TTC Flaming Purple vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Purple and the Haimu Orange Sea both offer unique experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Flaming Purple stands out with its resonant character and slightly bassy sound signature, delivering an engaging auditory experience marked by a poppy undertone with each keystroke. With a light bottom-out force of 47g, this switch is designed for users who favor a swift and effortless typing experience, making it a popular choice for both enthusiasts and everyday typists. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches provide an impeccably smooth typing feel coupled with a neutral sound signature, appealing to those who prioritize a quiet and unobtrusive performance. While the Flaming Purple invites a lively interaction with its auditory flair, the Orange Sea promotes a sleek and serene 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
42g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Flaming Purple and the Haimu Orange Sea switches share a notable similarity in their top housing material, which is polycarbonate. This choice of material in both switches contributes to a distinct sound profile characterized by sharper and crisper tones. The rigidity of polycarbonate enhances the resonance of the sound produced, making it well-suited for users who value clarity in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing allows for effective RGB lighting effects, which can visually enhance the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard. As a result, both switches can deliver similar sound profiles and visual effects when equipped with RGB lighting due to their identical top housing materials.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, which diverges from the properties of polycarbonate. The nylon material is softer than polycarbonate, leading to a fuller, deeper sound profile that contrasts with the higher-pitched tones produced by the polycarbonate. The inherent sound-absorbing qualities of nylon create a more rounded auditory experience when typing, which can complement the crispness of the sound coming from the top housing. This combination allows for a balanced typing experience, where the warmer tones from the nylon mitigate the sharpness of the polycarbonate, thereby influencing the overall sound dynamics of the switches.
When the unique qualities of the top and bottom housings interact during use, the distinct characteristics become evident. The top polycarbonate housing contributes significantly to the sound produced when a key is released, emphasizing sharpness and clarity, while the nylon bottom housing shapes the sound and feel at the bottom-out point, offering a more muted and rounded auditory experience. Thus, despite the differences in material, both the Flaming Purple and the Orange Sea switches can produce a cohesive typing experience that balances the strengths of both materials. Ultimately, the thoughtful combination of these materials in both switches allows them to achieve complementary sound dynamics, enhancing functionality for different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Flaming Purple has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, while the Orange Sea features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Haimu Orange Sea switch the lighter of the two, which may be preferable for users looking for a softer touch during typing or gaming sessions. Both switches are designed to facilitate long periods of use; however, the Flaming Purple requires a slightly heavier force to actuate and bottom out, appealing to those who favor a more substantial typing experience. Overall, if you appreciate a lighter touch, the Haimu Orange Sea is the way to go, while the TTC Flaming Purple provides a bit more resistance for a firmer feedback.
Travel distance
The travel distances of both the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch are identical at 3.6 mm. This means that users pressing down on either switch will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom, resulting in similar tactile feedback. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of key travel, making either switch a suitable choice depending on other factors like feel and sound preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch showcases a characterful and resonant audio profile that leans towards bass, offering a rich depth in each keystroke. This low-pitched, bassy quality adds a touch of warmth and engagement to the typing experience, making every action feel immersive. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches maintain a neutral sound signature, leading to a more straightforward auditory experience during typing. While the Flaming Purple's sound may evoke a poppy undertone thanks to its deeper resonance, the Orange Sea seems to offer a simpler, cleaner auditory interaction, which might appeal to those who prefer a minimalist approach. Keep in mind, however, that the final sound experience can depend significantly on the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Flaming Purple switches excel with their feathery lightness, requiring a mere 47g of force to actuate. This means that during typing or gaming sessions, users will experience reduced finger fatigue and a smooth, effortless action that encourages fluidity in typing. The switch's silky nature further enhances this feeling, making every keystroke feel dapper and refined. On the other hand, the feel characteristics of the Haimu Orange Sea switches are not specified, leaving a gap in understanding their performance. However, if they share the same linear quality as the Flaming Purple, they could offer a similarly smooth typing experience.
Overall, both switches cater to different preferences, with the TTC Flaming Purple standing out with its bassy sound and lightweight action, making it particularly enticing for enthusiasts who enjoy a richer auditory feedback. Meanwhile, the Orange Sea’s neutral sound provides a minimalist option that some may prefer for its simplicity. Ultimately, while both switches might deliver satisfying results in the linear category, the choice will come down to personal preference regarding sound and specific tactile experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the TTC Flaming Purple and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches, your decision should largely depend on your typing preferences and acoustic priorities. If you enjoy a switch that adds a bit of character to your keystrokes with a slightly bassier sound profile, the Flaming Purple would be a fantastic option for you. Its light 47g bottom-out force allows for swift and intuitive typing, making it ideal for extended sessions, whether you're gaming or working on essays. The feathery, easy-to-press feel can help reduce finger fatigue, making it great for those who may find themselves typing for long periods. On the other hand, if you prioritize an impeccably smooth typing experience without the added auditory flair, the Haimu Orange Sea switch may be more suited to your needs, with a marginally lighter bottom-out force of 45g. While it may lack the resonant sound character of the Flaming Purple, the Orange Sea delivers a neutral sound profile, which might appeal to users seeking a more subdued typing environment. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences regarding tactile feedback, sound signature, and overall typing comfort.
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