Haimu Orange Sea vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Haimu Orange Sea and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) offers distinct advantages tailored to different user preferences. The Haimu Orange Sea, known for its impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, is a linear switch that provides a seamless and quiet keystroke experience, making it ideal for gamers and typists seeking unimpeded speed and fluidity. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) presents a medium tactile feel, striking a balance between satisfying resistance and comfort during typing, while its design minimizes noise, catering especially to users in office or shared living environments who appreciate a tactile experience without the loud clatter typical of some other switches. Each switch serves its niche effectively: those who favor the unbroken flow of a linear switch might gravitate toward the Orange Sea, while those who enjoy feedback without disruptive sound may lean toward the Silent Bluish White (V2). However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
42g
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
3.50 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Haimu Orange Sea and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile for both switches. This similarity is primarily attributed to the inherent properties of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that enhances sound clarity and resonance. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal of both switches, especially when utilizing RGB lighting. This shared top housing material indicates that users can expect a comparable auditory experience when searching for brightness in sound and aesthetics across both switch types.
Conversely, while both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, this material contributes significantly different auditory characteristics. Nylon, known for its softer composition, fosters a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing sound and producing a more muted tonal quality. Since both switches share this bottom housing material, the fusion of their top and bottom materials culminates in a distinct auditory experience that balances out the bright, resonant top with a deeper, more rounded sound from the bottom. Consequently, the tactile feedback and audio experience from bottom-out sounds will be pleasantly rich in both switches.
In conclusion, the Haimu Orange Sea and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) share notable similarities in their top housings while maintaining comparable bottom housing features. This combination allows users to achieve a diverse range of sound profiles and tactile feedback through their design. Although the top housing provides a sharper sound signature, the nylon bottom housing ensures that the deeper tones harmonize well, ultimately balancing the overall sound and feel of each switch. Therefore, regardless of the specific model chosen, users can expect a well-rounded auditory experience informed by the collaboration of housing materials employed in both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch to the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces become evident. The Orange Sea boasts an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option overall. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White (V2) requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while both switches are categorized as light, the Orange Sea is the lighter of the two, appealing to those who prefer a gentler touch for long typing sessions or extended gaming. Conversely, those who appreciate a stronger keystroke feel may find the Silent Bluish White (V2) more satisfying due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces, delivering a more substantial typing experience. If both switches had the same forces, users could expect similar typing results, but in this case, the differing weights cater to distinct preferences in user experience.
Travel distance
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This distinction means that the Orange Sea switch provides a deeper interaction when pressed, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White (V2), with its shorter travel distance, may appeal more to gamers or users who prefer quicker response times, as it can facilitate faster actuation. Therefore, if you value responsiveness and speed, the Silent Bluish White (V2) would be the better choice due to its more immediate feedback. However, if you appreciate a richer typing experience with more depth, the Haimu Orange Sea’s longer travel distance may be more satisfying. Overall, while both switches are closely matched in travel distance, the Orange Sea leads by a fraction, making it the longer option in this comparison.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 linear switch is regarded for its neutral sound signature, which means it doesn't lean towards being particularly loud or soft. This allows for an unobtrusive typing experience, making it suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches are specifically designed to be muted, producing a softer and quieter output than typical mechanical switches. This makes them especially appropriate for office settings or shared spaces, where minimizing noise is important. Overall, if you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Silent Bluish White (V2) may be the better option, while the Orange Sea offers a more neutral auditory experience without any significant emphasis on sound.
In terms of feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are known for their impeccably smooth typing experience, making them ideal for those who enjoy fluid keystrokes without interruptions. This linear characteristic allows for an effortless key press from top to bottom, creating a consistent feel throughout. Conversely, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) provides a medium tactile feedback that features a subtle interruption during the keystroke, delivering a satisfying level of resistance that enhances the typing experience. This combination of mild tactility with a polished finish contributes to a more controlled typing sensation, making it approachable for various users. While the Orange Sea caters to those who prefer smoothness, the Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a balance of tactility and a gentle touch, making them both unique in their own right.
In summary, the Haimu Orange Sea and TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Orange Sea features a neutral sound with an impressively smooth keystroke, ideal for those who value a linear experience. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a muted sound combined with a mild tactile feel, suited for users looking for a quieter option that still provides a satisfying typing sensation. Depending on your priority, you may find either switch aligns well with your typing style and environment, allowing for an enjoyable experience tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, consider the typing environment and your personal preference for feedback and sound. If you prefer a smooth and fluid typing experience without tactile feedback, the Orange Sea's lighter 45-gram actuation force makes it an excellent choice for fast-paced gaming or extensive typing sessions where you want to minimize finger fatigue. Its neutral sound profile is also conducive to quieter environments. Conversely, if you value tactile feedback and a more pronounced typing sensation, the Silent Bluish White (V2) is the way to go. With a 50-gram bottom-out force and a mild tactile feel, this switch provides a satisfying resistance that enhances typing precision while ensuring a muted sound, making it ideal for office settings or shared spaces. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a smooth keystroke or the tactile feedback that adds a layer of engagement to your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
