Haimu Orange Sea vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Haimu Orange Sea and the KTT Pine offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Haimu Orange Sea is celebrated for its impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, creating an inviting experience that can enhance productivity and comfort. With its accented and invigorating nature, it appeals to those who appreciate a satisfying key response without excessive noise. In contrast, the KTT Pine Linear Switch exudes a forest green aesthetic and is engineered for a medium-heavy feel that is buttery smooth, ideal for users seeking an effortless typing experience. Its polished, factory-lubed finish significantly reduces friction, making it a great choice for long typing sessions. While both switches are linear and prioritize smooth keystrokes, the Orange Sea leans towards a more neutral sound profile, whereas the KTT Pine offers a uniquely creamy and low-pitched typing experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Haimu Orange Sea and the KTT Pine share a commonality in their top housing materials, both utilizing polycarbonate to achieve a distinct auditory signature. The polycarbonate top housing in both switches produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, largely due to the material's stiffness, which enhances resonance and clarity. This similarity in construction leads to an aesthetically pleasing transparency that complements RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination to shine through each switch. Thus, when it comes to the top housing, users can expect a similar experience in sound and visual aesthetics, making both switches well-suited for those who prioritize visual personalization and sound clarity.
In stark contrast, the bottom housings of the Orange Sea and the Pine significantly differ, with the Orange Sea utilizing nylon and the Pine incorporating polycarbonate. The nylon bottom housing of the Orange Sea provides a deeper, fuller sound profile because it is a softer plastic that absorbs sound more effectively. This absorption contributes to a rounder, less sharp sound, offering a feeling that resonates with traditional keyboard experiences. Conversely, the KTT Pine’s polycarbonate bottom housing continues the trend of sharpness and clarity found in its top housing. As a result, while the Orange Sea’s nylon bottom promotes a more subdued auditory experience, the Pine's polycarbonate bottom enhances the overall crispness, creating a dichotomy in user experience based on the choice of materials.
Ultimately, the interplay of materials in each switch design affects the overall auditory experience. With the Orange Sea's nylon bottom housing softening the overall sound and enhancing the bottom-out feel, users will appreciate a warmer typing experience. In comparison, the KTT Pine maintains a consistent clarity throughout its structure with both top and bottom manufactured from polycarbonate, reinforcing a uniform sound signature that favors higher pitches. Therefore, the combined effects of these materials are what set the two switches apart: the Haimu Orange Sea offers a more classic, rounded sound, while the KTT Pine focuses on a sharper, more resonant auditory profile. Users will find that these variations cater to differing preferences in both sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different user preferences. The Orange Sea features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who favor a lighter typing experience that enables longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Pine switch requires a medium actuation force of 45 grams and has a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, which can provide a more substantial and tactile feel, ideal for users who appreciate a stronger push. Consequently, while the Orange Sea is the lighter switch, the Pine is decidedly the heavier option. These differences in forces suggest that users seeking comfort during extended use may gravitate toward the Orange Sea, while those desiring a more robust typing experience may prefer the KTT Pine.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, the Orange Sea measures 3.6 mm while the Pine has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you are seeking a quicker response time, the Orange Sea may be the preferred option, offering a shorter travel distance that can enhance gaming performance. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more pronounced typing experience with a deeper keypress, the KTT Pine’s 4 mm travel distance could be more satisfying. Ultimately, the differences in travel distance can cater to different user preferences; while the Haimu Orange Sea is the shorter option, providing a snappier feel, the KTT Pine offers a more traditional and substantial depth in keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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
The sound profile of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch is characterized by a neutral tone, contributing to a balanced auditory experience that doesn't dominate the typing environment. In contrast, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound, which delivers a deeper and richer auditory feedback during key presses. This difference means that if you prefer a more pronounced audio experience while typing, the Pine switches would be more appealing, while the Orange Sea may be better suited for those who prefer a more subdued sound that blends seamlessly into the overall atmosphere. It's important to note that the sound can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps you use with either switch.
When it comes to feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switches provide an invigorating typing sensation marked by a moderate level of tactile feedback that enhances the user experience without overwhelming it. The accentuated feedback is snappy and reactive, making each keystroke an engaging activity. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switches emphasize a buttery and creamy feel, resulting in a smooth and fluid keystroke. The factory-lubed finish minimizes friction, offering a seamless typing experience that glides effortlessly under your fingers. If you prioritize a satisfying tactile interaction, the Orange Sea might be favored, whereas those seeking a smooth, almost luxurious typing feel may lean towards the KTT Pine.
In conclusion, both the Haimu Orange Sea and KTT Pine linear switches offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. While the Orange Sea focuses on a neutral sound and invigorating tactile feedback, the KTT Pine excels with its deeper, bassy acoustics and a buttery smooth typing experience. Depending on your priorities—be it a balanced auditory experience or a seamless typing sensation—you will find that each switch offers distinct advantages while delivering enjoyable performance overall.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Haimu Orange Sea and KTT Pine linear switches should depend on your specific preferences and typing habits. If you prioritize a lighter actuation force and desire an invigorating typing experience that feels smooth and snappy, then the Haimu Orange Sea is the way to go. With its 45-gram bottom out force, it allows for quick key presses and a more responsive feel, making it a great option for fast typists or gamers who value speed and agility. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a more substantial feel, the KTT Pine, with its 58-gram bottom out force, provides a buttery smooth and creamy experience that can feel more satisfying for those who enjoy a heavier touch. Additionally, the Pine's bassy sound signature adds a richer auditory feedback, which can greatly enhance your typing enjoyment. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct sensations; the Orange Sea excels in lightness and a pronounced typing feel, while the Pine stands out with its weightiness and smoothness. Choose according to what resonates with your typing style and sound preference for the best experience.
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