Haimu Orange Sea vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice can greatly affect your typing experience, and two options that stand out are the Haimu Orange Sea and the KTT Wine Red switches. The Haimu Orange Sea switches offer an impeccably smooth typing feel and a neutral sound signature that appeals to users seeking a clean and uninterrupted keystroke. Their linear design is ideal for gamers and typists who prefer quick, responsive actions without any tactile feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switches are celebrated for their pillowy light typing feel coupled with a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, providing a more immersive auditory experience that many find pleasurable. While both switches share the linear characteristic, the distinct sound and feel each provides cater to different preferences and use cases. 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
44g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Haimu Orange Sea and the KTT Wine Red, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This commonality results in similar auditory experiences between the two. Polycarbonate, known for its rigidity, promotes a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it a popular choice for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a bright and clear keypress sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances the aesthetic appeal when RGB lighting is employed, allowing vibrant light to shine through the switch. Therefore, in scenarios where the switches are paired with RGB backlighting, users can expect visually striking effects along with an enhanced auditory clarity, as both switches leverage the same acoustic properties of polycarbonate for their tops.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the Orange Sea and Wine Red switches differ significantly. The Haimu Orange Sea employs a nylon bottom housing, a classic choice known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer composition. This allows the nylon material to absorb sound, leading to a rounder and mellower acoustic signature. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns with the characteristics established by the top housing, resulting in a more consistent sound profile. The polycarbonate at the bottom creates a brighter and more resonant sound, impacting the overall auditory experience of the switch differently than the nylon of the Orange Sea.
As both switches exhibit different bottom housings, the qualities introduced by these materials play a significant role in the overall performance and sound profile of each switch. The Haimu Orange Sea's nylon housing contributes to a softer and more muted sound when bottoming out, providing a softer tactile feedback suitable for those who prefer a gentler typing experience. Conversely, the KTT Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing will produce a sharper and more pronounced auditory feedback, which may appeal to users seeking a more assertive keystroke. The divergence in materials means that even though the top housings share similarities, the overall user experience will vary considerably depending on personal preferences in sound and feel influenced by the unique bottom housing choices.
Weight
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch present distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying user preferences. The Orange Sea boasts a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a good choice for those who type for extended periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions. In contrast, the Wine Red switch features a slightly heavier actuation force of 44 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, offering a more substantial push feel that may appeal to users who prefer a firmer typing experience. As such, the Orange Sea is the lighter of the two, whereas the Wine Red is the heavier option. These differences in actuation and bottom out forces will yield divergent typing experiences, ultimately allowing users to choose based on their comfort and typing style preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it is evident that the Orange Sea features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wine Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The difference of 0.4 mm can make a significant impact on user experience, particularly for those who favor faster response times, as the shorter travel distance of the Orange Sea may be more appealing to gamers looking for quick keystrokes. Conversely, for users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback and a sense of depth in their typing experience, the KTT Wine Red with its longer 4 mm travel distance may be the preferred choice. In summary, if a quicker response is your priority, the Haimu Orange Sea is the better option. However, if you prefer a deeper feel, the KTT Wine Red would serve that purpose more effectively.
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 Wine Red comes in at $2.71.
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 switches are known for their neutral sound signature, which allows for a quiet typing experience that won’t be disruptive in shared workspaces. This makes them a suitable choice for users who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red switches stand out with their deep, rich sound profile, characterized as bassy and low-pitched. This gives the Wine Reds a more engaging auditory feedback, perfect for those who enjoy the sensation of a satisfying thump with each keystroke. However, it’s worth noting that the overall sound quality of both switches can be influenced by the keyboard build and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are praised for their impeccably smooth typing experience, which can enhance typing speed and reduce fatigue over longer sessions. This smoothness provides a consistent experience throughout each keystroke. Conversely, the KTT Wine Red switches feature a pillowy, light type feel, which can offer a comforting cushion on each press. This alternate tactile sensation can appeal to those who prefer a softer, more relaxed typing encounter, providing a different but enjoyable experience compared to the smoothness of the Orange Sea switches.
In summary, while the Haimu Orange Sea offers a smooth feel and neutral sound, making it great for quiet environments, the KTT Wine Red switches provide a deeper sound profile and a light, pillowy feel for a more dynamic typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on whether they prioritize sound or sensation while typing. Ultimately, if you value auditory feedback and a cushioned feel, the Wine Red might be your pick; if smoothness and a low-key sound suit you better, then the Orange Sea will deliver similar results.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter activation force and an exquisitely smooth feel, the Orange Sea is the way to go. Its 45 grams bottom-out force makes it ideal for rapid typing and gaming, allowing you to type quickly with minimal effort, while its neutral sound signature keeps your typing experience discreet. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly more substantial feel and a richer auditory experience, the Wine Red switches would be better suited for you. With a 55 grams bottom-out force, these switches provide that satisfying "pillow-like" feedback combined with a deep, bassy sound that can enhance the ambiance of your workspace. Thus, if you value a robust tactile experience and enjoy hearing each keystroke resonate, the KTT Wine Red will not disappoint. Ultimately, the choice boils down to your desire for speed and subtlety with the Orange Sea or comfort and resonance with the Wine Red.
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