KTT Mallo vs. Haimu Orange Sea

Overview

When delving into the world of mechanical keyboards, one of the most vital decisions you'll face is selecting the right switch to suit your typing style. The KTT Mallo, known for its subtlety and finesse, offers a gentle tactile feedback that provides just enough responsiveness without overwhelming the user. This makes it an ideal choice for typists who appreciate a balanced feel and a versatile option that fits a variety of environments. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches deliver an impeccably smooth typing experience with an invigorating feel, perfect for those who prefer a linear switch that can enhance speed and fluidity in their keystrokes. Both switches boast a neutral sound signature, ensuring they remain unobtrusive whether you’re working in a quiet office or gaming late at night. Ultimately, the choice between the tactile KTT Mallo and the linear Haimu Orange Sea comes down to personal preference: whether you favor subtle feedback or an effortlessly smooth typing sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Mallo Tactile

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$5.50

$4.40 per 10

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Mallo and the Haimu Orange Sea switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which significantly influences their sound profiles. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper acoustic output. This similarity means that both switches offer a clear and resonant sound signature, which can enhance the overall typing experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting. Given the similar construction of the top housing, users can expect comparable results in terms of brightness and clarity of sound when using both switches under illuminated conditions.

While the top housing materials of the Mallo and Orange Sea are identical, the bottom housings utilize nylon, noted for its distinct acoustic characteristics. The nylon used in both switches provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to the stiffer materials. This difference in material contributes to how the bottom-out sound and feel are experienced during typing. Consequently, while the contact of the fingers with the keycaps produces a crisp sound on the way down—thanks to the polycarbonate top—the bottom housing's nylon will dampen the sound and impart a rounded, satisfying finish to each keystroke.

In essence, although the KTT Mallo and the Haimu Orange Sea feature the same materials in both their top and bottom housings, the interaction of these materials results in a unique auditory experience when typing. The sharper clarity of polycarbonate at the top balances with the fuller sound of nylon at the bottom, allowing for an engaging and multi-dimensional soundscape. This complementary relationship illustrates how similar housing materials can lead to a diverse array of typing sensations, catering to different preferences while maintaining a coherent sound profile across both switch types.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying user preferences. The Mallo switch has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 55 grams, which classifies it as medium-light in terms of overall pressure required during use. In contrast, the Orange Sea switch showcases a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that users who prefer a more effortless typing experience will find the Orange Sea to be more suitable, as it requires less force to register a keystroke and feels lighter overall. Meanwhile, the Mallo switch, with its unknown actuation force but higher bottom out force, likely provides a heftier push feel, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the Haimu Orange Sea is the lighter option, while the KTT Mallo, despite its unknown actuation force, is heavier due to its greater bottom out force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, the Mallo features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Orange Sea has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Mallo's 4 mm distance aligns with more traditional switch designs, providing a deeper and sturdier feel that some users prefer for tactile feedback. In contrast, the Orange Sea’s shorter 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those who seek quicker actuation and response times, making it a potentially better choice for gamers. Ultimately, if you value a responsive typing experience, the Orange Sea would be more suitable, whereas the Mallo would be preferable for users who appreciate a more substantial keypress. Thus, the Mallo is the longer-travel option, while the Orange Sea offers the shorter travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Mallo switches are characterized by a subdued quality, producing a dampened sound upon actuation that allows for a discreet typing experience. This makes them suitable for offices or shared environments, as they do not dominate the auditory landscape. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are described with a neutral sound signature, suggesting that they do not lean towards any extremes in sound output. It can be inferred that users of the Orange Sea will also experience a relatively quiet typing noise, aligning with the Mallo’s discreet nature, although exact comparisons in sound levels may depend on the specific keyboard and keycap choices used.

In terms of feel, the KTT Mallo switches bring to the table a feathery, mild, and subtle typing experience. These switches require little exertion, enabling comfortable extended typing sessions while providing gentle tactile feedback. The stepped nature of the Mallo allows for a defined yet comfortable keystroke without being overly tactile. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea switches stand out with their invigorating feel, offering a medium tactile sensation that strikes a balance between not being overwhelming and providing satisfying feedback. While both types of switches are inviting and approachable, the Orange Sea might be perceived as slightly more engaging due to its snappy and reactive qualities.

Considering all these factors, both the KTT Mallo and Haimu Orange Sea switches cater to different preferences while sharing certain similarities. The Mallo’s subdued sound and gentle feel create a calm typing experience, while the Orange Sea promises smoothness paired with a moderate tactile response. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize subtlety or a more invigorating typing sensation, but both switches are designed to offer comfortable and enjoyable typing experiences suited for various environments.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you lean towards typing and gaming experiences that favor a more nuanced feedback without being obtrusive, the Mallo is an excellent choice. Its medium-light typing feel and subtle tactile feedback strike a perfect balance for extended use, ensuring comfort during long sessions while producing a subdued sound that won’t disturb those around you. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter, smooth typing experience with a touch more responsiveness, the Orange Sea is your go-to. Its light actuation force and invigorating feel offer a delightful typing experience, perfect for quick keystrokes in gaming or writing. Therefore, consider your typical use case—whether you desire the finesse of the Mallo or the lively punch of the Orange Sea—as both options present compelling advantages tailored to different preferences.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Mallo Tactile

$5.50

$4.40 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more