a fluid, uninterrupted typing experience. This linear switch excels in providing a seamless response, ideal for rapid keystrokes and gaming. In contrast, the WS Brown switches from Wuque Studio offer a tactile experience that blends familiarity with innovation. With a medium-light actuation force, these switches provide a delightful auditory feedback and a tactile bump, delivering both responsiveness and comfort, suitable for extended typing sessions. The nylon housing and POM stem enhance durability and consistency, appealing to typing enthusiasts who appreciate a bit of character in their keystrokes. While each switch holds unique advantages—whether you prefer the smoothness of the Orange Sea or the tactile feedback of the WS Brown—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
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-stage spring
Housing materials
The Haimu Orange Sea and Wuque Studio WS Brown exhibit notable differences in their housing materials which significantly influence their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Orange Sea utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, a material known for its stiffness that results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic makes polycarbonate an excellent choice for RGB lighting applications, as its translucency allows light to shine through effectively, enhancing aesthetics. In contrast, the WS Brown opts for a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its relatively softer nature, nylon absorbs sound more than polycarbonate, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience. This fundamental disparity in material choice directly impacts the key feel and sound output of each switch during use.
When considering the bottom housing of both switches, similarities appear, as both the Orange Sea and WS Brown employ nylon in this part. Nylon's inherent qualities of sound absorption lead to a deeper and more resonant bottom-out sound, creating a fuller auditory experience during typing. Since both switches utilize the same material for the bottom housing, the overall sound profile of both switches remains consistent in this aspect, enriching the typing experience with a rounded and muffled effect upon keypress. This shared use of nylon also indicates that, while the types of materials used differ in the upper housings, the presence of nylon in the lower housings helps to bridge a connection between the two designs.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Haimu Orange Sea provides a distinct contrast to the entirely nylon construction of the WS Brown. The top housing material in the Orange Sea introduces a clarity and brightness that is absent in the WS Brown's design, resulting in differing experiences when typing. However, both switches share the same bottom housing material, which ensures that some overall sound qualities will remain similar, particularly in terms of the bottom-out experience. Therefore, despite the contrasting upper housing materials, both switches can deliver satisfying audio feedback and tactile sensations due to the commonality of nylon in their inferior structures.
Weight
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch present distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying preferences among users. The Haimu Orange Sea features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who desire a lighter touch for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, while the actuation force for the WS Brown is unknown, its bottom out force is noticeably heavier at 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This suggests that the WS Brown may provide a more pronounced, substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a firmer feel. Consequently, the Orange Sea is the lighter option, whereas the WS Brown leans towards the heavier side, offering users a clear choice based on their typing style and comfort preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, the Haimu Orange Sea measures 3.6 mm, while the WS Brown measures 3.8 mm. This makes the Orange Sea the shorter option and the WS Brown the longer one. The difference in travel distance may appeal to different user preferences; the shorter travel distance of the Haimu Orange Sea may be more appealing to gamers seeking faster response times, while the deeper travel of the WS Brown might be preferred by those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke experience. If users desire a switch that feels more responsive and less abrupt, the Haimu Orange Sea would be the more suitable choice. Conversely, for those who favor a more pronounced tactile feedback, the WS Brown could provide a satisfying depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50.
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
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch is characterized by a neutral sound signature, which means it produces a gentle and unobtrusive noise during typing. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a quieter environment or work in shared spaces, as the absence of clicks or sharp sounds allows for a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offers a classic auditory experience that enthusiasts appreciate, blending a soft tactile bump with a pleasant sound that many users find reassuring. The combination of its nylon housing and POM stem contributes to this engaging auditory profile, ensuring that each keystroke feels satisfying. Ultimately, while the Orange Sea maintains a quieter operation, the WS Brown provides a more noticeable sound that can enhance the overall experience for those who value auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are best recognized for their impeccably smooth typing experience, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. This smoothness can be particularly appealing for users who prefer fast-paced typing or gaming, as it minimizes any disruption during key presses. In contrast, the WS Brown tactile switch strikes a medium-light actuation force, providing a satisfying tactile bump that not only enhances the typing experience but also ensures fatigue-free typing over long periods. This blend of responsiveness and comfort makes the WS Brown a popular choice for both typists and gamers. Thus, while the Orange Sea emphasizes a fluid keystroke, the WS Brown offers a balanced tactile feedback that many users find pleasurable.
Overall, both the Haimu Orange Sea and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Orange Sea excels in providing a smooth and quiet typing experience, making it suitable for those who prioritize silence and fluidity, while the WS Brown leverages a tactile feedback mechanism that appeals to those who enjoy a more traditional typing feel with audible confirmation. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches can deliver satisfying results, whether one desires a seamless linear approach or the engaging tactile experience that the WS Brown offers.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch ultimately boils down to your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a light and smooth experience that allows for quick and effortless actuation, particularly for fast-paced gaming or prolonged typing sessions where minimizing finger fatigue is key, the Orange Sea switches would be your go-to option. Their neutral sound signature and impeccable smoothness enhance the overall feel, making them ideal for users who appreciate a clean auditory experience without the distraction of tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you enjoy a balance of responsiveness and tactile feedback, the WS Brown switches would serve you well, especially in general typing and writing tasks. Their medium-light actuation force provides just enough resistance to provide a satisfying bump, making it easier to determine when a key has been activated, which can enhance typing accuracy. The familiar sound and tactile experience of the WS Browns appeal particularly to those who relish a blend of tradition and modernity in their typing experience. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you value weightless speed and smoothness or crave tactile feedback and a slightly more substantial keystroke, making each option uniquely suited to different styles of usage.