TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Haimu Orange Sea

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and intended use, and two excellent contenders in the linear switch category are the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Haimu Orange Sea. The TTC Gold Red Pro is renowned for its versatility, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that accommodates a variety of users, whether for gaming, office work, or casual typing. It strikes a balance with its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for diverse environments. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches also emphasize a seamless type feel, complemented by a similarly neutral auditory signature that appeals to those who favor a low-key, distraction-free typing experience. While both switches provide the benefits of smooth actuation and subtle sound, their unique characteristics cater to different user preferences. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Red Pro Linear

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Haimu Orange Sea are remarkably similar in their top housing construction, as both utilize polycarbonate to achieve a specific sound profile. The transparency and stiffness of polycarbonate contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched sound that enhances clarity and resonance. This characteristic is beneficial for users who prioritize an impactful auditory experience, particularly those utilizing RGB lighting setups, as the translucent nature of the polycarbonate allows for optimal light diffusion. Consequently, both switches can deliver similar sound profiles when it comes to the auditory feedback produced during both typing and key release.

When we look at the bottom housing, both switches employ nylon, a classic material renowned for its sound-dampening properties. This material contrasts with polycarbonate, leading to a deeper, fuller sound profile that softens the overall auditory experience. The use of nylon in the Gold Red Pro and Orange Sea means that the bottom-out sound will be noticeably rounder and more muted compared to the sharper tones generated by the polycarbonate top housing. This duality allows for a rich auditory experience that combines the crispness of the top with the warmth of the bottom, making either switch suitable for users seeking a well-rounded performance.

Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch allows both the TTC Gold Red Pro and Haimu Orange Sea to provide users with a unique typing experience characterized by the interplay of textures and sounds. The shared use of polycarbonate for the top housing delivers a bright clarity, while the nylon bottom housing offers a warm depth. Users can expect to achieve a harmonious auditory feedback regardless of their choice, as the qualities emerging from each housing material complement each other effectively. This synergy ensures a consistent performance across both switches while catering to diverse preferences for sound profiles.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch to the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation and bottom-out forces. The Gold Red Pro has an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Haimu Orange Sea has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams. This difference means that the Orange Sea switch is generally easier to press, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, which can reduce fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom-out force for the Gold Red Pro is unavailable, whereas the Haimu Orange Sea has a defined bottom-out force of 45 grams, indicating a firmer feel when the switch is fully depressed. Consequently, while the Gold Red Pro offers some flexibility with its undefined bottom-out force, the Orange Sea's defined metrics suggest a combination of a lighter actuation force and a heavier bottom-out force. Therefore, if you're looking for a lighter typing experience, the Haimu Orange Sea would be the better option, while the TTC Gold Red Pro’s characteristics remain somewhat ambiguous.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, the Gold Red Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Orange Sea's travel distance is slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This means that if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Orange Sea might suit your needs better, as its shorter distance allows for quicker key presses—which is particularly appealing to gamers. Conversely, the Gold Red Pro offers a deeper travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying to type on, providing a more pronounced tactile feedback. Therefore, those seeking a more traditional and hearty depth in their key presses might opt for the Gold Red Pro, while those who favor speed and quick response times might prefer the Orange Sea.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a distinctly thocky and low-pitched profile. This rich auditory feedback provides a deep “thud” or soft “knock” that many users find satisfying during both typing and gaming. Its neutral sound signature further allows it to be versatile, ensuring that it can blend well in various environments, whether at home or in an office. This balance makes it approachable for users of all preferences. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Haimu Orange Sea switches, while noted to have a neutral sound signature, lack specific descriptors indicating any unique auditory qualities. Consequently, the sound experience may remain generally subdued and adaptable, similar to the Gold Red Pro.

In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Red Pro excels with descriptors that showcase its smoothness and refined typing experience. The polished and silky nature of the switch leads to reduced friction, creating an exceptionally smooth key travel that minimizes resistance. The mild and subtle characteristics further enhance accessibility, providing a comfortable and gentle typing experience that is pleasing for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Orange Sea switches do not have detailed descriptions available, leaving an unknown impression about their tactile feel.

In summary, while the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch stands out with its thocky sound and polished feel, the Haimu Orange Sea offers an ambiguous sound and feel experience. If you're seeking a more defined auditory and tactile response, the Gold Red Pro is a solid choice. However, should you gravitate more towards a general-purpose switch without specific nuances, the Orange Sea might also serve you well in a similar capacity. Both switches cater to various settings and preferences, emphasizing adaptability and user-friendliness.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you seek a versatile switch that excels in various environments—be it gaming, office work, or casual typing—the Gold Red Pro is a superb choice. Its lightweight actuation, polished and silky feel, and neutral sound profile make it incredibly adaptable, allowing for a seamless typing experience that won't disrupt your surroundings. Conversely, if you prefer a slightly more tactile experience with a measurable bottom-out force that provides just a bit more feedback during each keystroke, the Haimu Orange Sea may be more in line with your desires. While it has a smooth typing feel, it’s ideal for users who appreciate a touch of resistance without sacrificing fluidity. Ultimately, consider your typing habits, the sound environment you’ll be in, and how much feedback you desire from your switches. Each switch has its merits; it all comes down to what enhances your personal typing journey the most.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Red Pro Linear

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more