TTC Gold Silver vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Silver and Haimu Orange Sea stand out as notable linear options, each offering distinct characteristics tailored to different user preferences. The TTC Gold Silver is celebrated for its rapid responsiveness, featuring a shortened travel distance that culminates in a decisive and solid bottom-out, which provides an unmistakable sense of closure with every keystroke. Its smooth actuation is complemented by a low-pitched, resonant sound signature, creating an engaging auditory experience that enhances the overall typing rhythm. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches excel in delivering an impeccably smooth typing experience coupled with a neutral sound profile that makes them versatile for diverse environments. Their invigorating accentuated feel invites a unique tactile engagement, catering to users who prioritize a balanced and enjoyable typing experience. While both switches bring their own unique flavor to the table, it’s essential to delve deeper into their specific features and performance nuances to determine which might be the best fit for your individual typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
The TTC Gold Silver and the Haimu Orange Sea both feature polycarbonate as their top housing material, leading to similar auditory experiences when it comes to sound profile. The polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a higher-pitched and crisper sound, making it an ideal choice for switches designed to enhance acoustic clarity. This characteristic is further amplified by the material's translucency, allowing for optimal RGB lighting effects when the switches are lit, resulting in a visually striking display while gaming or typing. With both models employing polycarbonate for the top housing, users can expect a matching quality and brightness in sound responsiveness, further emphasizing the clarity of their keystrokes.
On the contrary, the bottom housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and Haimu Orange Sea diverge, as both use nylon for this component. Nylon, known for its softer characteristics, produces a deeper, rounder sound profile, contributing a rich auditory experience that contrasts the sharper tones emanating from the polycarbonate top. This combination of a crisp top with a full bottom allows for a more nuanced sound profile when typing. The overall impact of the sound when bottoming out the keys will be sufficiently varied due to the differing properties of the top and bottom materials, creating a more layered auditory experience with both products.
Ultimately, the melding of these contrasting materials within the TTC Gold Silver and Haimu Orange Sea enriches the sensory experience. While both switches share similar high-pitched sound qualities from their polycarbonate tops, the different nature of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that each switch elicits a unique yet complementary performance. For those looking for a balance between brightness and depth in sound, the shared polycarbonate combined with nylon's absorbing qualities in the lower housing promises to deliver a satisfying and engaging typing experience across both models. As such, while they have distinct elements, both switches can yield similar results due to their effective pairing of materials.
Weight
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch differ notably in their actuation forces, with the former requiring 45 grams to register a keystroke, while the latter has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams. This means that users of the Orange Sea switch may find it easier to type continuously, which can be beneficial for lengthy sessions at work or during gaming. In terms of bottom out force, the Gold Silver's value is unknown, while the Orange Sea has a bottom out force of 45 grams, implying that it provides a firmer feel when fully pressed down. Consequently, the Orange Sea can be considered the lighter option of the two, offering a gentler touch, whereas the TTC Gold Silver is heavier, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, if the Gold Silver's bottom out force were known and found to be similar to the Orange Sea’s, users could expect a comparable typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, the Gold Silver features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Orange Sea has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Gold Silver the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times and a more immediate feedback. Conversely, the Orange Sea, with its 3.6 mm travel distance, provides a touch more depth, which some users might prefer for a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences: if you value quick responsiveness, the Gold Silver will fit the bill, but if you appreciate a deeper keystroke, the Orange Sea may be the better choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver 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 Silver switch produces a low-pitched resonance that delivers a bass-heavy and mellow tone, which can add a pleasant auditory experience during typing sessions. It also presents a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for a variety of environments; whether you’re at home or in an office, the sound will not be overwhelming. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switch boasts a neutral sound signature as well, but its specific characteristics are less defined. However, it's important to note that the overall sound of both switches can be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, suggesting a certain level of customization in achieving the desired acoustic outcome.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Silver stands out with a polished and silky smoothness, providing a refined and luxurious typing experience with minimal friction. The mild and subtle resistance of this switch offers an approachable typing sensation, making it comfortable for long sessions. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea switch is described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback and a more tactile kick. While it lacks the same level of smoothness as the Gold Silver, the invigorating nature adds a different kind of responsive pleasure to the typing experience. This distinction will cater to users who prioritize a more tactile engagement with each keypress.
In conclusion, while both the TTC Gold Silver and Haimu Orange Sea linear switches present unique qualities, they also share some similarities, particularly in sound profiles. If you're looking for smoothness and a refined feel, the Gold Silver is the clear choice, whereas the Orange Sea provides a more tactile and reactive typing experience. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you prefer a polished, smooth action or a more invigorating feedback during your typing sessions. Each option offers its own set of qualities that can enhance your typing experience based on personal preference and intended use.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and specific use cases. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness and a polished feel, the TTC Gold Silver is an excellent choice. Its seamless travel and low-pitched sound provide an environment conducive to both typing and gaming, making it particularly appealing for fast-paced activities. The sensation of each keystroke bottoming out decisively enhances the pleasure of every press and forms a satisfying experience that suits both home and office environments. On the other hand, if you lean toward a typing experience that emphasizes smoothness with a bit of tactile feedback, the Haimu Orange Sea switches will serve you well. With a light actuation force and an invigorating feel, they offer a comfortable, engaging typing experience that could be more beneficial for extended writing or work sessions. Ultimately, consider what you value more in your keyboard experience—speed and efficiency with the Gold Silver or a balanced, smooth feel with the Orange Sea—and make your selection accordingly.
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