TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and intended use. The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch stands out for those who appreciate subtle yet noticeable feedback with its gentle tactile bump, allowing typists to immerse themselves in their work while minimizing distractions. Its low-pitched, thocky acoustic profile creates a whisper-soft typing experience, making it an excellent choice for office environments or quiet spaces where concentration is key. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch is designed for users who prioritize a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience. Known for its impeccable smoothness and neutral sound signature, this switch offers a fluid typing experience that is perfect for gamers and fast typists who thrive on quick register times without tactile feedback interrupting their flow. Both switches cater to different preferences and environments, making them strong contenders in the mechanical keyboard community. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Haimu Orange Sea feature polycarbonate top housings, which are significant contributors to the overall acoustic experience of these switches. The polycarbonate material enhances the sound profile, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper tone when keys are pressed. This shared characteristic allows users to expect similar auditory results when using either switch, particularly in applications where RGB lighting is involved, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for better light diffusion. Whether one is using the Gold Brown Pro or the Orange Sea, the auditory clarity and aesthetic appeal provided by the polycarbonate top housing create an engaging typing experience, especially when illuminated.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches are constructed from nylon, which is known for its capacity to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that characterizes the typing experience of both switches when bottoming out. The use of nylon creates a rounder, more muted sound, effectively balancing out the crispness provided by the polycarbonate top housing. Therefore, regardless of the specific model, users will find that the nylon bottom housing contributes significantly to the acoustic properties of both switches, leading to a harmonious blend of high-pitched clarity and rich, deep tones.
When considering the interplay between the different materials in the Gold Brown Pro and the Orange Sea, it becomes evident that the hybrid construction is designed to optimize both sound and feel. The stiffness of the polycarbonate top housing enhances the sound production during actuation, while the softness of the nylon bottom housing enriches the sound profile during the key's release. This duality ensures that users enjoy a well-rounded auditory experience, where the top and bottom materials complement each other. Thus, even with the distinct advantages of each housing material, the combined result remains consistent across both switches, allowing for a satisfying typing experience characterized by clarity and depth.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, it becomes clear that they offer different typing experiences, particularly regarding their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Brown Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams, which indicates a moderately heavier feel when activating a key. However, the bottom out force for this switch is unknown, making it difficult to fully assess its resistance when pressed down to the bottom. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to press and potentially reducing fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, its bottom out force is set at 45 grams, which aligns with the Gold Brown Pro's actuation force, meaning both switches will provide a similar resistance when fully pressed. Overall, the Orange Sea switch is the lighter option, making it more suitable for users who favor a softer touch, while the Gold Brown Pro caters to those who appreciate a heavier, more substantial feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, we find that the Gold Brown Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Orange Sea features a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Gold Brown Pro provides a slightly deeper feel when pressed, making it better suited for those who prefer a more pronounced key press. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Orange Sea caters to users seeking a quicker response time, which is often favored by gamers. Overall, if you prioritize a more robust tactile feedback, the Gold Brown Pro would be the preferable choice with its longer travel distance, while the Orange Sea is ideal for those favoring a rapid and responsive experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 Gold Brown Pro switch produces a muted auditory experience characterized by its thocky and low-pitched resonance. It has a rich and satisfying sound reminiscent of a deep "thud" on key presses, striking a balance that remains non-distracting in both quiet and shared environments, making it ideal for long typing sessions. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switch has a neutral sound signature, but specific details about its acoustic characteristics are not provided. Hence, while the Gold Brown Pro offers a distinct auditory feedback with its deeper tones, the Orange Sea appears to be more subdued but with an unspecified profile.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro excels with its polished and silky typing experience, providing minimal friction and smooth key travel that enhances overall comfort. Its mild and subtle tactile feedback ensures that it doesn’t overwhelm users, making it approachable for typists at any skill level. The stepped design allows a nuanced responsiveness, offering just enough tactile feedback without being overly pronounced. Conversely, the feel characteristics of the Haimu Orange Sea switches are not detailed, leaving a gap in understanding how they compare in terms of typing comfort and resistance.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch shines with its soft auditory presence and refined tactile feel, perfect for those who prefer subtle, immersive typing experiences. The Haimu Orange Sea, while also aiming for a smooth typing experience, lacks detailed descriptions to make a direct comparison. Ultimately, while both switches could cater to different preferences, the Gold Brown Pro's well-documented qualities provide a clearer representation of what's to be expected in both sound and feel. Without detailed insights into the Orange Sea's characteristics, it's difficult to gauge how they might perform in comparison, leaving potential users to weigh their options accordingly.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage context. If you prefer a gentle tactile feedback that allows for a more immersive typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro is ideal for you. Its subtle yet present bump will enable you to focus on your work with minimal distraction, making it an excellent choice for quiet environments such as offices or shared spaces where you want to maintain a calm atmosphere. On the other hand, if you seek an exceptionally smooth and neutral typing feel, the Orange Sea shines in scenarios where a faster, uninterrupted keypress is desired, such as gaming or rapid typing tasks. Its light bottom-out force ensures a quicker response, making it suitable for users who enjoy a fluid typing experience without the tactile feedback. Ultimately, consider your specific needs—whether you prioritize tactile feedback or a smooth linear action—to select the switch that aligns with your style and environment.
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