Haimu Orange Sea vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Haimu Orange Sea and the KTT Phalaenopsis present two distinct yet captivating options, each catering to different preferences and typing experiences. The Haimu Orange Sea is recognized for its impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a seamless, uninterrupted flow when typing, often favored by gamers and typists alike. In contrast, the KTT Phalaenopsis features an intriguing design with a light actuation force of 37g that promotes effortless typing, while its 50g tactile force provides a satisfying bump that offers clear feedback with every keystroke, ideal for those who appreciate the tactile sensations of a switch. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches boils down to personal preference, whether you're drawn to the fluidity of the Orange Sea or the tactile joy offered by the Phalaenopsis. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Haimu Orange Sea and KTT Phalaenopsis switches demonstrate both similarities and contrasts, particularly in terms of their top and bottom housing compositions. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which leads to a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This consistency in material choice means both switches are designed to enhance clarity and resonance in sound output. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially advantageous when it comes to utilizing RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant illumination to shine through the clear housings, making both switches visually appealing when illuminated.
In contrast, the bottom housings of these switches diverge in material choice, significantly affecting their acoustic characteristics. The Orange Sea employs nylon for its bottom housing, a material known for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer composition. Consequently, switches with nylon bottoms produce a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to those with stiffer plastics. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which retains the sharpness and crispness of sound associated with polycarbonate. This difference means that while the top sounds of both switches will be similar due to the shared polycarbonate material, the bottom-out sound and feel will vary — with the Orange Sea producing a rounder sound while the Phalaenopsis maintains its clarity.
The combination of these materials results in distinct user experiences when typing on each switch. When a user presses a key, the characteristics of the bottom housing will influence the perceived sound and feel, while the release of the key will be shaped by the top housing qualities. Thus, although both switches share the same polycarbonate material in the top, the differing bottom materials create a unique dichotomy in auditory output. Users seeking deeper, fuller sounds may prefer the nylon bottom of the Orange Sea, while those who appreciate sharper, crisper performance might favor the KTT Phalaenopsis’s polycarbonate bottom. Ultimately, the experience will vary significantly based on the housing materials utilized in both segments of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, both share the same actuation force of 37 grams, indicating that users will experience similar ease of depressing the keys. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the Orange Sea at 45 grams and the Phalaenopsis at 50 grams. This slight increase in the bottom out force of the Phalaenopsis means that while both switches feel equally light during actuation, the Phalaenopsis provides a slightly firmer resistance when fully pressed down. As a result, the Orange Sea, being lighter in total response (actuation and bottom out), may be more appealing for those looking for less strain during long typing sessions or gaming marathons, while the Phalaenopsis may cater to users who prefer a slightly stronger feedback at the bottom of their keystrokes. Overall, if a user is seeking a light and responsive switch, the Haimu Orange Sea stands out as the lighter option, whereas the KTT Phalaenopsis offers a heavier experience, particularly when bottoming out.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Orange Sea switch features a shorter travel distance, providing a more responsive feel that some gamers may find beneficial for quick key presses. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis switch, with its longer 4 mm travel, is likely to deliver a more substantial typing experience, which can be preferred by users who enjoy a deeper and more tactile feedback with each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference; those who favor quicker response times might lean towards the shorter Orange Sea, whereas those who appreciate a more pronounced depth might opt for the longer travel distance of the Phalaenopsis.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
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 Haimu Orange Sea switches possess a neutral sound signature, meaning they produce a balanced auditory experience that is neither overly sharp nor deep. This makes them versatile and suitable for various environments, as they don’t draw excessive attention during typing. In contrast, the KTT Phalaenopsis switches are characterized by their deeper sound profile, described as "bassy" and "thocky." When pressed, they produce a rich sound that mimics a deep thud or soft knock, providing auditory feedback that many users find satisfying. This sound quality can enhance the overall typing experience, particularly for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory confirmation with each keystroke.
In terms of feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switches excel with their impeccably smooth action, providing a seamless typing experience. This smoothness can contribute to a feeling of fluidity and enjoyment during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switches offer a tactile experience characterized by a discernible bump, with a light actuation force of 37g and a tactile force of 50g. This combination results in a stepped feel, allowing users to experience a mild tactile feedback at different stages of the keypress. The contrast between these two feels—smooth vs. stepped—means that while both can provide enjoyable typing experiences, they cater to different preferences in tactile feedback.
In summary, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches provide a smooth and neutral typing experience with a balanced sound, making them ideal for users who prefer subtlety. Conversely, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switches bring a pronounced tactile response and a deeper sound profile, appealing to those who enjoy an engaging auditory feedback and a textured feel. Depending on your preference for sound and tactile feedback, both switches can offer rewarding typing experiences, allowing newcomers to choose based on what qualities resonate most with them.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke and prefer a quieter sound profile, the Haimu Orange Sea might be your go-to option. Its lighter actuation and bottom-out force of 45 grams make it ideal for those who value speed and a sleek typing experience, great for gaming or fast-paced work environments. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback and a richer auditory experience, the KTT Phalaenopsis is more suited to your needs. With its satisfying tactile bump and the "thocky" sound it produces, this switch offers a delightful typing experience that minimizes fatigue during lengthy sessions. The slightly heavier 50-gram bottom-out force, combined with a softly stepped feel, strikes a balance between comfort and tactile satisfaction. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to whether you prioritize smoothness and speed with the Orange Sea or tactile feedback and sound richness with the Phalaenopsis—each serving different aesthetic and practical purposes in your keyboard experience.
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