Haimu Orange Sea vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Orange Sea and the Wuque Studio WS Red offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Haimu Orange Sea is celebrated for its impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, making it an excellent choice for users who seek a quieter and fluid typing experience without distractions. On the other hand, the WS Red features a 22mm double-stage spring, providing a bouncy and responsive typing feel, which adds a degree of weight to each keystroke. This switch delivers a satisfying and substantial typing experience, appealing to those who appreciate a more robust tactile feedback. While both switches fall under the category of linear switches, they cater to diverging styles of typing and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea and the Wuque Studio WS Red keyboards, a distinct contrast emerges in their top housing materials. The Orange Sea features a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its stiffness and translucency, which contribute to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This material allows for the vibrant projection of RGB lighting, enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and auditory experience. Conversely, the WS Red is equipped with a nylon top housing, a classic choice that promotes a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound waves, leading to a rounder and more subdued audio output. While both materials serve important roles in shaping the overall sound, the differences in their properties suggest that users of the Orange Sea will experience a more pronounced, high-pitched sound, while those with the WS Red will enjoy a warmer, bassier tone.
Both the Haimu Orange Sea and Wuque Studio WS Red utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which introduces a commonality in the sound profiles of these two switches. This choice of nylon, known for its sound-absorbing qualities, facilitates a deeper and fuller typing experience. Since both keyboards employ this material for the bottom housing, users can expect a similar tactile feedback and sound signature when bottoming out the keys. Thus, while the top housing materials differ significantly—polycarbonate enhancing brightness versus nylon's inherent warmth—the shared nylon composition in the bottom housing ensures a cohesive foundation for acoustics across both models.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both the Haimu Orange Sea and the Wuque Studio WS Red illustrates the interplay between the top and bottom housings in determining a switch's acoustic character. The polycarbonate top of the Orange Sea provides a pronounced clarity that contrasts with the muted softness of its nylon bottom, resulting in a unique sound experience. In contrast, the WS Red's uniform nylon construction contributes to a more consistent auditory profile, both in its upstroke and bottom-out sound. Understanding these nuances allows users to make informed choices based on their preference for sound profile and tactile feedback, revealing how both keyboards offer a distinct yet somewhat complementary auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, notable differences can be observed in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Orange Sea features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Red is characterized by a significantly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, although its actuation force is unspecified. This indicates a medium-heavy resistance when fully pressed down, appealing more to users who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Thus, the Haimu Orange Sea is the lighter option, making it ideal for comfort over long durations, while the WS Red is the heavier choice, providing a firmer feedback that some users might prefer.
Travel distance
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Orange Sea the shorter option of the two, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times for a more immediate feel when pressing the keys. In contrast, the WS Red provides a bit more depth, potentially offering a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a fuller keystroke. The difference of 0.2 mm indicates that if you're looking for a switch that is more responsive, the Haimu Orange Sea would be the choice, whereas those who favor a deeper press might lean towards the WS Red.
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 Red 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 linear switch offers a notably neutral sound signature, allowing for a quieter typing experience that minimizes distractions. This can be particularly appealing for users who prefer a more subdued auditory environment, as it lends itself to the type of office or shared space use where excess noise can be an issue. Meanwhile, the Wuque Studio WS Red switch features a sound signature that aligns closely with classic materials, contributing to a familiar auditory experience that many typists find comforting. While both switches are relatively quiet as linear options, the Orange Sea may be a preferred choice for those seeking a more muted sound profile, while the WS Red might resonate more with users who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are best known for their impeccably smooth typing feel, which promotes an effortless gliding sensation across the keyboard. This characteristic can enhance typing speed and accuracy for those who prioritize a seamless experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red provides a bouncy and responsive feel, thanks to its 22mm double-stage spring. This setup not only delivers a heavier actuation force but also adds a pleasurable weight to each keystroke, giving typists a satisfying and substantial typing experience. The contrasting characteristics in feel suggest that users seeking absolute smoothness may prefer the Orange Sea, while those who like a bit of resistance and a lively bounce might lean towards the WS Red.
Overall, both the Haimu Orange Sea and Wuque Studio WS Red switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Orange Sea excels with its smoothness and neutral sound, making it ideal for quieter environments, while the WS Red offers a bouncy typing experience and a classic sound profile that appeals to those who enjoy a bit more feedback. Depending on your desired typing experience, you may find either switch fulfilling your needs effectively; however, ensuring the right combination with your chosen keyboard setup will ultimately enhance your overall satisfaction.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a lighter switch that offers an impeccably smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the Orange Sea is an excellent option. It is particularly well-suited for long typing sessions or gaming, as its lower actuation force of 45 grams allows for quicker and less fatiguing key presses. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial feel and a responsive typing experience, the WS Red switch with its medium-heavy 67 grams bottom-out force may be the better choice for you. Its bouncy double-stage spring design can provide satisfying resistance, making each keystroke feel deliberate and grounded; this can be particularly appealing for users who enjoy a more tactile typing sensation or require more feedback for their typing habits. Ultimately, both switches have their merits, so choosing one over the other should align with your tactile preference, typing style, and intended applications, ensuring you find the most enjoyable keyboard experience.
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