Haimu Orange Sea vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Haimu Orange Sea and the Wuque Studio WS Dash offer contrasting yet compelling options that cater to different typing preferences. The Haimu Orange Sea is celebrated for its impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a linear switch that enhances speed and minimizes distractions. On the other hand, the WS Dash switches introduce a captivating bright and clacky sound, coupled with a silky smooth keystroke, reflecting a unique experience that only hall effect technology can provide. While the Orange Sea may appeal to purists seeking a subtle and seamless typing experience, the WS Dash is perfect for users looking for a bit of auditory flair alongside their keystrokes. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Haimu Orange Sea and the Wuque Studio WS Dash both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which significantly influences their sound profile. Polycarbonate is recognized for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its relatively stiff nature. This property allows the switch to produce a clearer and more resonant sound, making it ideal for applications where auditory feedback is crucial. This similarity in material choice ensures that both switches not only share a comparable aesthetic appeal—thanks to the translucency of polycarbonate—but also facilitate an enhanced RGB lighting experience. As users utilize these switches, they can expect a consistent auditory response influenced directly by the polycarbonate top housing, reinforcing the benefits of its clarity.
In contrast, both the Orange Sea and WS Dash incorporate nylon for their bottom housing, which further affects the character of the sound produced. Unlike polycarbonate, nylon is a softer material that absorbs more sound, contributing to a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This duality of materials results in a rich sound profile for both switches, where the nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound while typing. When users press down on either switch, the characteristics imparted by the nylon bottom will be palpable, making each typing experience distinctive despite the shared upper housing material. Thus, even though the top housings of both models share the same material, the feel and sound profile during keystrokes are distinctly influenced by the nylon used in the bottom housing.
Ultimately, as the characteristics of each housing material interact, those seeking a harmonious typing experience can anticipate similar performance across both the Haimu Orange Sea and Wuque Studio WS Dash. With polycarbonate providing clarity at the top end of the sound spectrum and nylon enriching the lower frequencies, both switches together create a balanced acoustical signature ideal for different typing styles. As a result, users can expect a satisfying and resonant keypress, enhanced by the intricate combination of materials, whether they choose the Orange Sea or the WS Dash. This thoughtful approach to material selection underlines the engineering behind each switch, leading to similar results despite their individual aesthetic variations.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams to the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, which features an actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, distinct differences in weight and feel become apparent. The Orange Sea, being the heavier of the two, offers a firmer typing experience, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial push feel. In contrast, the WS Dash is lighter with its actuation force of 30 grams, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Despite both switches having a bottom out force that is somewhat higher than their respective actuation forces, the Orange Sea's bottom out force of 45 grams is still notably less than that of the WS Dash’s 55 grams. This ultimately suggests that while both switches can provide satisfying results, the Orange Sea is better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch, whereas the WS Dash will cater to those who favor a bit more resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, the Orange Sea has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Dash measures at 3.5 mm. This makes the WS Dash the shorter option by just 0.1 mm. Although both switches have relatively short travel distances, making them ideal for fast response times favored by gamers, the Orange Sea offers a slightly deeper feel, which might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial tactile experience. Thus, if you're looking for a switch with a more responsive action, the WS Dash is the better choice, while the Orange Sea would satisfy those who enjoy a bit more depth in their key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Wuque Studio WS Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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 produce a neutral sound signature that contributes to a more muted acoustic profile, which many users may find preferable in quieter environments or for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches offer a bright and clacky sound signature, delivering a more dynamic auditory experience that can be delightful for users who enjoy the rhythmic clicks of their key presses. While the Orange Sea leans towards a more subdued sound, the WS Dash provides a lively auditory feedback, catering to different preferences and environments. It’s important to note that the overall sound experience can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, making each setup unique.
When it comes to feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are renowned for their impeccably smooth keystrokes, which enhance the overall typing experience and make them a favorite for those who prioritize a seamless and effortless feel when typing. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches are celebrated for their silky smooth keystroke, which is consistent with their Hall Effect design. While both switches aim for a smooth experience, the tactile feedback can vary—some users may prefer the subtle nuances of the Orange Sea, while others may enjoy the sophisticated feel offered by the WS Dash.
In conclusion, both the Haimu Orange Sea and Wuque Studio WS Dash switches deliver a compelling experience, each catering to different user preferences. The Orange Sea excels in neutral sound and smoothness, ideal for those seeking a quieter and smoother typing experience. The WS Dash, with its bright and clacky sound along with silky keystrokes, is suited for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback paired with smooth operation. Ultimately, personal preference plays a crucial role in selecting the right switch, and users can expect a rewarding experience from either option depending on their tastes.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, your specific preferences and typing styles will guide your decision. If you favor a lighter keystroke and appreciate a remarkably smooth and neutral typing experience, the Haimu Orange Sea is an excellent choice. With its bottom-out force of just 45 grams, it’s perfect for those who want to type or game with minimal effort, making it ideal for long hours of use without fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier feel with a bit more auditory feedback, the WS Dash could be your go-to option. With a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, it offers a delightful blend of a bright, clacky sound signature and a silky smooth keystroke, ideal for those who enjoy a bit of flair in their typing experience. Ultimately, your choice hinges on whether you lean towards the lightweight, smooth characteristics of the Orange Sea or the lively, tactile qualities of the WS Dash.
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