TTC Flame Red vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the TTC Flame Red and the Haimu Orange Sea can significantly influence your typing experience. The Flame Red switches stand out not only for their remarkable performance but also for their stunning visual aesthetics, featuring a dazzling light diffuser that enhances any backlit RGB keyboard setup. Users appreciate the Flame Reds for their weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, which contribute to an engaging tactile experience. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches offer an impeccably smooth typing feel with a neutral sound signature that appeals to those seeking a quieter, more refined keystroke without sacrificing responsiveness. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you're captivated by vibrant visuals and an expressive sound or gravitating towards a subtle yet satisfying typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Haimu Orange Sea demonstrate a fascinating contrast in their top housing components, which significantly influences the overall sound profile of each switch. The TTC Flame Red features a nylon top housing, known for its softer texture that absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a deep and fuller auditory experience. This quality allows for a more muted keypress that can feel more refined and rounded. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its rigid composition. This stiffness contributes to a sharp and higher-pitched sound profile, facilitating a crisper feedback when typing. Such a distinct contrast in top materials impacts not only the keyboard's sound but also the tactile feedback that users will experience when they bottom out the keys.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, there lies a point of similarity: both the Flame Red and the Orange Sea are equipped with nylon bottom housings. This commonality means that despite the differences in top housing materials, the deeper and rounder sound profile consistently produced by nylon is retained in the overall performance of both switches. The nylon base is known to absorb sound, providing a uniformity in the auditory feedback when the keys are pressed. As such, this shared quality in the bottom housing ensures that users will experience a similar foundational sound, grounding both switches in a deeper auditory experience as the softer nylon material contributes to a cushioned bottom-out feel.
Ultimately, the combination of these differing materials leads to a unique yet complementary interaction within each switch design. While the TTC Flame Red's nylon top and bottom housing create a cohesive sound that is deeper and rounder, the Haimu Orange Sea's polycarbonate top, paired with the nylon bottom, offers a blend of sharpness at the top and a rounded base for a multifaceted sound experience. Therefore, regardless of the different characteristics brought by the top housing, the nylon bottom helps unify the auditory and tactile feedback, proving that thoughtful material selection in keyboard switches can lead to desired and varied user experiences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, notable differences arise in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Flame Red requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a preferable choice for those who value ease of keystrokes and prolonged typing sessions. Consequently, the Flame Red is the heavier option overall, as its actuation force and bottom out force are greater than those of the Orange Sea. This disparity means that while the Flame Red might provide a more substantial typing experience for users who enjoy a firmer feel, the Haimu Orange Sea would be advantageous for users seeking a lighter switch for extended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, it is clear that the Flame Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Orange Sea measures 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm signifies that gamers or users prioritizing responsiveness might prefer the Orange Sea due to its shorter travel distance, which can lead to quicker response times. Conversely, those who enjoy a more tactile experience with a deeper press may favor the Flame Red, as its longer travel distance offers a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Flame Red is the more traditional option with its 4 mm distance, allowing for a heartbeat depth, whereas the Orange Sea stands out for its quicker actuation owing to its shorter 3.6 mm distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 Flame Red linear switch is characterized by a clacky quality, which provides a noticeable auditory feedback when typing. This sound can be appealing for users who enjoy a more pronounced noise during their typing sessions. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch offers a neutral sound signature, which is more subdued and unobtrusive. This makes the Orange Sea suitable for environments where minimal noise is desired, such as offices or shared spaces. However, it is essential to note that the sound produced by either switch can vary significantly depending on the keyboard's construction and keycap choices.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Flame Red switch is known for its weighty, smooth typing experience. Its characteristics include a mild action that is approachable for newcomers while still providing a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and effortless key travel. This combination allows users to enjoy a comfortable and refined typing experience. In contrast, while the specific feel of the Haimu Orange Sea switches is not detailed, the emphasis on their exceptional smoothness implies that they also deliver a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable typing feel, but the Flame Red may lean towards a more tactile experience with its added weightiness.
In conclusion, both the TTC Flame Red and the Haimu Orange Sea switches offer unique yet complementary qualities for typing enthusiasts. The Flame Red is ideal for those who appreciate a clackier sound and a weighty smoothness, while the Orange Sea caters to users who prefer a quieter, more neutral auditory experience without sacrificing smoothness. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, either option can lead to a satisfying typing experience, making both switches excellent choices for different scenarios in mechanical keyboard setups.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Flame Red and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches, your personal preferences and typing habits should guide your choice. If you prefer a more tactile and substantial typing experience, the Flame Red might be your best bet. With a medium-light bottom out force of 54 grams, it strikes a balance that many users find satisfying. Its notable smoothness and clacky sound profile can enhance not just the feel of your keyboard but also its aesthetic appeal, especially for backlit setups thanks to its impressive light diffuser. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something lighter and more effortless, the Haimu Orange Sea could be more suitable. With a bottom out force of just 45 grams, these switches offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience, making long typing sessions less tiring. The neutral sound profile of the Orange Sea can be an advantage if you’re in quieter environments such as an office or shared workspace. Ultimately, choose the Flame Red for a richer auditory experience and visually striking effects, while the Orange Sea will excel in providing a lightweight, smooth sailing journey for your fingers. Whether you lean towards tactile engagement or effortless gliding, both switches have their unique appeal to cater to your individual typing style.
Mentioned in this article
