Haimu Orange Sea vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the Haimu Orange Sea and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer compelling options for typists and gamers alike, thanks to their unique characteristics as linear switches. The Haimu Orange Sea is celebrated for its impeccably smooth typing experience and neutral sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable, understated performance without distractions. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream distinguishes itself with its innovative use of POK materials in both the stem and bottom housing, resulting in an exceptionally smooth and creamy feel that mimics the dessert's delight. This switch also produces a high-pitched, clacky sound signature, appealing to users who enjoy a more expressive auditory feedback while typing. Ultimately, each switch has its advantages: the Orange Sea for its seamless typing experience and quiet operation, and the Vanilla Ice Cream for its vibrant tactile feedback and playful acoustics. 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

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$2.79 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Haimu Orange Sea and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches utilize contrasting materials for their top housings, which influences their respective sound profiles. The Orange Sea features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its ability to create a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This stiffer material not only enhances clarity and resonance but is also advantageous for switch designs that incorporate RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary KTT blend of special mixed materials that also results in a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both materials contribute to a similar sound profile, the Orange Sea’s polycarbonate design is primarily acknowledged for its crispness, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream’s blend might offer a unique tonal character derived from its complex material formulation.

Diving deeper into the bottom housing, the Haimu Orange Sea utilizes nylon, a classic choice that generally delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more vibrations, leading to a duller and rounder sound when a key is pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream employs POK material, known for its exceptional durability and low friction, which provides a smooth and clacky typing experience. This material's impressive strength and wear resistance are notable advantages, contributing to a longer lifespan for the switch. Essentially, the Orange Sea’s nuanced, mellower bottom housing contrasts with the Vanilla Ice Cream’s robust and vibrant POK lower housing, painting two distinct auditory experiences when typing.

Overall, while the Haimu Orange Sea and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches emerge from different material choices and sound qualities, both capture elements of elevated sound dynamics attributed to their unique housing designs. The polycarbonate top of the Orange Sea leans towards crispness and clarity, which can be harmoniously paired with the deeper nylon bottom, while the Vanilla Ice Cream manages a robust audio signature through its proprietary blend and durable POK bottom housing. Consequently, users can expect distinctive experiences from each switch, where the top housing influences the higher frequencies experienced upon key release, while the bottom housing shapes the tactile feedback and sound at bottom-out, ensuring that switch differentiation lies chiefly in their material qualities and sound characteristics.

Weight

The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch both offer a lightweight typing experience, but they differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Orange Sea has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream features a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that while both switches are considered light, the Orange Sea is the lighter option overall, appealing to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience suited for long hours of use. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream’s heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more substantial feeling that may satisfy users looking for a firmer push feel. Thus, if a user values a lighter switch for comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions, the Haimu Orange Sea would be the preferred choice.

Travel distance

The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Orange Sea the longer option by 0.1 mm. For users who prioritize responsiveness, the Vanilla Ice Cream may be more appealing due to its shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker response times in gaming situations. However, the Orange Sea may be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial, hearty feel when pressing down on keys, thanks to its increased depth. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, with the Orange Sea offering a tad more travel for those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profile of the Haimu Orange Sea and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches, the differences are quite pronounced. The Orange Sea features a neutral sound signature, providing a clean auditory experience that doesn’t draw too much attention but remains pleasant for typists who prefer a more understated auditory feedback. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a vibrant sound profile characterized by high-pitched, marbly, and resonant qualities. This creates a sharp and crisp auditory feedback that can be both engaging and immersive, particularly favored by those who enjoy a more lively typing experience. It's important to note that external factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap material can also greatly influence the overall sound, but the inherent characteristics of these switches set them apart.

In terms of feel, the Haimu Orange Sea is recognized for its impeccably smooth typing experience, making it an excellent choice for users seeking fluid keystrokes without any distractions. The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, on the other hand, is notable for its buttery and creamy feel, delivering a remarkably smooth typing sensation that resembles gliding across the keys. The materials used in the Vanilla Ice Cream switch contribute to this creamy experience, offering a tactile delight that many typists find enjoyable. While the Orange Sea's smoothness is commendable, the additional creamy texture of the Vanilla Ice Cream can create a unique tactile pleasure that enhances the overall typing experience for those who value smooth, effortless keystrokes.

In summary, both the Haimu Orange Sea and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches cater to different preferences among typists. The Orange Sea presents a neutral sound profile and an impeccably smooth feel, ideal for those who appreciate simplicity and comfort. Conversely, the Vanilla Ice Cream excels with its high-pitched, resonant sound and buttery, creamy feel, perfect for those who enjoy a more spirited auditory and tactile experience. Depending on individual priorities, both switches can meet the need for a high-quality typing experience, whether one seeks a smooth simplicity or an engagingly rich interaction with each keystroke.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between Haimu Orange Sea switches and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you're seeking. If you prioritize a light actuation force and prefer a smooth, neutral sound profile without any distractions, the Haimu Orange Sea is an excellent choice. Its 45-gram bottom-out force makes it particularly appealing for fast typists and gamers who enjoy quick, responsive keystrokes. On the other hand, if you desire a buttery, creamy feel along with a high-pitched, clacky sound that adds character to your typing experience, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches will meet your expectations perfectly. With a slightly higher bottom-out force of 48 grams, these switches deliver a uniquely delightful acoustic experience, ideal for those who enjoy an engaging auditory feedback when they type. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal typing style and what kind of auditory and tactile feedback you value most in your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more