Haimu Orange Sea vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Haimu Orange Sea and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offer two intriguing options for enthusiasts seeking linear switch experiences. The Haimu Orange Sea is celebrated for its impeccably smooth typing feel coupled with a neutral sound signature, appealing to users who value comfort and subtlety in their keystrokes. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon showcases a delightful representation of linear switches, featuring a progressive spring and KTT's innovative dry-lube design, which provides a buttery smooth typing experience while being characterized by its low-pitched, neutral, and mild acoustic profile. Both switches cater to users looking for smooth performance without the distractions of clicky feedback, but they differ in their tactile nuances and overall sound characteristics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

KTT Sea Salt Lemon Linear

$2.79 per 10

$2.80 per 10

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Housing materials

The Haimu Orange Sea and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a distinctive sound profile across both switches. The use of polycarbonate is credited with producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffness. This attribute allows for a clear and resonant auditory experience, optimizing the performance of RGB lighting by enhancing visual effects through its translucency. Consequently, both switches will deliver similar results in terms of sound clarity and illumination, making them well-suited for enthusiasts who prioritize aesthetic appeal alongside audio performance.

In terms of their bottom housing materials, the Orange Sea and the Sea Salt Lemon feature nylon, a classic choice for switch constructions. The nylon used in both switches is softer compared to polycarbonate, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This material excels in sound absorption, creating a more muted and rounded auditory experience when typing. Although the top housing imparts a crisp sound upon release, the bottom housing ultimately influences the overall typing feel and bottom-out sound. Thus, while both models share the same housing materials, it is their unique configurations that affect the variance in sensory feedback experienced by users.

Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in the Haimu Orange Sea and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch designs ensures that both switches yield comparable auditory experiences, albeit with distinct nuances in sound production and tactile feedback. Since both models utilize the same materials, the overall outcome emphasizes a harmonious blend of clarity and depth. Users can expect the advantages inherent to each material—sharpness from polycarbonate and fullness from nylon—creating an enjoyable typing experience that mirrors one another while still allowing for personal preference in the switch's sensory characteristics.

Weight

When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, we notice key differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Orange Sea has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter touch, facilitating longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon requires a slightly stronger actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This means that while both switches provide relatively smooth typing experiences, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a more substantial push feel, appealing to users who appreciate a firmer response. Ultimately, users looking for a lighter feel may find the Orange Sea more suitable, whereas those who favor slightly heavier forces may prefer the Sea Salt Lemon.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it is clear that the Orange Sea offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference can significantly impact the typing experience. The shorter distance of the Orange Sea may appeal more to gamers seeking quicker response times for a more agile experience. Conversely, the longer travel distance of the Sea Salt Lemon may provide a more satisfying depth for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback during key presses. Therefore, if you prefer a faster response, the Orange Sea is the better choice, whereas if you value depth and a more deliberate keypress, the Sea Salt Lemon may be preferable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are noted for having a neutral sound signature, which allows them to blend seamlessly into various typing environments. This neutral profile is versatile, making them suitable for both office and home use. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches produce a low-pitched sound that is bass-heavy and mellow, further complemented by a neutral aspect, making them equally versatile. This combination allows them to cater to a broad audience, from beginners to seasoned typists, as they strike a balance that fits well in diverse situations.

In regard to feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are characterized by an impeccably smooth typing experience, creating a pleasant sensation as you type. Their smooth nature likely contributes to the overall typing enjoyment and minimizes finger fatigue over extended use. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switches also offer a buttery smooth experience, enhanced by their progressive spring and dry-lube design. They are described as mild, presenting a gentle typing experience that is approachable for most users. This makes both switches appealing for those who prioritize comfort during their typing sessions.

Overall, both the Haimu Orange Sea and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches present engaging typing experiences characterized by smoothness and versatility. While the Orange Sea leans towards a neutral sound and impressive smooth feel, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a more distinct low-pitched tone yet maintains a neutral profile, along with its own silky texture. Ultimately, either choice will likely yield similar pleasurable results, particularly in terms of typing comfort, which is crucial for any newcomer to the mechanical keyboard realm.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch and appreciate a smooth typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Orange Sea is an ideal choice for you. Its 45-gram bottom-out force allows for effortless keystrokes, making it perfect for fast typists or those who enjoy a gentle typing experience. On the other hand, if you value a slightly heavier switch with a richer auditory feedback, the Sea Salt Lemon may be more to your liking. With a 53-gram bottom-out force, it strikes a balance between comfort and control, while its buttery smooth action and low-pitched sound profile provide a pleasantly mellow typing environment. Both switches offer a smooth feel, but the Sea Salt Lemon’s mild characteristics cater to those who may be looking for something that stays firmly planted in the middle ground of typing experiences. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your preferred typing dynamics, be it light and swift or solid and reassuring.

Mentioned in this article

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

KTT Sea Salt Lemon Linear

$2.80 per 10

Learn more