KTT Laurel vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Laurel and the Haimu Orange Sea both offer unique features that cater to different user preferences, even as they both belong to the linear switch category. The KTT Laurel is celebrated for its medium-light actuation force, achieving a balance between responsiveness and comfort with its full POM housing and long pole design. This results in a snappy feel alongside a low-pitched sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a tactile experience without the distraction of loud keystrokes. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are admired for their impeccably smooth typing experience and neutral sound signature, attracting users who prioritize a seamless, almost effortless typing experience without any extraneous noise. Both switches have compelling offerings that can enhance your typing experience, depending on your personal needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When examining the KTT Laurel and Haimu Orange Sea, the differences in housing materials reveal distinct qualities in sound profiles and aesthetics crucial to user experience. The KTT Laurel features a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and more muted sound profile. This characteristic of POM lends itself to a warm auditory experience, appealing to those who prefer a softer sound when typing. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is primarily due to the material's rigidity, offering clarity and resonance, which is particularly beneficial for users who seek a pronounced auditory response. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate housing enhances visual appeal when paired with RGB lighting, making the Orange Sea aesthetically distinct.
The bottom housing materials further accentuate the contrast between these two switches. The KTT Laurel's POM bottom housing shares similar sound qualities with the top housing, maintaining that deeper and muted profile, thus contributing to an overall cohesive sound experience. In comparison, the Haimu Orange Sea features a nylon bottom housing that provides a fuller sound, typically associated with a softer and more cushioning typing feedback. Nylon’s ability to absorb sound to a greater extent than harder plastics like polycarbonate leads to a rounder sound profile, which may be favored by those who appreciate a softer bottom-out experience. Here, the materials play a critical role in how each switch feels to the user, with the Laurel leaning towards a unified muted tone, whereas the Orange Sea showcases a dynamic interaction between its clear top and softer bottom, amplifying both its auditory and tactile identity.
Ultimately, while the KTT Laurel and Haimu Orange Sea differ significantly in the materials used for their housings, both switches utilize their respective materials to achieve desired sound outcomes and tactile sensations. The distinct properties of POM and polycarbonate in the top housings lead to varied sound signatures, while the interplay of POM and nylon in the bottom housings offers a range of auditory experiences. For users, these differences translate into a personalized typing experience, where sound profiles and housing materials can impact preference greatly. Despite their differences, both switches can achieve clarity and depth, albeit through varied attributes of their chosen materials, making each a unique contender in the switch market.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom-out forces of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, we see that both switches are considered light, but they vary in specific values. The KTT Laurel has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom-out force of 50 grams, while the Haimu Orange Sea features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom-out force of 45 grams. This means that the Orange Sea switch requires less force to actuate, making it a preferable choice for users who value a softer touch, especially during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Laurel’s slightly heavier actuation and bottom-out forces provide a more substantial typing feel, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push-back while typing. Thus, while both options are relatively light, the Haimu Orange Sea is the lighter switch, making it ideal for users who prioritize comfort over extended periods.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Laurel and Haimu Orange Sea linear switches, we find that the Laurel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Orange Sea is slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This means that the Laurel is the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that could appeal to gamers looking for faster keypress reactions. In contrast, the Orange Sea's longer travel distance may offer a deeper, more substantial typing experience which could be preferred by users who favor a less abrupt feel while typing. Overall, those who prioritize responsiveness might lean towards the Laurel, while those who enjoy a more traditional depth may opt for the Orange Sea.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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
The sound profile of the KTT Laurel linear switch is characterized by a subtly low-pitched tone, which typically results in a bass-heavy and mellow auditory experience. This makes the Laurel suitable for those who prefer a quieter typing environment without the high-pitched clatter that some switches can produce. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches offer a neutral sound signature, which presents a well-balanced audio experience, neither leaning too far toward high or low pitches. It's important to note that the overall sound can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, so while you may find similarities between these switches, individual setups could yield varying sonic results.
In terms of feel, the KTT Laurel is described as snappy, indicating a responsive and lively typing experience. This is primarily due to its medium-light weight and the longer or dual-staged springs that contribute to its quick activation. The snappy nature of the Laurel enhances the overall responsiveness of each keystroke. While the specific feel of the Haimu Orange Sea switches is not detailed, they are known for their impeccably smooth typing experience. This smoothness can lead to a different tactile sensation compared to the more dynamic snappiness of the Laurel, suggesting that while both switches cater to the linear preference, they may provide distinct experiences during typing.
In conclusion, while the KTT Laurel and Haimu Orange Sea switches share the linear designation, they each bring unique qualities to the table. The Laurel is favored for its low-pitched sound and snappy feel, ideal for users who appreciate a responsive and muted typing experience. The Orange Sea presents a neutral sound profile and is noted for its smoothness, providing a potentially more consistent feel. Depending on personal preference, users may find satisfaction in either switch, with the KTT Laurel excelling in responsiveness and sound, while the Haimu Orange Sea offers a balanced auditory and tactile experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Laurel and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches, several factors will guide your choice based on personal preference and typing experience. If you prefer a more responsive and snappy feel with a low-pitched sound profile, then the KTT Laurel might be your best option. Its medium-light actuation force of 50 grams will feel comfortable for extended typing sessions, offering a balance of feedback and softness that can be appealing for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you prioritize an impeccably smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the Haimu Orange Sea switches should be your choice. With a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams, they excel in providing a seamless typing journey that feels effortless. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you enjoy a bit of tactile feedback and sound in your keystrokes or if you prefer a subdued and smooth operation without extra auditory flair. By considering your typing style and sound preferences, you'll be able to select the switch that enhances your keyboard experience to your liking.
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