Haimu Orange Sea vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference, especially between options like the Haimu Orange Sea and the TTC Silent Red, both renowned linear switches. The Haimu Orange Sea is celebrated for its impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, making it a delightful choice for those who prioritize a fluid experience without distraction. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red switches cater to users seeking a seamless typing experience while minimizing noise — ideal for office settings or shared living spaces. Their muted sound profile and padded bottom-out feel contribute to an overall sense of comfort during long typing sessions. While both switches promise smooth keypresses, they each cater to different environments and user 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

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

TTC Silent Red Linear

$2.79 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

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Housing materials

The Haimu Orange Sea and the TTC Silent Red switches share a strikingly similar construction in their housing materials, specifically with both featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing is significant, as it lends a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, enhancing the clarity and resonance of each keystroke. This is largely due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, which allows for a more pronounced auditory experience, particularly beneficial in setups with RGB lighting. As such, users seeking an aesthetically pleasing and sonically clear keyboard will find that both switches provide comparable outcomes thanks to their shared polycarbonate tops.

On the other hand, the bottom housing of both the Orange Sea and the Silent Red utilizes nylon, a material known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. The properties of nylon, being a softer plastic, mean that it absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller auditory feedback. This creates a stark contrast with the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate tops, establishing a balanced sound profile when the switches are engaged. Hence, while both switches leverage the same housing materials, the nylon bottoms cultivate a snug, muted undercurrent that complements the crispness of the polycarbonate tops, leading to an overall harmonious sound experience.

The combination of these materials in both switch designs results in a unique interaction wherein the top and bottom housings contribute to the overall sound and feel when the keys are used. The soft nylon bottom significantly influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback, while the clearer polycarbonate top enhances the auditory characteristics during release. Since both the Haimu Orange Sea and TTC Silent Red incorporate identical materials in their housing structures, users can expect similar performance dynamics, allowing them to choose between the two based on personal preferences regarding aesthetics or brand loyalty without any compromise on acoustic quality.

Weight

When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Orange Sea has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions due to its ease of press. In contrast, the Silent Red switches require a medium-heavy actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. While users of the Orange Sea will benefit from its lighter touch, those choosing the Silent Red could appreciate the added resistance that may enhance their tactile feedback. Thus, if a user favors a lighter switch for prolonged use, the Orange Sea would be the better option, whereas the Silent Red suits those who enjoy a firmer keystroke.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there is a slight difference in their specifications. The Orange Sea has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Red measures at 3.7 mm. This means that the Haimu Orange Sea switch is the shorter option, providing a more responsive experience suited for gamers who value quicker actuation. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red offers a longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial keypress. While both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the distinction may influence user preference, with the Orange Sea catering to those seeking speed and the Silent Red appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Haimu Orange Sea switch presents a neutral sound signature, which suggests a balanced auditory experience that won't overpower your typing environment. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red is characterized by its muted profile, delivering a softer, quieter operation compared to more traditional switches. These Silent Reds effectively minimize the mechanical noise typically associated with typing, making them ideal for shared spaces or office settings where discretion is valued. While the Orange Sea provides a subtle sound, the Silent Red clearly prioritizes quietness, offering a more focused typing experience without unnecessary distractions.

In terms of feel, the Haimu Orange Sea is known for its impeccably smooth typing experience, designed for users who enjoy a seamless keystroke without any disruptions. Meanwhile, the TTC Silent Red offers a buttery, polished feel that ensures smooth and fluid key presses from start to finish. Its mild characteristics provide an approachable typing experience, making it easy to adapt to for users coming from various switch types. The padded bottom-out experience of the Silent Red enhances comfort levels, ensuring that the typing experience remains gentle and consistent throughout use. Both switches emphasize smoothness in their feel, albeit with slightly different approaches to comfort and engagement during typing.

In conclusion, both the Haimu Orange Sea and TTC Silent Red switches cater to users who seek a smooth typing experience; however, their sound profiles and subtle tactile experiences differ significantly. The Orange Sea leans towards a neutral sound, creating an all-around balanced typing sound, while the Silent Red excels in minimizing noise for a more subdued experience. When evaluating which switch to choose, it primarily comes down to your preference for sound—neutrally balanced or muted—and desired feel—impeccably smooth or exceptionally buttery. Both switches promise an enjoyable typing sensation, making them suitable choices for a variety of settings.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing environment. If you favor a lighter touch and appreciate a smooth, consistent feel without any noise distractions, the Haimu Orange Sea is an excellent choice. Its lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams makes it particularly suitable for users who enjoy fast and effortless keystrokes, whether for gaming or casual typing. On the other hand, if you are in a shared workspace or simply prefer a quieter typing experience, the TTC Silent Red would be the way to go. With a heavier bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, it offers a more robust tactile feedback, all while maintaining a muted sound profile that minimizes noise without compromising comfort. Therefore, consider your intended usage; for a breezy, noise-free typing experience, reach for the Orange Sea, but if a more substantial feel with sound dampening is what you seek, the Silent Red will serve you well.

Mentioned in this article

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

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TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more