TTC Gold Brown vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact both typing experience and overall satisfaction. The TTC Gold Brown switch stands out for its balanced characteristics, offering a delightful tactile bump that enhances feedback without being overly pronounced. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a moderate weightiness in their keystrokes and appreciate a rounded sound profile that is softer than many alternatives. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switch caters to those who prefer a seamless linear experience; its impeccably smooth feel and neutral sound signature make it ideal for rapid typing and gaming without distractions. While the Gold Brown promotes a tactile engagement perfect for typists and casual gamers alike, the Orange Sea appeals to users seeking fluidity and speed in their keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper than these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences and usage.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown and the Haimu Orange Sea both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which significantly contributes to their sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, enables both switches to achieve a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This shared characteristic is particularly beneficial for users who prioritize a clear auditory feedback from their keyboard. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate housing enhances the visual appeal when RGB lighting is employed, as it allows light to diffuse evenly. Given that both switches share this top housing material, they are likely to produce similar auditory experiences, making either choice a solid option for those seeking vibrant RGB illumination and sharp sound quality.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both the TTC Gold Brown and the Haimu Orange Sea are made from nylon, which imparts a different character to the switches' overall sound profiles. Nylon, being a softer material, serves to create a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This quality is emphasized during key presses, where the bottom housing primarily influences the sound and feel of bottoming out. The combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom allows these switches to meld the crispness of the higher frequency sounds with the duller, rounder tones produced by the nylon, creating a well-rounded auditory profile that caters to varied typing preferences.
Overall, while the TTC Gold Brown and Haimu Orange Sea differ in their bottom housing materials, with nylon in both cases providing a similar tonal depth, their shared polycarbonate top housing ensures a consistent and bright sound signature. This duality of materials demonstrates how different housings can affect the resulting auditory experience. Users can expect that while the top and bottom housings contribute distinct qualities, the blend will produce a harmonious sound profile that complements a range of typing styles. Consequently, if one desires a crisp top-end and comfortable bottom-out sound, both of these switches represent excellent choices grounded in their well-thought-out material compositions.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces can be observed. The Gold Brown requires an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it a medium-weight switch that caters to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea has a notably lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, appealing to users seeking a gentler touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Consequently, the Orange Sea is the lighter option, while the Gold Brown is the heavier switch. Given these force specifications, users can expect a more tactile feedback and resistance from the Gold Brown, while the Orange Sea will provide a smoother and easier keystroke experience. The contrast between these two switches illustrates the balance between comfort and typing experience preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, the Gold Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Orange Sea offers a shorter 3.6 mm distance. This difference indicates that the Gold Brown switch provides a more substantial and deeper keypress experience, appealing to those who enjoy a hearty depth in their typing or gaming experience. In contrast, the Orange Sea, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers and users seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Consequently, if you prioritize responsiveness in your typing or gaming, the Haimu Orange Sea would be the preferable choice, while those who favor a fuller keypress may opt for the TTC Gold Brown.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 switches emit a rounded and soft profile that is overall neutral. This makes them suitable for a wide range of environments, from home offices to traditional workspaces. The moderate actuation force required doesn't result in overly loud feedback, allowing for a typing experience that is both pleasant and unobtrusive. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches have a neutral sound signature as well; however, specific characteristics regarding their sound have not been elaborated. Both switches, while different in their physical designs, seem to promote a similar sound experience that caters to users who prefer subtle auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown switches offer a mildly tactile experience with smooth and buttery strokes, providing a gentle yet discernible bump during actuation. This makes them approachable for newcomers while delivering a polished typing experience that is neither harsh nor overly pronounced in tactility. The Orange Sea switches are known for their impeccably smooth feel but lack detailed descriptors to compare their tactile characteristics to those of the Gold Brown. However, it can be inferred that each switch aims to provide a satisfying and smooth keystroke experience, catering to those who value ease of use and comfort.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown and Haimu Orange Sea switches are both designed to offer enjoyable typing experiences with gentle feedback. While the Gold Brown is characterized by its balanced sound and mild tactile feel, the Orange Sea excels in delivering smooth keystrokes without excess details available about its feel. Their neutral sound profiles make them versatile options for any user looking to enhance their mechanical keyboard experience, indicating that whether you lean toward a tactile or linear preference, you can achieve a pleasant outcome with either switch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch should depend on your specific preferences and typing habits. If you appreciate a balanced and tactile experience with a satisfying bump and slightly heavier keystrokes, the Gold Brown might be the right choice for you. It’s particularly well-suited for users who enjoy a moderate sound profile, making it versatile for both office and home environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a focus on smoothness and a neutral sound signature, the Orange Sea switch could be more appealing. This switch is ideal for those who want a seamless typing experience with less resistance, making it a great option for extensive typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, consider what feels most comfortable for you—whether it’s the satisfying tactile feedback of the Gold Brown or the buttery smoothness of the Orange Sea—and choose accordingly to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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