Haimu Orange Sea vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference plays a significant role in determining the ideal choice for enthusiasts and casual users alike. The Haimu Orange Sea switches are known for their impeccably smooth typing experience and neutral sound profile, making them an attractive option for those who prioritize a fluid keypress and quieter operation, especially in typing-intensive environments. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches offer a profound tactile experience with a strong 70g bump and a captivating "thocky" sound, which can enhance the satisfaction of each keystroke for users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback. While the Orange Sea excels in providing a sleek, linear performance suitable for fast typing, the WS Heavy Tactile caters to those who thrive on tactile sensations and auditory feedback. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Haimu Orange Sea and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile, a notable distinction arises in their choice of top materials. The Orange Sea utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is prized for its stiffness and transparency. This leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, enhancing the auditory response when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for showcasing RGB lighting, making the Orange Sea an appealing option for those who appreciate a visually striking setup. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile employs nylon for its top housing, a material characterized by its softer properties. This results in a more muted, deeper sound profile that absorbs sound effectively, producing a rounder and fuller auditory experience. Consequently, while both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the Orange Sea is tailored toward brightness and clarity, whereas the WS Heavy Tactile provides a warmer, more subdued tone.
Interestingly, both the Haimu Orange Sea and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile share the same nylon material for their bottom housing. This consistency means that regardless of the contrasting top housing materials, the bottom of each switch will yield a deep and full sound characteristic of nylon. The implications of this similarity suggest that users should expect a more pronounced impact from the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. In both cases, the nylon's sound absorption properties contribute to a sound experience that leans toward fullness and depth, offering a consistent tactile sensation throughout the actuation process.
In summary, while the choices of top housing materials between the Haimu Orange Sea and the WS Heavy Tactile yield distinctly different sound profiles, their shared nylon bottom housing unifies their auditory characteristics. The polycarbonate top of the Orange Sea prioritizes clarity and a resonant sound, particularly with RGB integration in mind, whereas the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon top leans into a softer, more encompassing sound experience. However, both switches hone in on a deep and rich sound from their nylon base, ensuring that, at least in the lower register, they offer a harmonized acoustic response. Therefore, while their sound experiences are shaped by differing top materials, users can anticipate a commonality in the fuller sound elicited by their shared nylon bottoms.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch, we can see a distinct difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Orange Sea requires a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, along with a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a suitable option for those who prefer extended typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile has a higher actuation force of 45 grams and an even heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, which caters to users who enjoy a more substantial push feel and a tactile response. Consequently, the Orange Sea is the lighter option, while the WS Heavy Tactile is the heavier choice. This difference in force characteristics means that users looking for a softer touch and less resistance will gravitate towards the Orange Sea, whereas those who appreciate a firmer experience will prefer the WS Heavy Tactile.
Travel distance
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This distinction means that the Orange Sea switch provides a deeper feel during key presses, which could be preferable for users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile’s shorter travel distance allows for quicker response times, making it potentially more suitable for gamers seeking speed and efficiency. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that offers a heartier depth, the Orange Sea would be the better choice, whereas if you favor a more responsive feel, the WS Heavy Tactile would be ideal due to its briefer actuation distance.
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 Heavy Tactile 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
When it comes to sound, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are characterized by a neutral sound signature, which means they produce a consistently pleasant tone without drawing too much attention to themselves. This makes them an excellent choice for users who prefer a quieter typing experience that won't be overly distracting in shared work environments. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches present a much more dynamic auditory experience, often described as "thocky." The use of nylon housings contributes to a resonant quality, producing a sound that is sharp and clear, with a percussive nature akin to a "clacky" profile. The WU Heavy Tactile offers a greater auditory engagement in comparison, appealing to those who enjoy the satisfying click and clack of feedback while typing.
In terms of feel, the Haimu Orange Sea delivers an impeccably smooth experience that allows for fluid keystrokes, making it ideal for fast typers seeking speed without distraction. This smoothness translates to a gentle typing experience, but specific descriptors of its tactile feedback are less defined. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile switches offer a complex tactile feedback system characterized by a pronounced 70g bump that provides immersive resistance. They are described with terms like "bouncy," "sharply tactile," and "invigorating," creating a typing sensation that feels both springy and responsive. Users of the WS Heavy Tactile are likely to find a snappier and livelier experience with prominent feedback that makes each keypress notably engaging, thus catering to those who appreciate tactile sensations in their typing.
In summary, the choice between the Haimu Orange Sea and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and tactile feel. If you prefer a neutral and smooth typing experience with a quieter sound profile, the Orange Sea is your go-to option. Conversely, if you seek a more tactile, engaging experience complete with a resonant and captivating sound, the WS Heavy Tactile would be an excellent choice. Both options can provide satisfying results, yet they cater to distinct typing styles and auditory experiences, allowing newcomers to tailor their mechanical keyboard setup to their specific needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a smooth, uninterrupted feel, the Haimu Orange Sea is your best bet. Its 45-gram bottom out force makes it ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming, where rapid key presses are crucial. The neutral sound signature of the Orange Sea also makes it a great choice for quiet work environments or late-night sessions when you want to minimize noise. On the other hand, if you lean towards a tactile and engaging typing experience, the WS Heavy Tactile should be your go-to switch. The 70-gram bump provides a satisfying tactile feedback with a pronounced resistance that enhances each keypress, making it particularly rewarding for those who enjoy the sensation of typing. The "thocky" sound profile adds an immersive auditory dimension, perfect for users who find joy in the auditory feedback of their mechanical keyboard. Ultimately, aligning your switch choice with your typing habits—whether you value speed and smoothness or tactility and sound—will ensure you find the perfect switch for your needs.