Haimu Orange Sea vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice can often boil down to personal preference and typing style. The Haimu Orange Sea switch offers an impeccably smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature, making it a fantastic option for those who prefer a seamless and quiet keystroke, ideal for both gaming and prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch, with its unique PA12 top housing and POM stem, delivers a softer acoustics profile along with a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance, appealing to users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback while still benefiting from a linear switch design. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, they offer different auditory and tactile experiences that can significantly influence your overall typing comfort and enjoyment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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
The Haimu Orange Sea and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offer contrasting sound profiles and tactile experiences primarily due to their differing top housing materials. The Orange Sea utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that enhances sound clarity, producing a sharper and crisper auditory experience. This is attributable to polycarbonate's stiffness, which promotes resonance. Furthermore, polycarbonate's translucency is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups, as it allows light to pass through vividly, creating an eye-catching effect. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) opts for a nylon top housing, which yields a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, leading to a rounder and more muted auditory experience that can be preferred by those who enjoy a quieter and more subdued keystroke.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Haimu Orange Sea and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) utilize nylon, which further aligns their performance characteristics. The use of nylon in both bottom housings generates a rich and satisfying typing sensation with a deeper base sound. This commonality ensures that users will experience the same luscious and softened auditory feedback regardless of whether they choose the Orange Sea or the Xinhai (Heavy) when it comes to the bottom-out sound. The nylon material effectively absorbs more sound energy, leading to a unified experience in terms of the lower frequencies produced when typing.
In terms of overall user experience, the individual qualities of the top and bottom housings combine to create distinct yet complementary outcomes for both switches. The differences in top housing materials lead to contrasting sound experiences upon key release, while the shared nylon bottom housing offers a consistent, fuller sound when keys are pressed down. Consequently, if one desires a lighter, more vibrant sound profile, the Orange Sea would be the appropriate choice, whereas those who favor a deeper resonance might gravitate towards the Xinhai (Heavy). This blend of materials ultimately provides users with a variety of sensory feedback, making each switch unique in its own right while still allowing for a satisfying typing experience overall.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch to the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Orange Sea has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) has a stronger actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, catering to those who seek a more substantial typing experience with a firmer push feel. This means that the Orange Sea is ideal for prolonged use, while the heavier Xinhai switch would be better for users who favor a pronounced tactile response. Overall, users can expect disparate typing sensations based on their choice between these two switches, with the Orange Sea providing a lighter experience and the Xinhai (Heavy) appealing to those looking for a more robust feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, it's clear that they cater to different preferences. The Orange Sea features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option, while the Xinhai (Heavy) has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm may seem minimal, but for those who prioritize rapid response times—such as gamers—the shorter travel distance of the Xinhai switch may offer a more responsive experience. Conversely, enthusiasts who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing keys might gravitate toward the Orange Sea, appreciating its deeper travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding tactile feedback and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Xinhai (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai (Heavy) for $3.19.
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
The sound profile of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch is characterized by a neutral signature, providing a balanced auditory experience that's unobtrusive while typing. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch boasts a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance due to its POM stem, combined with a softer acoustics profile from its unique PA12 top housing. This difference implies that the Orange Sea will be quieter and more subdued, making it a great choice for environments where noise is a consideration, whereas the Xinhai (Heavy) presents a more articulate sound that can add character to your typing experience.
When evaluating the feel, the Haimu Orange Sea is renowned for its impeccably smooth action, allowing for fluid keystrokes that contribute to a satisfying typing experience. The Xinhai (Heavy), on the other hand, maintains the essence of the classic Xinhai while offering a heavier tactile feedback, making it ideal for users who prefer a bit more resistance and depth in their keystrokes. Both switches emphasize a smooth linear feel but cater to different preferences—one leaning towards effortless typing and the other offering a deliberate, weightier response.
In summary, while the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch both deliver smooth functionality, they excel in different auditory and tactile realms. The Orange Sea offers a neutral sound and silky feel that’s perfect for those who wish for discretion and ease, while the Xinhai (Heavy) combines a crisper sound profile with a heavier keystroke feel for a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, your choice would depend on whether you prioritize sound subtleness and sheer smoothness or a balanced emphasis on auditory feedback and resistance during typing.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light touch and an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Orange Sea, with its bottom-out force of just 45 grams, is an excellent choice. It’s particularly well-suited for those who type quickly or for long periods, as it reduces finger fatigue and offers a comforting, neutral sound profile that won’t disturb your surroundings. On the other hand, if you lean towards a firmer, more deliberate typing experience with satisfying feedback, the heavy variant of the Xinhai is ideal, thanks to its 62.5-gram bottom-out force. This switch’s distinctive acoustics, attributed to the PA12 top housing and POM stem, provide a richer sound, making it a great option for those who enjoy both a tactile and auditory experience while typing. Thus, your decision ultimately should hinge on whether you seek the lighter, smoother feedback of the Orange Sea or the heavier, more resonant nature of the Xinhai (Heavy) to match your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
