Haimu Orange Sea vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Haimu Orange Sea and the Wuque Studio WS Jade presents an interesting comparison, particularly for those who appreciate the nuances of linear switches. The Haimu Orange Sea is celebrated for its impeccably smooth typing experience, combined with a neutral sound signature that makes it an ideal choice for users seeking a refined and unobtrusive feel while typing. In contrast, the WS Jade stands out with its unique metallic insert, creating a bright and resonant sound profile, along with a creamy typing sensation and a visually striking RGB light diffuser that enhances its aesthetic appeal. While both switches offer a satisfying linear action, the Orange Sea excels in delivering a minimalist acoustic experience, whereas the WS Jade provides a more engaging auditory and visual experience with its clacky, marbly characteristics. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Haimu Orange Sea and the Wuque Studio WS Jade employ different materials for their top housings, leading to distinct auditory experiences. The Orange Sea utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, renowned for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This stiffness contributes to a clearer and more resonant auditory response, making it especially beneficial for setups with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual impact of the lighting effects. In contrast, the WS Jade features a top housing made of POM, which is characterized by creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. While polycarbonate’s rigidity offers crispness, POM provides a unique sound quality that leans towards warmth and depth, fundamentally changing how users perceive the auditory experience of each switch.
When considering the bottom housings, both the Orange Sea and the WS Jade utilize materials that yield a fuller sound profile. The Orange Sea's nylon bottom housing captures a deeper and rounder tone thanks to nylon’s softer composition, which tends to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. Conversely, the WS Jade employs POM for its bottom housing, mirroring the deeper undertones but providing a unique textural quality. Even though both switches result in a deeper sound, the nylon bottom of the Orange Sea will impart a more subdued and fuller sensation, whereas the POM used in the WS Jade contributes to a distinctive and pleasing auditory feel. This difference means that while both switches may offer a similar aural experience, the characteristics of each material shape how that experience is perceived.
Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in both switches dictates their overall sound profile. Where the Orange Sea’s polycarbonate top housing delivers a bright sound upon release, the nylon bottom nourishes this with a full-bodied depth. On the other hand, the WS Jade’s top and bottom POM materials create a unique sound signature that is consistently deep and rounded throughout the keypress. Therefore, while the auditory outcomes of each switch differ, the influence of their materials allows for a range of nuanced sound profiles that can provide satisfying experiences based on user preference. Ultimately, if one seeks to achieve a similar auditory response with either switch, understanding the influence of the top and bottom housing's distinct materials is essential.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Orange Sea requires a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who favor extended typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the WS Jade has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience and feedback. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a lighter switch that promotes comfort during prolonged use, the Orange Sea is the better option, while the WS Jade will satisfy those who appreciate a firmer feel and more resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
Both the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making their performance in terms of key travel identical. This means that users will experience the same amount of feedback and actuation depth when pressing down on either switch, resulting in a similar typing experience. Since both switches have the same travel distance, they will offer consistent results for those who prioritize uniformity in their keyboard feel.
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 Jade comes in at $4.30.
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 switch presents a neutral sound signature, making it ideal for users who prefer a more subdued auditory experience while typing. It is not known for any specific auditory characteristics that stand out, which can be appealing for those who need minimal distraction in their environment. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade switch is noted for its bright metallic insert that contributes to a distinctively resonant sound profile. Users can expect a more clacky, marbly acoustic experience with these switches, characterized by a sharp, crisp sound that delivers an engaging auditory feedback. This difference in sound can greatly influence the typing experience depending on personal preferences, with the WS Jade catering to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory interaction with their keyboard.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Haimu Orange Sea is recognized for delivering an impeccably smooth typing experience; however, no further qualities have been defined. In contrast, the WS Jade switch is celebrated for its silky and creamy feel, offering a typing experience that is buttery smooth and devoid of any resistance. This enhanced smoothness is likely due to the materials and construction of the switch. The unique rock-solid bottom-out of the WS Jade further contributes to a satisfying tactile response upon each keystroke, which could make it preferable for those who appreciate a more luxurious touch while typing.
In conclusion, while both the Haimu Orange Sea and Wuque Studio WS Jade switches provide smooth typing experiences, they diverge significantly in sound and tactile feedback. The Orange Sea appeals to those looking for a neutral sound without distraction, while the WS Jade satisfies users who enjoy a richer, more resonant auditory profile with a luxurious feel. Therefore, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preferences concerning sound and feel, as both switches offer high-quality performance catering to different user needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Haimu Orange Sea linear switches and Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switches largely hinges on your typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a lighter touch and a super smooth typing experience devoid of any distractions, the Haimu Orange Sea switches would be a fantastic choice. Their 45-gram bottom-out force makes them particularly appealing for extended typing sessions or gaming, where speed and responsiveness are key, paired with a neutral sound profile that doesn't draw unnecessary attention. Conversely, if you're looking for a more tactile experience with a medium resistance, the WS Jade switches might be right for you. With a 60-gram bottom-out force, they offer a rock-solid feel upon bottoming out, along with a distinctively clacky, marbly sound that adds an engaging auditory element to your typing experience. The silky and creamy texture of the WS Jade switches enhances their overall smoothness, making them ideal for those who appreciate a bit of flair along with functional performance, especially in RGB-lit setups. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style, desired sound profile, and how you envision your mechanical keyboard experience.