TTC Brother vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, and two prominent options highlight this diversity: the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch. The TTC Brother stands out in the clicky category, celebrated for its lightweight actuation of just 37g and a satisfyingly crunchy sound that appeals to clicky switch enthusiasts. Its tactile feedback strikes a perfect balance, providing a distinctive bump without overwhelming the keystroke experience, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who thrive on auditory and tactile responses. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea switches excel in delivering an impeccably smooth typing experience with a neutral sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a more subtle keystroke without the distraction of noise. While each switch caters to different needs—one emphasizing tactile feedback and acoustics, and the other prioritizing smoothness and quiet operation—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
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
17.5mm spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Brother and the Haimu Orange Sea both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in highly comparable sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to softer plastics. This commonality ensures that both switches exhibit a clear and resonant sound quality, particularly beneficial for those who enjoy RGB lighting effects, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant light diffusion. Therefore, users can expect an impressive sound and visual performance from both the Brother and the Orange Sea, creating a harmonious experience during use.
In terms of their bottom housings, the TTC Brother and Haimu Orange Sea share another similarity, employing nylon material which defines their acoustic characteristics. Nylon, being a softer plastic, significantly affects the sound quality by absorbing sound waves and producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. This deeper sound contrasts with the crispness provided by the polycarbonate top housing, creating a unique auditory experience that combines both clarity and warmth. As both switches feature nylon in the bottom housing, users will likely notice similar tonal qualities, resulting in a cohesive performance when typing on either switch.
While the top housing of each switch contributes distinct characteristics to their acoustic profiles, the division of sound quality between the top and bottom housings plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing will enhance the clarity of the sound upon releasing a key, while the nylon bottom housing modulates and enriches the sound when a key is pressed down. With both the Brother and the Orange Sea utilizing these two high-quality materials in their respective configurations, users can expect a balanced and versatile performance characterized by both sharpness and depth, regardless of the switch chosen.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch to the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, both exhibit an identical actuation force of 37 grams, making them feel equally responsive when triggering a keystroke. However, the significant difference lies in their bottom out forces; while the Orange Sea switch has a defined bottom out force of 45 grams, the Brother's bottom out force remains unavailable. This means that the Orange Sea provides a tangible resistance when fully pressed down, which could cater to users who appreciate a more substantial feel. Consequently, the TTC Brother, with its lighter and unavailable bottom out force, may appeal to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially for extended sessions. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea, being heavier overall due to its greater bottom out force, would likely satisfy users seeking a firmer and more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, we find that the Brother has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, whereas the Orange Sea's travel distance is slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This means that for users seeking a more responsive typing experience, the TTC Brother may be the preferred option due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate faster key presses. Conversely, those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke might favor the Haimu Orange Sea, as its longer travel distance offers a greater sense of depth in each action. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference—whether one values speed and immediacy or a more traditional, deeper feel in their typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 TTC Brother clicky switch is characterized by its delightful crunchy quality that echoes the sensation of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. This satisfying auditory feedback is a hallmark of clicky switches, providing a distinctly sharp and clear sound with each keystroke, which can be incredibly satisfying for its users. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch has a neutral sound signature, suggesting that it operates relatively quietly. This aspect may appeal to those who prefer a more subtle typing experience without the added auditory distraction, likely creating an environment more conducive to focused work or study.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Brother switch shines with its lightweight actuation force of just 37g, making it incredibly easy to press. The tactile feedback is stepped, giving users a clear distinction between stages of the key press without overwhelming them, which can be especially beneficial for reducing finger fatigue during extensive typing sessions. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are known for their impeccably smooth typing feel, though specific details regarding the feedback or actuation force are unknown. This smoothness in linear switches generally promotes a fluid typing experience, benefiting those who prefer consistent key travel throughout.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch and Haimu Orange Sea linear switch offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. While the Brother excels with its engaging crunchy sound and responsive, tactile feedback, the Orange Sea provides a quieter, smoother typing sensation. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback and tactile response or seek a subdued and effortless typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, both the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences and needs. If you thrive on feedback while typing and appreciate the exhilarating auditory response of a clicky switch, the Brother is your best bet. Its light actuation force of 37 grams, combined with the satisfying crunch of each keystroke, makes it perfect for both spirited typing sessions and gaming, allowing for quick and effortless activations without causing finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and neutral typing experience, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch excels in delivering just that. With a bottom-out force of 45 grams, it requires slightly more effort but rewards you with an exceptionally fluid feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy rapid key presses or gaming environments that demand precision. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you favor the tactile and audible engagement of the Brother or the seamless, uninterrupted flow of the Orange Sea. Each switch has its charm, allowing you to tailor your mechanical keyboard experience to your specific typing style and preferences.
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