KTT Glimp vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Glimp and Haimu Orange Sea both present compelling options, yet cater to distinct preferences among typists. The KTT Glimp features a medium-light actuation force, making it ideal for users who desire a comfortable yet substantial typing experience. Its tactile feedback and clacky sound profile offer an engaging and responsive feel, lending a satisfying auditory quality to each keystroke. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea stands out with its impeccably smooth typing sensation and neutral sound signature, appealing to those who prioritize a whisper-quiet environment and fluid keystrokes more than auditory feedback. While both switches fall into the linear category and aim for a remarkable typing experience, their unique characteristics serve different typist needs—from the Glimp's engaging sound and tactile response to the Orange Sea's smooth and subdued performance. 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
43g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the KTT Glimp and the Haimu Orange Sea utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar auditory experience characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This shared choice of material leverages polycarbonate’s inherent stiffness, which contributes to clarity and resonance when typing. Additionally, both switches take advantage of polycarbonate's translucent qualities, making them particularly well-suited for RGB lighting applications. The result is a consistent aesthetic appeal, especially in setups that emphasize customizable lighting effects, which enhances the visual experience alongside the auditory one.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Glimp and Orange Sea switches incorporate nylon. This decision introduces a contrast in sound characteristics, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs sound more efficiently than harder materials. Consequently, the combination of nylon bottoms paired with polycarbonate tops means that both switches achieve a more rounded and fuller auditory signature during use. The deep, resonant sound imparted by the nylon housing complements the crispness from the polycarbonate top, creating a dynamic and enriched typing experience that embodies the strengths of both materials.
When evaluating the overall impact of the different housing materials, the design of both switches unveils how the properties imparted by each material work in tandem. The polycarbonate tops predominantly influence the upstroke sound, contributing to a brighter auditory experience, while the nylon bottoms dictate the bottom-out feel and sound, generating a satisfying depth. As a result, even though the materials themselves are the same, the interaction between the stiffness of the polycarbonate and the softness of the nylon generates a harmonious blend, showcasing how variations in housing can yield a multifaceted typing experience, regardless of the specific switch model.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, we see distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying preferences. The Glimp switch requires an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, positioning it as a medium-light option. In contrast, the Orange Sea switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. As a result, users seeking a lighter typing experience for extended sessions will likely prefer the Orange Sea, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel may gravitate towards the Glimp. This differentiation in weight means the Orange Sea is the lighter choice, making it more suitable for prolonged typing or gaming, whereas the Glimp, being heavier, offers a firmer tactile response for users who appreciate a stronger push feel. Overall, the key takeaway is that the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Orange Sea translate into an easier and potentially more comfortable typing experience compared to the Glimp.
Travel distance
The KTT Glimp linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch differ in travel distance, with the Glimp measuring 4 mm and the Orange Sea at 3.6 mm. This makes the Glimp the longer travel distance switch, providing a more substantial pressing experience that some users may find satisfying and hearty. In contrast, the Orange Sea's shorter travel distance might appeal to gamers or individuals favoring quicker responses and faster typing due to its more immediate actuation. While both switches serve different preferences with their respective travel distances, opting for the shorter Orange Sea can yield a more responsive feel, whereas the Glimp may be preferred for those who enjoy a deeper key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Glimp has an MSRP of $3.84 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glimp for $3.45.
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 KTT Glimp and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches, the Glimp switch is characterized by its fairly clacky, crisp, and bright sound, making it quite enjoyable for those who prefer auditory feedback during typing. This clacking adds an engaging element to the typing experience, making each keystroke feel more pronounced. In contrast, the Orange Sea has a neutral sound signature, suggesting that it produces a more subdued auditory output that may be less intrusive and more suitable for quieter environments or shared spaces. While the Glimp's sound can offer an exciting auditory element, the Orange Sea's neutral tone might be preferred by users seeking a more versatile switch without the distraction of pronounced clicking or clacking.
In terms of feel, the KTT Glimp switch provides a creamy, smooth typing experience that allows for a silky sensation with each keystroke. This buttery typing feel can enhance comfort during prolonged typing sessions and is often a result of either factory lubrication or specific materials used in the switch's construction. Additionally, the Glimp's mild nature offers an approachable typing experience that is suitable for various users, regardless of their experience level. The texture of the Haimu Orange Sea switch, however, remains unspecified, leaving the actual feel uncertain. It may very well offer a smooth experience as well, but without specific details, it's hard to make a direct comparison.
Overall, both the KTT Glimp and Haimu Orange Sea switches provide distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Glimp's clacky sound and creamy feel will likely appeal to those who enjoy dynamic auditory feedback and a silky typing sensation, while the Orange Sea, with its neutral sound profile, caters to users looking for a more understated typing experience. Despite the Orange Sea's lack of detailed qualitative information, it is reasonable to suggest that both switches could potentially deliver satisfying results, albeit in different ways. The choice ultimately hinges on whether one prioritizes auditory engagement or a more muted typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you enjoy a more tactile feedback and a slightly higher actuation force, along with a clacky sound that adds an engaging auditory experience, the Glimp is an excellent option. Its medium-light feel provides a satisfying balance of resistance without feeling overwhelming, making it suitable for typists who appreciate both responsiveness and sound. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch with an impeccably smooth feel and a neutral sound profile, the Orange Sea switch would be better suited for you. Its lighter bottom out force makes it easier to actuate keys quickly, which is ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing scenarios. Additionally, the smoothness ensures a fatigue-free experience during extended sessions. Ultimately, consider what aspects are most important to you—whether it's sound, feel, or actuation force—as you make your choice between these two appealing switches.
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