TTC Gold Red vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red and Haimu Orange Sea both present compelling options for typists and gamers alike, each with unique qualities that appeal to different preferences. The Gold Red switches are celebrated for their buttery smooth typing experience paired with a light-medium level of resistance, making them ideal for those who enjoy a tactile yet gentle response. Their snappy sound profile adds a subtle personality to any setup without being overpowering, characterized by descriptors such as "thocky," "low-pitched," and "silky." In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches provide an impeccably smooth typing feel along with a neutral sound signature, which caters to users seeking a quieter experience without sacrificing performance. While both switches are linear, offering seamless key presses without tactile bumps, their auditory and tactile characteristics set them apart. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you perfectly.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
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 Red and Haimu Orange Sea share striking similarities in their top housing material, as both utilize polycarbonate. This commonality results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, due in part to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances resonance and clarity. The translucency of the polycarbonate housing also makes both switches ideal for users who want to showcase RGB lighting, as light can easily pass through, creating an aesthetically pleasing effect. This compatibility in sound characteristics and visual appeal means that users can expect similar acoustic experiences when using either switch, particularly concerning sounds generated during a key release.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials diverge, as both the Gold Red and Orange Sea opt for nylon. This classic material choice elicits a deeper, fuller sound profile, contrasting with the high-pitched clarity delivered by the polycarbonate tops. The inherent softness of nylon absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a sound that is duller and rounder compared to that produced by harder plastics. Therefore, while the top housings of both switches ensure crispness in tonal quality, the nylon bottoms create a more muted sound when bottoming out, affecting the overall sound experience of each switch.
In essence, the combination of polycarbonate tops with nylon bottoms in both switches means users can enjoy an intriguing blend of sound characteristics: clarity from the top and depth from the bottom. This split in the sound profile allows for a balance that many typists may find appealing, as the high-pitched release will counterbalance the deeper bottom-out sound. Consequently, while the total auditory experience may vary slightly based on the unique tactile and auditory traits imparted by the different bottom housing materials, the overall sound quality remains coherent between the TTC Gold Red and Haimu Orange Sea, resulting in a well-rounded and engaging typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, we observe notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Red features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Orange Sea has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Haimu Orange Sea is overall the lighter option, making it more suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming, as the lower resistance can reduce finger fatigue. Conversely, the TTC Gold Red provides a slightly heavier feel, which some users might prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches have lower forces which cater to users who enjoy lighter key presses, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience. Overall, while both switches are classified as light, the Haimu Orange Sea offers a softer touch compared to the TTC Gold Red.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches, the Gold Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Orange Sea features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Gold Red provides a more pronounced key press, which may appeal to users who prefer a deeper and more tactile experience when typing or gaming. In contrast, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Orange Sea may be more suited for gamers seeking faster response times and an overall quicker actuation for performance. Ultimately, if you favor a more substantial key feel, the Gold Red's longer travel distance would be the better choice. However, for those who prefer a snappier and more responsive action, the Haimu Orange Sea would deliver similar results with its shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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 comparing the sound profile of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, the Gold Red offers a distinctive auditory experience. It produces a thocky sound that delivers a satisfying, deep thud upon actuation. This low-pitched character adds a plush resonance to the typing experience, making it enjoyable without being overwhelmingly loud. In contrast, while the Orange Sea is noted to have a neutral sound signature, there's no specific descriptor given for its audio qualities, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison here. However, the more subdued sound of the Orange Sea may allow for quieter operation, ideal for shared environments.
In terms of feel, the difference between the two switches becomes more pronounced. The TTC Gold Red is characterized by a mild, silky touch that ensures a smooth and gentle typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a less intense tactile feedback. With features like subtle resistance and a polished finish, it enhances the overall comfort during extended typing sessions. The Haimu Orange Sea, on the other hand, is known for its impeccably smooth typing feel, suggesting high-quality performance similar to the Gold Red. Without added descriptors, it's challenging to specify any distinct advantages or differences in tactile response, but it’s likely to provide a comfortable and smooth typing experience.
In summary, both the TTC Gold Red and Haimu Orange Sea linear switches aim to deliver a pleasant typing experience characterized by smoothness, yet they present different auditory characteristics. The Gold Red offers a rich, thocky sound that could enhance the typing experience for users who appreciate deeper acoustic feedback, while the Orange Sea’s neutral sound may appeal to those prioritizing quieter performance. Feel-wise, both switches promise a smooth typing action, with the Gold Red slightly more oriented towards a gentle, refined touch. Ultimately, your choice might depend on your preferences for sound and subtle feel nuances, but both switches can provide satisfying performance in a mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the decision between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you value a buttery smooth typing experience coupled with a snappy, thocky sound profile, the Gold Red switch is an excellent choice. It offers a light-medium resistance of 50 grams, making it accessible for both typing and gaming while still providing a satisfying auditory feedback that adds personality to your keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer an impeccably smooth typing feel without the extra sound flair, the Orange Sea switch, with its slightly lower actuation force of 45 grams, could be the ideal pick. It merges an extremely smooth typing experience with a neutral sound profile, making it perfect for use in quiet environments like offices or shared spaces where noise might be an issue. Ultimately, your choice hinges on whether you desire a bit of acoustic character and a mid-weight resistance or a whisper-quiet, smooth typing experience suited for focused tasks.
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