Haimu Orange Sea vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Orange Sea and the KTT Strawberry each offer their own unique advantages for different types of users. The Orange Sea is celebrated for its impeccably smooth typing experience and a neutral sound signature, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize minimal noise and a fluid keypress. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry, known for its attractive pink and clear housings, boasts a silky and buttery feel with a low-pitched sound profile, appealing to users who appreciate both aesthetics and smooth actuation in their typing experience. While both switches cater to fans of linear designs, the Orange Sea emphasizes a serene typing environment, while the Strawberry promises visually pleasing and comfortably engaging performance. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the top housings of the Haimu Orange Sea and the KTT Strawberry, both switches utilize polycarbonate, which leads to remarkably similar sound profiles. The inherent properties of polycarbonate contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to its stiffer nature, which enables a clear and resonant sound that enhances the overall auditory experience. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for excellent RGB lighting effects, creating a visually appealing setup for gamers and typists alike. Thus, users can expect comparable auditory results when using either switch, as the top housing's material properties directly influence the upper sound profile and overall aesthetic.
In stark contrast, the bottom housing materials differ significantly between the two switches, with the Orange Sea featuring a nylon housing and the Strawberry employing polycarbonate. Nylon is traditionally known for providing a deeper and fuller sound. Its softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory character. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Strawberry maintains the sharpness and crispness established by its top housing, meaning the sound profile is consistent throughout. This difference in bottom housing material will lead to notable variances in the bottom-out sound and feel, as nylon's sound-absorbing qualities contrast with the more resonant characteristics of polycarbonate.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials results in unique acoustic responses. While both top housings provide a similar crispness owing to their polycarbonate composition, the differing bottom materials lead to diverging sound profiles. Therefore, when pressing the switches, typists and gamers will notice that the Orange Sea offers a more mellow and rounded sound owing to its nylon bottom, whereas the KTT Strawberry delivers a sharper auditory experience throughout. This interplay between the softer and harder materials allows users to choose a switch that best fits their preferences and typing style, emphasizing the importance of material selection in mechanical switch design.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, we find notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Orange Sea features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer keystroke, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Strawberry switch has a heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users might find more satisfying. Thus, the Orange Sea is the lighter option overall, while the Strawberry is heavier. This means that those seeking a softer typing experience with less fatigue will gravitate towards the Haimu Orange Sea, while those who favor a more pronounced tactile feedback would likely favor the KTT Strawberry.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Haimu Orange Sea has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Strawberry has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Haimu Orange Sea offers a shorter distance, which can cater to gamers seeking quicker response times. Conversely, the KTT Strawberry, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more pronounced tactile experience for those who prefer a deeper keypress. Therefore, while both switches serve their purposes well, the Orange Sea's shorter travel distance might appeal to users valuing rapid input, whereas the Strawberry is better suited for those who appreciate a more substantial key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79, whereas the KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91.
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 boasts a neutral sound signature, which ensures a pleasant typographical experience without any distracting auditory elements. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switch features a low-pitched profile, characterized by a mellow and bass-heavy tone. This sound quality tends to be softer and more subdued, making it less likely to disturb those around you while typing. While both switches may produce different auditory characteristics, the final sound experience will also depend on factors such as the choice of keyboard construction and keycap materials, so both switches can be tailored to fit the user’s preferences.
Regarding feel, users of the Haimu Orange Sea switches are treated to an impeccably smooth typing experience, allowing for efficient and enjoyable keystrokes. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switches go a step further in their tactile design, offering a frictionless action that minimizes any sense of resistance during typing. Descriptors like silky, buttery, and polished highlight the exceptionally smooth and fluid keystroke experience associated with the Strawberry switches, making them feel luxurious to the touch. While the Orange Sea provides a solid sense of smoothness, the multifaceted qualities of the Strawberry may offer an even more enhanced typing sensation.
In conclusion, both the Haimu Orange Sea and KTT Strawberry linear switches deliver excellent smoothness, but their sound profiles differentiate them. The Orange Sea offers a neutral sound, while the Strawberry provides a low-pitched, mellow experience. Feel-wise, the Orange Sea excels in smoothness, although the Strawberry's frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished qualities elevate its overall typing experience to a higher level of comfort and luxury. Ultimately, personal preferences will dictate the best choice, but either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, particularly when paired with the right keycaps and keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Haimu Orange Sea and the KTT Strawberry linear switches will largely depend on your specific preferences in typing feel and actuation force. If you prefer a light typing experience that allows for swift keystrokes, the Haimu Orange Sea, with its 45 grams of actuation force, offers a notably smooth type feel coupled with a neutral sound profile that won’t be distracting during your typing sessions. This makes it an ideal choice for those who prioritize speed and smoothness, perhaps catering well to gamers or fast typists seeking quick responsiveness. On the other hand, if you favor a more substantial feel while typing and require a switch that offers solid resistance, the KTT Strawberry, with its medium actuation force of 62 grams, would serve you better. It’s celebrated for its frictionless, silky, and buttery feel, providing a reliable and comfortable typing experience, perfect for typing-intensive tasks or prolonged use. In summary, choose the Orange Sea if you desire a light and fast experience, but opt for the Strawberry if you appreciate a more tactile engagement and dependable performance.
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