Haimu Orange Sea vs. TTC Silent Brown

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Haimu Orange Sea and the TTC Silent Brown stand out as excellent options, each catering to different preferences and typing styles. The Haimu Orange Sea, a linear switch, is celebrated for its impeccably smooth feel and neutral sound profile, making it ideal for those who prioritize swift, uninterrupted key presses without auditory distraction. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown offers a tactile experience characterized by a light to medium resistance and a satisfying rounded bump, providing a comforting typing sensation while maintaining a muted sound signature that many users appreciate in quieter environments. While the Orange Sea excels in smoothness for gaming or fast-paced typists, the Silent Brown appeals to those who enjoy feedback during typing without the noise. 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

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$2.79 per 10

$6.60

$5.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The Haimu Orange Sea and the TTC Silent Brown both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which significantly contributes to their sound profiles. This shared material allows both switches to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, making these switches particularly appealing for users who appreciate pronounced sound characteristics. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for setups incorporating RGB lighting, as it allows the colors to shine through vividly, enhancing the visual experience during use.

In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is constructed from nylon, which distinctly alters the sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs sound more efficiently, resulting in a deeper and fuller acoustic experience. This difference in material creates a balance between the top and bottom housings, allowing the polycarbonate's clear, resonant qualities to integrate harmoniously with nylon's warmer tones. When users type on these switches, they can expect a unique combination of sounds: the high-pitched clarity from the polycarbonate top, paired with the duller and rounder notes imparted by the nylon bottom.

Overall, the similarities and differences in the materials used for the Haimu Orange Sea and TTC Silent Brown result in a well-rounded sound profile that appeals to different preferences. Both switches deliver a crisp, clear response from the polycarbonate tops, while users can enjoy a deeper sound from the nylon bottoms, leading to a rich typing experience. Even with the contrasting materials, the complementary nature of the polycarbonate and nylon allows both switches to produce impressive sound quality and tactile feedback.

Weight

The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offer distinct tactile experiences due to their differing 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 more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch, ideal for extensive typing sessions or prolonged gaming. In contrast, the Silent Brown features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel that some users might find more satisfying. Thus, the Orange Sea is the lighter option while the Silent Brown is heavier. Overall, while both switches have unique characteristics, the key difference lies in the weight of the forces required, appealing to different preferences in typing style and experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, we find that the Orange Sea has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Brown measures slightly longer at 3.8 mm. This difference highlights the Orange Sea as the shorter option, appealing to those who favor quicker, more responsive keystrokes, particularly beneficial for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Silent Brown, with its greater travel distance, may cater to users who prefer a deeper, more substantial feel when pressing keys, offering a more deliberate and tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference for responsiveness versus a deeper key press sensation, with the Haimu Orange Sea promoting agility and the TTC Silent Brown emphasizing breadth in typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Haimu Orange Sea and TTC Silent Brown switches, the Orange Sea is noted for having a neutral sound signature, which typically means it balances well with both softer and louder keystrokes, without drawing particular attention to itself. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switches excel in providing a muted sound profile, significantly reducing the noise typically heard on mechanical keyboards. This feature makes them an excellent choice for shared workspaces or environments where quiet operation is preferred. Both switches cater to different users: the Orange Sea for those who appreciate a balanced auditory experience, and the Silent Brown for those who prioritize sound dampening.

In terms of feel, the Haimu Orange Sea is acclaimed for an impeccably smooth typing experience, making each keypress effortless and free from any friction or interruption. In contrast, the Silent Brown switches are characterized by their buttery smoothness with a tactile bump that offers a satisfying physical response during typing. The mild resistance of the Silent Brown caters to those who may favor a gentler approach, while the polished feel contributes to a refined typing experience, ensuring that each keystroke is smooth and well-crafted. The two switches appeal to different preferences: the Orange Sea is for the smooth typist who wants an uninterrupted flow, while the Silent Brown provides a pleasant tactile feedback that enhances the engagement of typing.

In summary, the Haimu Orange Sea and TTC Silent Brown switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences suited to different typing styles. The Orange Sea's neutral sound and smooth feel create a seamless typing experience ideal for those looking for fluidity without distinction, while the Silent Brown’s muted sound and tactile bump cater to users who enjoy a softer yet responsive keyboard experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two will hinge on your preference for sound and tactile feedback, with both types delivering high-quality experiences within their respective domains.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific typing needs and preferences. If you’re after a light, smooth keystroke with an unobtrusive sound profile, the Haimu Orange Sea is likely your best bet. It's perfect for fast-paced gaming or extended typing sessions where speed and fluidity are paramount, allowing for effortless key presses without feeling fatigue over time. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile and slightly heavier experience, the TTC Silent Brown will deliver a satisfying bump that provides feedback without being overly loud. This switch is ideal for office environments or shared spaces where minimizing noise is crucial while still allowing you to enjoy a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, if you appreciate durability and a polished feel in your keystrokes, the Silent Brown might resonate more with your preferences. In essence, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize smoothness and speed or tactile feedback and muted sound in your typing environment.

Mentioned in this article

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$6.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn more