KTT MoonRosa vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the KTT MoonRosa and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly enhance your typing experience, and two intriguing options to consider are the KTT MoonRosa and the Haimu Orange Sea, both of which fall under the linear category. The MoonRosa is widely praised for its all-POM construction, delivering a buttery smooth feel with a low-pitched sound signature that many users find appealing for both gaming and extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are celebrated for their impeccably smooth typing experience, also boasting a neutral sound profile that makes them suitable for a serene working environment. While both switches offer smooth operation and a satisfying sound experience, their unique construction and feel may cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT MoonRosa and Haimu Orange Sea switches showcase two distinct approaches to housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles and user experience. The MoonRosa features a polyketone material known as Polyoxymethylene (POM) for its top and bottom housings. This choice leads to a sound profile that is deeper and more muted, creating an incredibly pleasing auditory experience that many users find appealing. Conversely, the Orange Sea opts for polycarbonate in its top housing, which, being a stiffer plastic, produces a sharper and more resonant sound. This contrast highlights how the material composition directly affects the clarity and pitch of the sounds produced by the switches, catering to different preferences among typists and gamers alike.
In the bottom housing, the MoonRosa continues with POM while the Orange Sea utilizes nylon. While both materials are reputable in the keyboard switch industry, they create distinct sound characteristics. POM's properties contribute to a sound that is notably muted and rounded, whereas nylon delivers a fuller auditory response that tends to absorb sound more effectively. This difference becomes particularly evident in the tactile feedback experienced while typing. While both switches aim for pleasing auditory results, the MoonRosa's combination of both top and bottom POM housings yields a consistent, albeit softer sound. In contrast, the Orange Sea's hybrid housing—with a sharp polycarbonate top and a softer nylon bottom—introduces a dynamic sound interaction between the two materials, producing a more nuanced audio profile.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials shape the experiences offered by the KTT MoonRosa and Haimu Orange Sea switches. Users choosing the MoonRosa can expect a uniform sound signature that emphasizes a deeper, more muted acoustics across both the upstroke and downstroke of typing. In contrast, those who opt for the Orange Sea can enjoy a varied sound landscape, with the sharper notes established by the polycarbonate top housing balancing with the fuller tones generated by the nylon bottom housing. Both switches may appeal to different preferences, but they ultimately provide distinctive auditory experiences due to their contrasting materials, showcasing how the interplay between housing materials is crucial in the design of mechanical switches.
Weight
The KTT MoonRosa and Haimu Orange Sea linear switches have identical specifications when it comes to their actuation and bottom out forces, both requiring 37 grams to trigger a keystroke and exerting a bottom out force of 45 grams. This similarity means that users can expect comparable typing experiences in terms of actuation and resistance, providing a light feel that is well-suited for extended periods of typing or gaming. Since both switches exhibit the same lightweight characteristics, they cater well to those who prefer a softer touch for prolonged use or frequent keystrokes. Overall, the KTT MoonRosa and Haimu Orange Sea linear switches offer no discernible differences in force specifications, making either a suitable choice for enthusiasts who enjoy a lighter switch profile.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT MoonRosa linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, the MoonRosa features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Orange Sea has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.1 mm may seem minimal, but it can impact the overall typing or gaming experience. The shorter travel distance of the MoonRosa might be more appealing to gamers seeking quicker response times and a snappier feel, whereas the longer travel distance of the Orange Sea could be favored by those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may depend on personal preference for either a more responsive feel or a richer, deeper typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT MoonRosa comes in at $4.88, 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
In terms of sound, the KTT MoonRosa linear switch delivers a low-pitched tone, which gives it a bass-heavy and mellow character that's well-suited for a more understated auditory experience. This neutral sound signature allows for a pleasant typing ambiance without being intrusive. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switch also features a neutral sound signature, although the specific sound characteristics are not detailed. This suggests that while you may expect a similar low-profile auditory experience from both switches, the specific tonal qualities of the Orange Sea remain unspecified, potentially making it a quieter option depending on the keyboard build.
When it comes to feel, the MoonRosa switch excels with its mild characteristics that provide a gentle typing experience. It requires minimal force to actuate, offering an easy-to-press quality that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. This makes the MoonRosa a great choice for users who want a responsive yet comfortable touch. The Haimu Orange Sea, however, lacks detailed descriptions regarding its feel, leaving its tactile characteristics unknown. Therefore, while the MoonRosa provides a clear advantage with its defined typing properties, the experience with the Orange Sea still needs clearer articulation to draw any comparisons.
In summary, the KTT MoonRosa switch stands out with its low-pitched sound signature and mild, easy-to-press feel, making it ideal for those seeking a balance of auditory and tactile qualities. The Haimu Orange Sea offers a neutral sound profile as well, but its tactile characteristics remain vague, leaving potential users with some uncertainty. Ultimately, while the MoonRosa shines in clear subjective qualities, the Orange Sea's experience may be similar in terms of sound but is less defined regarding feel, suggesting that personal testing might be necessary to determine how they compare in practice.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT MoonRosa and Haimu Orange Sea linear switches can significantly affect your typing experience based on your preferences and needs. If you value a buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound signature, the MoonRosa would be an excellent option, especially if you enjoy a mild and easy-to-press feel that minimizes finger fatigue during prolonged use. This makes it ideal for typing and general use, where comfort is paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that also provides a remarkably smooth typing sensation but adds a bit of uniqueness to your setup without compromising on a similar low actuation force, the Orange Sea is worth considering. It offers a neutral sound signature and a smooth feel that many users appreciate for gaming and typing alike. Ultimately, both switches have their merits, so consider your priorities—be it typing comfort, sound profile, or overall feel—before making your choice.