Haimu Orange Sea vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Orange Sea and Gateron Zero Degree 0° stand out as compelling linear options, each with unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Haimu Orange Sea is celebrated for its impeccably smooth typing experience and neutral sound signature, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy a clean and responsive key feel without auditory distractions. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° takes silent typing to the next level with its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, which not only enhances smoothness and stability but also effectively absorbs sound, resulting in an exceptionally quiet keystroke. Both switches offer appealing features for various typing experiences; the Orange Sea is ideal for those who favor a straightforward tactile sensation, while the Zero Degree 0° is perfect for users seeking a quieter ambiance without sacrificing performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Haimu Orange Sea and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, it becomes apparent that both keyboards utilize the same types of materials for their housing, specifically polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom sections. The polycarbonate top housing in both switches contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, characterized by a clarity that enhances the overall typing experience. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing sound waves to resonate with greater precision. Notably, this translucency of the polycarbonate also allows for effective RGB lighting, further enhancing the aesthetics of the switches in both models.
The bottom housings of both the Orange Sea and Zero Degree 0° are made of nylon, which produces a markedly different acoustic quality than polycarbonate. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer composition, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrast between the top and bottom materials creates a unique auditory experience; users will note the resonant, sharper sounds from the polycarbonate tops when the keys are released, counterbalanced by the warmer, more muted sounds from the nylon bottoms once a key is pressed down. Such complementary characteristics ensure that despite using the same materials, the two switches offer a well-rounded acoustic profile when typing.
In essence, while the Orange Sea and Zero Degree 0° switches leverage identical materials, the differing impacts of the polycarbonate and nylon housings play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound and feel during use. Users can expect similar auditory results due to the shared qualities of the housing materials but will experience distinct nuances attributable to the interplay between the sharper, crisper sounds from the polycarbonate tops and the fuller, deeper sounds from the nylon bottoms. Ultimately, the combination of these materials not only enhances the typing experience but also allows for effective visual elements like RGB lighting to shine through in both models.
Weight
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch present contrasting characteristics in terms of 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 a suitable choice for users seeking a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° requires a higher actuation force of 45 grams, suggesting a heavier feel for those who prefer a more robust typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Zero Degree is currently unknown, leaving some ambiguity about its overall tactile feedback. Consequently, with the Orange Sea being the lighter option, users who prioritize comfort during long periods of typing should lean towards it, while those who appreciate a stronger push should consider the Gateron Zero Degree switch, albeit with limited information.
Travel distance
Both the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users will experience an identical distance traveled from the top to the bottom, consequently resulting in similar tactile feedback and keystroke consistency. Since both switches exhibit equal travel distance, users can expect a comparable typing experience regardless of which switch they choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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
When it comes to sound, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch is characterized by its neutral sound signature, producing a distinct yet unobtrusive auditory experience during typing. This allows it to be suitable for various environments, whether you're in a quiet office or a bustling café. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch takes sound management a step further with its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, which absorb sound and significantly reduce noise. This makes the Zero Degree 0° particularly ideal for users who prioritize a silent typing experience, perfect for late-night work without disturbing others.
Regarding feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are renowned for their impeccably smooth type feel, offering a buttery-smooth keystroke that enhances typing speed and accuracy. Users often appreciate this smoothness, which can lead to a more enjoyable typing experience overall. Meanwhile, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch also emphasizes a soft, elastic feel, enhanced by its unique design that provides exceptional smoothness and stability. This combination makes both switches highly appealing for different reasons—while the Orange Sea focuses on fluidity, the Zero Degree 0° adds a layer of comfort through its cushioning properties.
Overall, both the Haimu Orange Sea and Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switches offer commendable qualities, though they cater to slightly different preferences. The Orange Sea excels with its smooth typing and neutral sound signature, making it a solid choice for general use. Conversely, the Zero Degree 0° stands out for its whisper-quiet operation and extra cushioning, ideal for those who need a quieter setup. Depending on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both, either of these switches can provide an excellent typing experience tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you lean towards a switch that offers a light typing experience with a smooth feel and neutral sound, the Haimu Orange Sea is an excellent choice. It's particularly suited for those who enjoy a slightly softer keystroke without sacrificing performance, making it ideal for both typing and gaming scenarios where feedback is essential. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch focused on minimizing noise while maintaining superb smoothness and stability, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° is the standout option. Its innovative design provides an exceptionally quiet experience, making it perfect for shared workspaces or environments where noise reduction is crucial. Ultimately, consider how you intend to use your keyboard and the sound level you can tolerate, and choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style and specific needs.
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