Haimu Orange Sea vs. KTT Rose
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the KTT Rose switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Haimu Orange Sea and KTT Rose both offer distinctive experiences, despite sharing the common characteristic of being linear switches. The Haimu Orange Sea is celebrated for its impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a quiet and efficient typing experience without any tactile feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Rose, while equally linear, stands out with its use of progressive springs, providing a uniquely substantial typing feel that strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness. Users often appreciate the bassy raindrops sound produced by the Rose switches, adding a delightful auditory element to the typing experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, with the Orange Sea emphasizing smoothness and silence, while the Rose offers a more textured and enriched feedback. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The Haimu Orange Sea and KTT Rose utilize identical housing materials, both featuring polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances sound clarity and resonance. Additionally, both switches have a translucent quality thanks to the polycarbonate, making them ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. This aesthetic appeal is particularly notable for users who enjoy customizing their keyboards with vibrant backlighting, as both models leverage the same top housing material to achieve striking visual effects.
On the bottom, both the Haimu Orange Sea and KTT Rose switches utilize nylon, a material known for its contribution to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. This distinct contrast in sound characteristics is critical to the performance of each switch. When typing, the nylon bottom housing enhances the overall feel and sound upon bottoming out, providing a satisfying depth. Thus, while both switches share a common design philosophy, the interaction between their top and bottom housing materials results in a nuanced auditory experience.
In summary, both the Orange Sea and Rose switches showcase a symmetrical design in terms of housing materials, utilizing polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom. The combination of these materials results in a harmonious blend of sound profiles, where the advantages of each housing contribute uniquely to the overall typing experience. Users can expect similar auditory qualities across both switches, with the polycarbonate enhancing clarity and brightness, while the nylon delivers warmth and fullness. This consistency in material choice allows both switches to cater effectively to a wide range of user preferences, providing a satisfying and customizable typing experience.
Weight
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the KTT Rose linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Orange Sea has a notably light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a suitable choice for users seeking a comfortable typing experience with less strain during long sessions. In contrast, the KTT Rose switch has an unknown actuation force but features a significantly higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicative of a medium-heavy feel. This contrast suggests that while the Orange Sea is the lighter option overall, the KTT Rose switch may appeal to those who prefer a sturdier tactile experience due to its heavier bottoming out. If the actuation force for the Rose switch were known and found to be similar, users could achieve comparable results in terms of typing responsiveness. However, based on the current data, the Haimu Orange Sea is clearly the lighter choice, promoting a more effortless typing experience, while the KTT Rose caters to those who favor a firmer key press.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Orange Sea features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Rose has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Orange Sea offers a shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking quicker response times and more rapid keystrokes. On the other hand, the KTT Rose's longer travel distance may provide a more deliberate and fulfilling typing experience for those who prefer a deeper feel in their key presses. Ultimately, if you value responsiveness and fast actions, the Haimu Orange Sea would be the better choice, whereas the KTT Rose would cater to those who favor a more robust tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79, whereas the KTT Rose comes in at $3.01.
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 switch features a neutral sound signature that aligns well with its overall subdued characteristics. This makes it suitable for a variety of environments, whether you're using it at home or in an office setting. On the other hand, the KTT Rose switch is known for producing a low-pitched, bass-heavy sound, described as akin to "bassy raindrops." This lower tonal quality can give a distinct auditory experience that some users may find more enjoyable or satisfying. While both switches offer different auditory experiences, the Orange Sea leans towards a more balanced sound, whereas the Rose presents a more unique auditory profile.
In terms of feel, the Haimu Orange Sea is recognized for an impeccably smooth typing experience, making every keystroke effortless and enjoyable. In contrast, the KTT Rose employs progressive springs that contribute to a typing experience that's mildly substantial yet not overly taxing, catering to those who prefer a gentler touch without losing responsiveness. The Rose switch also boasts a polished finish, enhancing the smoothness of each keystroke further. This refined quality positions the Rose as a switch that balances comfort and performance beautifully, promoting a pleasant typing experience for a wider audience.
In conclusion, both the Haimu Orange Sea and KTT Rose linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Orange Sea presents a neutral sound and an impressively smooth typing experience, while the Rose provides a unique bassy tone paired with a substantial yet gentle feel. While both switches deliver satisfying and enjoyable experiences, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize a more balanced sound or an enriching auditory experience combined with plush responsiveness. Ultimately, you'll find that each switch has its own charm, making them great options for newcomers exploring the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Haimu Orange Sea and the KTT Rose linear switches, you should consider your personal preferences in terms of typing experience and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter touch and a silky-smooth feel that feels almost effortless during long typing sessions, the Orange Sea would be an excellent choice for you. Its neutral sound signature also makes it suitable for both home and office environments, allowing for an unobtrusive typing experience. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly more substantial typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom-out force, the KTT Rose switches may be more your style. The low-pitched, bassy sound adds an enjoyable auditory dimension, while the progressive spring design provides a unique typing sensation that balances gentleness with stability. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize a lighter, smoother feel or a more tactile and substantial experience in your mechanical keyboard setup.
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