TTC Bluish White vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Bluish White and Haimu Orange Sea present two distinct options tailored to different typing preferences. The Bluish White, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its satisfyingly poppy typing experience, offering a snappy sound profile that appeals to those who enjoy auditory feedback with each keystroke. Its characteristics include descriptions such as "buttery," "subtle," and "low-pitched," making it an excellent choice for typists seeking a balance of tactile sensation and sound. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches deliver an impeccably smooth typing feel, boasting a neutral sound signature that caters to users who prioritize a clean and uninterrupted stroke, perfect for long typing sessions and gaming alike. While the Bluish White invites users to revel in tactile engagement, the Orange Sea provides seamless fluidity, allowing for faster key presses without distraction. 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
42g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Bluish White and the Haimu Orange Sea switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a distinctive sound profile characterized by higher frequencies and enhanced clarity. This shared use of polycarbonate is significant because the material's stiffness allows for a crisper sound, contributing to the overall auditory experience when typing. Aesthetically, the translucency of the polycarbonate also makes these switches ideal for RGB lighting, as the light can pass through the housing, enhancing visual appeal. As a result, both switches are likely to deliver similar auditory outcomes when it comes to the top housing, showcasing their compatibility with the needs of users who prefer vibrant lighting effects alongside a pronounced sound.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is made from nylon, which sets the foundation for the unique tactile feedback and sound profile produced during use. The use of nylon—a softer and more sound-absorbing material—leads to a fuller and deeper sound when a key is pressed. This means that while both switches will exhibit clear, sharp sounds on the actuation owing to their polycarbonate tops, the bottom housing of nylon contributes to a rounder, more muted sound on bottoming out. Users can expect a distinctly different auditory experience based on the interaction of these materials, with the nylon bottom lending itself to a more subdued feel compared to the brightness of the polycarbonate top.
Overall, while the TTC Bluish White and Haimu Orange Sea switches share similarities in their choice of top housing material, it is their contrasting bottom housings that create a more nuanced sound and feel. The polycarbonate on the top will yield a bright and vibrant response, while the nylon bottom will soften the overall experience, making it feel richer and deeper. Hence, when users type on these switches, they receive a blend of both materials' characteristics, resulting in a well-rounded auditory profile that balances clarity and resonance with warmth and depth.
Weight
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for extended typing sessions. The Bluish White has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Orange Sea features a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Haimu Orange Sea switch requires less force to actuate than the Bluish White, making it the lighter option overall. Both switches provide a gentle touch, appealing to users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience. The Bluish White offers a slightly firmer feel at bottoming out, whereas the Orange Sea provides a softer landing. Ultimately, those seeking a lighter touch would lean towards the Haimu Orange Sea, while users who prefer a bit more resistance may opt for the TTC Bluish White.
Travel distance
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressed, the Bluish White offers a slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker actuation, which can be preferred for gaming and fast typing. On the other hand, the Orange Sea's 3.6 mm travel distance provides a more substantial feel that may be favored by those who appreciate a deeper keystroke. If you seek responsiveness, the Bluish White is the better choice; however, if you enjoy a more pronounced depth in your key presses, then the Orange Sea would be preferable. Overall, while the difference is minimal, it could influence your experience depending on your typing or gaming preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, there are notable differences. The Bluish White produces a low-pitched sound that is characterized by its bass-heavy tone, offering a richer auditory feedback that can be quite satisfying to typists who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic experience. In contrast, the sound signature of the Orange Sea is neutral, which suggests a quieter operation that likely produces less auditory distraction during use. However, it’s important to remember that the overall sound can also be influenced by the specific keyboard plate and keycap materials used, making it possible to achieve a harmonious sound profile with both switches, depending on your setup.
In terms of feel, the Bluish White switch demonstrates a range of characteristics. It is described as buttery, providing a smooth keystroke experience, which is complemented by its mild and subtle resistance during typing. This allows for an approachable experience suitable for various typing styles. The stepped nature of the tactile feedback gives it a defined two-stage feel, making it easy to identify when the actuation point is reached. On the other hand, the specific tactile qualities and smoothness of the Orange Sea remain unspecified, but it is known for delivering an impeccably smooth typing experience, which implies a fluid and effortless transition with each keystroke.
In conclusion, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch offers a rich auditory experience coupled with a variety of tactile characteristics that make typing enjoyable and engaging. Its low-pitched sound and defined tactile feedback can be appealing to those who prefer a more dynamic typing environment. Meanwhile, the Haimu Orange Sea, with its neutral sound signature and famously smooth feel, caters to typists seeking a quiet and fluid experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, so your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound variety and tactile feedback or smoothness and minimal noise.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch depends largely on your typing preferences and environment. If you crave a more engaging and tactile experience, the Bluish White is an excellent option. Its snappy sound profile and pronounced tactile feedback create a satisfying and dynamic typing session, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of auditory stimulation while they type. This switch excels in office settings where you might enjoy a tactile response without being too disruptive, thanks to its low-pitched sound that is relatively gentle. On the other hand, if smoothness and a neutral sound signature are what you're after, the Haimu Orange Sea is the way to go. With its impeccably smooth feel and slightly lighter bottom-out force, this switch is ideal for long typing sessions, gaming, or environments where low noise is essential. Ultimately, whether you're looking for a tactile pop or a silky linear glide, both switches offer their own unique advantages that cater to different styles and preferences in the mechanical keyboard world.