KTT Matcha vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Matcha and the Haimu Orange Sea offer two distinct yet appealing options catering to different typing preferences. The KTT Matcha, renowned for its tactile feedback, delivers a comfortable and snappy typing experience, making it a favorite among those who appreciate pronounced tactile sensations and a distinctly clean sound upon bottoming out. With its characteristics of being stepped, snappy, and clacky, it enhances typing enjoyment while still providing excellent feedback for typing accuracy. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches shine with their impeccably smooth type feel and neutral sound signature, making them an ideal choice for users who prefer a seamless, linear experience without the interruption of tactile bumps. This makes them particularly suitable for gamers and typists who want a quieter, uninterrupted keystroke. While both switches have their unique charms—one for its tactile responsiveness and the other for its smoothness—choosing between them ultimately depends on individual preferences. 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
40g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Matcha and the Haimu Orange Sea switches share a commonality in their top housing material, both utilizing polycarbonate, which contributes to their sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing is known for offering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound experience due to its stiffer composition. As a result, users can expect a clear and resonant auditory feedback when the keys are pressed or released. This characteristic reinforces the importance of aesthetics, particularly for those who enjoy RGB lighting, since polycarbonate’s translucency allows the illumination to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the two switches diverges significantly. The Matcha switch uses the same polycarbonate material for its bottom housing as well, which benefits from the material's properties to produce a consistent and clear sound signature overall. However, the Orange Sea utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which significantly alters the sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs sound rather than amplifying it; this results in a deeper, fuller sound that contrasts with the crisper higher-pitched tones from polycarbonate. Consequently, while the top housing of both switches excels at providing a transparent and sharp audio experience, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in shaping the overall acoustic character, leading to completely different auditory sensations when typing.
When the overall performance of the KTT Matcha and the Haimu Orange Sea switches is evaluated, it's essential to consider how the combination of housing materials influences typing experiences. While the Matcha's consistent use of polycarbonate across both top and bottom housings yields a coherent sound profile, the contrast in materials for the Orange Sea creates a unique auditory dynamic. The polycarbonate contributes to the top-out sound with clarity, while the nylon dampens the sound when bottoming out, allowing for a rounded feel. This differentiation means that users will encounter distinct feedback and auditory experiences, with the Matcha providing a consistently sharp and clear sound profile, whereas the Orange Sea offers a blend of crispness and warmth through its hybrid material use.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, both offer a light touch experience, though the Matcha is slightly heavier in terms of actuation force. The Matcha has an actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Orange Sea's 37 grams, making the Orange Sea the lighter switch. Interestingly, both switches share the same bottom out force of 45 grams, which maintains a consistent resistance when pressed fully down. For users who favor a lighter actuation, the Orange Sea may be more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions due to its lower actuation force, while the Matcha will provide a slightly firmer feel without compromising the overall lightweight nature of the switches. Therefore, if you prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavy push, the Matcha might be the better option, but for those who enjoy a more delicate touch, the Orange Sea would be ideal.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Matcha features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Orange Sea has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Matcha the longer option, providing a more traditional feel, which some users appreciate for its depth and resistance. In contrast, the Orange Sea's shorter travel distance may cater to those who prefer quicker responses, making it more suitable for gaming or fast-paced typing due to its more abrupt actuation. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches should be guided by your preference for either a more resonant depression or a snappier engagement.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 KTT Matcha switches are characterized by a clacky nature, producing a sharp and snappy audio feedback that's crisp and bright. This creates an engaging auditory experience, especially appreciated by typists who enjoy a lively sound when they type. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches offer a neutral sound signature, which tends to be more subdued and smooth. This implies that the Orange Sea may be ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience, making it suitable for shared workspaces or environments where sound levels matter. Ultimately, the Matcha's clacky feedback will appeal to those who enjoy pronounced auditory feedback, while the Orange Sea caters to users who seek minimal distraction in their audible environment.
In terms of feel, the KTT Matcha switches exhibit a dynamic typing experience characterized by their stepped and snappy nature. The tactility is distinctly noticeable, effectively engaging the user with a responsive actuation that combines a comfortable pre-travel and post-travel feel. This creates an invigorating typing sensation, ensuring that each keystroke feels purposeful and satisfying. On the other hand, the feel of the Haimu Orange Sea switches is remarkably smooth, giving a silky typing experience that may not have distinct tactile features comparable to the Matcha. As a linear switch, the Orange Sea facilitates uninterrupted keystrokes, making it beneficial for those who prioritize a seamless and fluid typing rhythm over pronounced tactility.
In conclusion, the KTT Matcha and Haimu Orange Sea switches cater to different preferences when it comes to sound and feel. The Matcha, with its clacky sound and engaging tactile feedback, is ideal for users who enjoy a lively and responsive typing experience, while the Orange Sea offers a quieter, smoother alternative for those seeking a more tranquil typing environment. Users should consider what qualities they prioritize—whether it's the engaging auditory feedback and tactility of the Matcha or the silky, linear sensation of the Orange Sea—to determine which switch aligns best with their typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a responsive, tactile experience with a pleasant, clacky sound, the Matcha switch would be ideal for you. Its comfortable, snappy feel, along with the distinctly clean bottom-out sound, makes it great for typists who appreciate feedback while they type. This switch's mild yet noticeable tactility can enhance your overall typing experience without overwhelming your fingers, making it suitable for both work and casual use. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and neutral typing feel that allows for seamless keystrokes without tactile interruptions, the Orange Sea switch is the better choice. Its impeccably smooth action is especially beneficial for those who engage in fast-paced gaming or prefer a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, the Matcha switch is perfect for those who seek tactile feedback and enjoy a bit of audible character, while the Orange Sea caters to users who prioritize a fluid and silent typing experience. By carefully considering your typing style and environment, you can select the switch that aligns best with your needs and enhances your overall keyboard experience.
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