Haimu Orange Sea vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Orange Sea and Wuque Studio WS Yellow offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Haimu Orange Sea switch is celebrated for its impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a seamless, distraction-free experience. In contrast, the WS Yellow switch combines classic materials with innovative engineering to provide a delightful bounce through its unique 22mm double-stage spring, enhancing the typing sensation. This switch not only delivers a familiar sound signature beloved by enthusiasts but also boasts a lightweight construction that facilitates effortless keystrokes. While both switches are linear and prioritize smoothness, the Haimu Orange Sea leans toward a more muted experience, whereas the WS Yellow emphasizes a playful bounce and satisfying 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
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 housing materials of the Haimu Orange Sea and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow, notable differences arise, particularly in the composition of their top housings. The Orange Sea features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic often enhances the overall clarity and resonance of the typing experience—especially when paired with RGB lighting, as the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for vibrant illumination. In contrast, the WS Yellow relies on nylon for its top housing, a material that is softer and results in a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon’s ability to absorb more sound creates a muted and rounder typing experience, providing a warmer tonal quality that contrasts sharply with the clarity offered by polycarbonate.
On the other hand, both the Haimu Orange Sea and the WS Yellow share a commonality in their bottom housing, made from nylon. This uniformity in material means that, despite the contrasting top housings, both switches will possess similar properties regarding their bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon material in the bottom housing contributes to a deeper and more substantial sound, enhancing the tactile feedback while typing. This shared characteristic ensures that while the overall typing experience differs due to the top housing, the deeper sound profile generated from the nylon bottom remains consistent across both switches.
Ultimately, the way each switch feels and sounds will be influenced by a combination of both top and bottom housings. The Orange Sea’s distinct approach, using polycarbonate for a sharper sound in combination with a nylon bottom that moderates the overall experience, presents a blend of clarity and warmth. In contrast, the WS Yellow’s exclusive reliance on nylon throughout offers a cohesive, dulled sound signature. Thus, while they diverge in their upper housing materials, the underlying nylon foundations allow both switches to create rich auditory experiences, each with its unique character.
Weight
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch features a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams, which makes it suitable for prolonged typing sessions, especially for users who prefer a lighter touch. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch's actuation force is unknown, but it boasts a heavier bottom out force of 53 grams, suggesting a more substantial feel when pressed down completely. The bottom out force of the Orange Sea is 45 grams, which is still lighter compared to the WS Yellow. Consequently, the Orange Sea switch is overall lighter than the WS Yellow, making it a preferable choice for those emphasizing comfort during extended use, while the WS Yellow may cater to users who appreciate a firmer typing experience. Both switches provide different tactile experiences due to their varying forces, with the Orange Sea allowing for quicker actuation and a less pronounced bottom out sensation compared to the heavier resistance of the WS Yellow.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, the differences are noticeable. The Orange Sea features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Yellow has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Orange Sea the shorter option, which may be more appealing to gamers seeking quicker response times due to its reduced distance. Conversely, the WS Yellow, with its greater travel distance, could be preferred by those who appreciate a more substantial and hearty feel when pressing the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences regarding keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Yellow 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 switches have a neutral sound signature. This means they produce a relatively quiet and unobtrusive sound, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a more subdued auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches are known for a familiar sound signature that enthusiasts appreciate, likely influenced by their materials. Both switches allow for a pleasant typing experience, with the final sound output depending on factors such as the keyboard housing and keycap material chosen, ensuring that users can achieve a similarly satisfying auditory environment with either switch.
In terms of feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switches offer an impeccably smooth typing experience, emphasizing fluid key travel that enhances comfort during extended use. On the contrary, the WS Yellow switches deliver a delightful typing experience characterized by a creamy texture, allowing for a silky and effortless keystroke. The WS Yellow is designed to provide a mild touch, making it accessible to a broad range of users. Furthermore, the polished finish of the WS Yellow switch contributes to a refined typing experience, with meticulous attention to reduced friction and smooth key travel. Although distinct in some respects, both switches prioritize a comfortable and enjoyable typing feel.
In conclusion, while the Haimu Orange Sea switches are celebrated for their smoothness and neutral sound, the WS Yellow switches shine with their creamy texture and light bounce, coupled with a sound that resonates with keyboard enthusiasts. Though they each offer unique attributes, both are engineered to deliver a satisfying typing experience. Therefore, whether you choose the Orange Sea for its smooth, neutral sound or the WS Yellow for its engaging feel and classic sound signature, you can look forward to an enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between Haimu Orange Sea linear switches and Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you prefer a lightweight switch that offers an impeccably smooth and neutral typing experience, the Orange Sea might be your best bet. Its lower bottom-out force of 45 grams allows for quick, effortless keystrokes, making it an ideal choice for fast typists or those who engage in extensive writing sessions. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that provides a balance of responsiveness and a slight tactile feedback with a satisfying bounce, the WS Yellow could be the way to go. With a medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams and its creamy, polished feel, this switch delivers a delightful typing experience that is both enjoyable and approachable. The familiar sound signature and the overall smoothness can enhance your gaming or typing sessions, making it great for enthusiasts who appreciate a certain level of refinement. Therefore, consider what you value more in a switch—whether it's the utmost in lightness and smoothness with the Orange Sea or the refined bounce and satisfying feel of the WS Yellow—before making your choice.
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