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KTT Kang White vs. Haimu Orange Sea

An in-depth look at the KTT Kang White and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to the unique characteristics of each option, such as the KTT Kang White and the Haimu Orange Sea, both of which are linear switches that promise distinct typing experiences. The KTT Kang White stands out for its exceptional smoothness, thanks in part to its self-lubricating material, which ensures an unparalleled typing experience, along with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile that is pleasing to the ears—ideal for those who seek a clean and unobtrusive acoustic environment while typing. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea offers an impeccably smooth typing experience as well, featuring a neutral sound signature that caters to users preferring minimal auditory distraction. While both switches excel in providing a smooth feel, they each have inherent traits that could influence a user's choice depending on the desired sound and tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

45g

Actuation force

37g

Bottom-out force

58g

Bottom-out force

45g

Pre-travel

1.90 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

4.00 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Factory lubed

No

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 KTT Kang White and the Haimu Orange Sea both feature polycarbonate as the primary material for their top housings, which leads to notable similarities in their sound profiles. Both switches produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks in part to the stiffness of polycarbonate. This material allows for a clear and resonant sound that excels in clarity, making it a preferred choice for users who enjoy the aesthetic appeal of RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances light diffusion. Consequently, the auditory experience for both switches will be similar when typing, as the properties of polycarbonate enhance their performance in terms of sound output.

In contrast, the bottom housings of both the Kang White and the Orange Sea utilize nylon, which fundamentally alters the overall sound experience provided by these switches. Nylon is known for its softer texture, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference emphasizes the role of the bottom housing in the typing experience, as it significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel. Both switches share this characteristic, which means users can expect a similar auditory experience during key presses, providing a comfortable and rich typing sensation.

Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms in both switches results in a harmonious blend of sound profiles. The clear, resonant tones produced by the polycarbonate top housing complement the deeper, more muted sounds from the nylon bottom, creating a balanced auditory experience. Users will notice how the material characteristics interplay when they engage with either switch, as the summertime characteristics of the top and bottom housing work together to provide a unique yet comparable typing experience. Hence, KTT Kang White and Haimu Orange Sea switches, while distinct in their branding, deliver very similar results due to their shared housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Kang White switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, indicating a medium resistance that provides a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switch offers a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless key press, especially during extended typing or gaming sessions. As a result, if you're seeking a lighter switch, the Orange Sea is the preferable option, while the Kang White caters to those who enjoy a firmer keystroke feel. Overall, these differences reflect individual preferences, where lighter forces allow for prolonged use while heavier forces contribute to a more tactile feedback during typing.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, the Kang White offers a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Orange Sea has a shorter distance of 3.6 mm. The Kang White, with its traditional 4 mm travel, provides a more substantial feel, which some users may prefer for its hearty depth. In contrast, the Orange Sea's 3.6 mm distance aligns with the trend toward shorter travel distances that many gamers favor for quicker response times. Consequently, if you're looking for a more responsive keystroke, the Haimu Orange Sea is the better choice, while the KTT Kang White caters to those who appreciate greater depth in their key presses. Therefore, one can conclude that the Kang White is the longer switch, while the Orange Sea is the shorter option.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

For 10 switches, the KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99, whereas the Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79.

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 KTT Kang White switch distinctly produces a low-pitched and neutral tone, making it a delightful choice for those who enjoy a more bass-heavy and mellow auditory experience. This sound quality is exceptional for creating a more pleasing typing atmosphere in both quiet and busy environments. On the other hand, while the specific sound characteristics of the Haimu Orange Sea are not detailed, its reputation for an impeccably smooth typing experience suggests that it also delivers a sound profile that is unobtrusive and perhaps similarly neutral, ensuring that it is suitable for various settings.

In terms of feel, the KTT Kang White switch stands out primarily due to its self-lubricating components, which promise an unparalleled smoothness when typing. This results in a pleasant tactile response that enhances the overall enjoyment of the switch during extended typing sessions. The Haimu Orange Sea, known for its impeccably smooth feel, likely offers a similarly satisfying tactile experience. While specific tactile details for the Kang White are absent, both switches are expected to provide a smooth and responsive typing sensation, appealing to those who prioritize comfort in their keyboard setup.

In conclusion, both the KTT Kang White and Haimu Orange Sea linear switches present appealing characteristics for anyone looking for a satisfying typing experience. While the Kang White is characterized by a rich acoustic profile and exceptional smoothness, the Orange Sea is noted for its impeccable smoothness and neutral sound. Given the shared emphasis on smooth typing sensations, users can anticipate a comparable experience between the two switches overall, albeit with some divergence in sound characteristics that could suit different personal preferences and environments.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch comes down to your typing preferences and the experience you desire. If you prefer a medium actuation force of 58 grams and enjoy a low-pitched sound profile that exudes a subtle bassiness, the Kang White is an excellent choice. Its self-lubricating material also ensures a smooth typing experience, making it ideal for those long hours of use when feedback and sound really matter. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch with the 45-gram actuation of the Orange Sea, you'll appreciate its impeccably smooth feel and neutral sound signature, which makes it versatile for a range of environments, whether at home, the office, or in gaming scenarios. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your comfort with key pressure, your desired auditory environment, and the overall typing experience you seek.

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