Haimu Orange Sea vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Orange Sea and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Haimu Orange Sea switches are celebrated for their impeccably smooth feel and neutral sound signature, delivering a typing experience that is both accented and invigorating, making them an excellent choice for users who enjoy a dynamic and responsive tactile sensation without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) stand out with their exceptionally quiet operation, characterized by a pillowy feel and a variety of descriptors like thocky and muted; this makes them appealing for users who thrive in quieter environments or prefer a more subdued auditory experience while typing. While both switches deliver a super smooth typing sensation, their sound profiles and tactile feedback cater to different needs and preferences. 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
39g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Haimu Orange Sea and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2), we find that both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, which is known for bringing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile to the overall experience. The polycarbonate's rigidity ensures that the sound resonates clearly, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts who value auditory feedback. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, particularly in setups featuring RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant light diffusion through the keycap. In both cases, this material choice supports a similar auditory characteristic, leading to engaging and responsive interactions during use.
However, the comparison reveals a stark contrast in the bottom housing materials. The Orange Sea employs nylon, a softer plastic known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its sound-absorbing qualities. This characteristic gives the key switches a duller and rounder acoustic feel, generating a warm typing experience that many users appreciate. In contrast, the Silent Frozen (V2) utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, aligning with the sharper sound profile enabled by the top housing. This choice results in an overall brighter auditory output, as both the top and bottom housings contribute equally to the sound created when the key is actuated.
The differing material choices in the bottom housings of these switches ultimately shape the sound experience during use. With the Orange Sea’s nylon bottom, users can expect a more pronounced and cushioned feel when bottoming out, while the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) produces a consistent sharpness, maintaining a cohesive sound profile across the switch. Users seeking a warmer and more resonant typing experience may lean towards the Orange Sea, while those preferring a brighter and crisper sound may gravitate towards the Silent Frozen (V2). Regardless of these differences, both switches balance their respective salient acoustic properties, ensuring that tactile and auditory feedback remains an essential aspect of the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, both are characterized as light options, but they exhibit some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Orange Sea requires a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Silent Frozen (V2) has a marginally higher actuation force of 39 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Orange Sea again is heavier at 45 grams compared to 43 grams for the Silent Frozen (V2). This means that while both switches are overall light, the Haimu Orange Sea provides a bit of a more pronounced feel when pressed down completely. For users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Orange Sea may be the better fit due to its lower actuation force. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) for its moderately heavier actuation and bottom out feel. Ultimately, the preference between these two switches comes down to whether one prioritizes slight lightness or a heavier tactile sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, the Orange Sea has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Frozen (V2) measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This makes the Orange Sea the longer switch by just 0.1 mm. For users who favor more responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Frozen (V2) may be more appealing, providing a quicker actuation for fast-paced gaming. Conversely, the Orange Sea's longer travel distance may be more suitable for those who appreciate a more substantial key press, offering a deeper feel that can enhance typing comfort and satisfaction. Overall, both switches cater to different preferences based on their travel distances, with the Orange Sea providing a slightly deeper experience compared to the Silent Frozen (V2).
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Frozen (V2) has an MSRP of $8.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Frozen (V2) for $5.33.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Haimu Orange Sea and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switches, it becomes evident that the nuances of their acoustic feedback are quite distinct. The Orange Sea is known for its neutral sound signature, which provides a balanced auditory experience without being excessively loud or harsh. In contrast, the Silent Frozen (V2) features a notably quiet sound profile characterized by various descriptors like "thocky," "low-pitched," and "muted." This means that while the Orange Sea maintains a more standard sound, the Silent Frozen (V2) produces plush, bass-heavy notes that offer a deeper and softer experience, making it ideal for environments where noise needs to be minimized.
In terms of feel, the differences between these switches are also noteworthy. The Haimu Orange Sea is recognized for its impeccably smooth, invigorating typing experience, offering a moderate actuation force with a notable tactile feel that is engaging without being overwhelming. This makes it suitable for those who enjoy a slightly tactile response. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen (V2) is acclaimed for its buttery and feathery feel, allowing for an effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. The gentle actuation and subtle feedback make it ideal for long sessions of typing or gaming where comfort and reduced fatigue are a priority.
In conclusion, while both the Haimu Orange Sea and TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switches present smooth mechanisms that cater to typing enjoyment, they do so with their unique sound and feel characteristics. The Orange Sea provides a neutral acoustic experience with a more invigorating tactile sensation, while the Silent Frozen (V2) offers a significantly quieter and softer feedback, aimed squarely at those seeking comfort in silence. Depending on your priorities—whether it be a lively typing experience or a serene one—you can choose either switch and still expect a satisfying performance, but the choice ultimately hinges on your preferences for sound and tactile engagement.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and specific use cases. If you value a smooth typing experience with a light touch and enjoy a sound profile that is neutral but invigorating, the Orange Sea switch is an excellent choice, particularly in settings like gaming or competitive typing where a more pronounced feedback can enhance your experience. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that minimizes noise while still providing a buttery and soft feel, especially in shared spaces or during late-night sessions, the Silent Frozen (V2) is an ideal option. Its thocky and muted sound, coupled with a feathery touch, makes it perfect for extended typing without disturbing those around you. Ultimately, consider how important sound and tactile feedback are to you, and choose the switch that best aligns with your typing habits and environment.
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