Haimu Orange Sea vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Orange Sea and TTC Yunhai offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Haimu Orange Sea is celebrated for its impeccably smooth typing feel combined with a neutral sound signature, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a serene and unobtrusive typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai is recognized for its unique deep, rounded sound profile and incredibly light actuation force, attracting typists who favor a gentle and effortless keystroke. Both switches serve their respective audiences well, with the Orange Sea offering a more traditional linear experience and the Yunhai providing a more tactile combination of sound and softness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Haimu Orange Sea and the TTC Yunhai switches, it is evident that they utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly affects their acoustic qualities. The Orange Sea features a polycarbonate top housing known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffness, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound when the keys are pressed. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for switches that utilize RGB lighting, enhancing the visual aesthetics of the keyboard. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai employs a nylon top housing, which is a softer material that absorbs sound better, delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile. The characteristics of nylon lead to a duller and rounder auditory experience, setting it apart from the Orange Sea's brighter tones.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, leading to similarities in the auditory and tactile experiences they provide at the base of the switches. The nylon bottom housings in both the Orange Sea and Yunhai are recognized for producing a similar level of depth and fullness in sound. As nylon is effective at absorbing vibrations and sound, both switches will offer a relatively consistent bottom-out sound profile, characterized by its dullness compared to the sharper sounds produced by the top housings. This material consistency between the two models ensures that when pressed, users will experience a harmonious, rounded acoustic feel, despite the distinct characteristics imparted by their different top housings.
Ultimately, while the Haimu Orange Sea and the TTC Yunhai switches feature contrasting materials in their top housings, both utilize nylon in their bottom housings, contributing to a unifying auditory experience in the lower portion of the switches. This combination allows for interesting contrasts in sound and feel; the Orange Sea presents a high-pitched tone when released due to its polycarbonate top, while the Yunhai's softer nylon top produces a warmer sound. In terms of feel, users will notice that the bottom housing's influence is pronounced during a key press, thereby establishing a fuller foundation regardless of the variations in the top materials. Overall, this comparison highlights how the selection of housing materials shapes both the sound profiles and tactile experiences of each switch.
Weight
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch both offer a light typing experience, although they differ slightly in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Orange Sea requires a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, compared to the Yunhai's 42 grams, making the Orange Sea the easier switch to press for long typing sessions or extended gaming. When it comes to bottom out forces, the Orange Sea again remains lighter at 45 grams, whereas the Yunhai's bottom out force is 50 grams. These differences indicate that while both switches are on the lighter end of the spectrum, the Haimu Orange Sea is better suited for those seeking minimal resistance for prolonged use, while the TTC Yunhai may appeal to individuals who prefer a slightly more substantial push feel without moving into heavier switch territory.
Travel distance
Both the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that they share the same travel distance characteristics. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users will experience an identical distance traveled from the top to the bottom of the switch. As a result, both switches will provide similar tactile feedback and overall typing experience, making them comparable options for those seeking linear switches with a consistent travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 it comes to sound, the Haimu Orange Sea switches boast a neutral sound signature that allows them to blend seamlessly with various setups, providing a great balance for typists who prefer a subtle auditory feedback. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches deliver a more pronounced acoustic character, characterized by a deep, rounded sound profile that resonates pleasantly with each keystroke. While the Orange Sea offers a soft, unobtrusive typing noise, the Yunhai caters to those who enjoy a more robust sound experience, making it essential for users to consider their keyboard build and keycap selections, as these will also influence the final acoustic result.
Regarding feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switches stand out with their impeccably smooth typing sensation, allowing for fluid keystrokes without any noticeable resistance or texture interruptions. This provides a satisfying experience for those who value consistent performance with each stroke. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switches are notable for their incredibly light actuation force, making them feel gentle and effortless when typing. This quality can particularly benefit users who prefer light, rapid keystrokes, especially conducive for long typing sessions or gaming.
In conclusion, both the Haimu Orange Sea and TTC Yunhai linear switches offer distinct yet appealing experiences for different types of users. The Orange Sea excels in providing a smooth, neutral-feel typing environment, while the Yunhai distinguishes itself with a more pronounced sound combined with an effortless typing experience. Depending on personal preferences regarding sound and feel, both switches can yield satisfying results, enabling typists to enhance their overall mechanical keyboard experience according to their specific needs and desires.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Haimu Orange Sea and the TTC Yunhai linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for feel, sound, and the typing experience you desire. If you are looking for an impeccably smooth typing experience paired with a neutral sound signature, the Haimu Orange Sea might be your best bet. Its lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams makes it an excellent option for those who enjoy fast, effortless key presses, particularly useful for both gaming and extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper, rounder sound profile combined with a gentle, effortless feel, the TTC Yunhai switches, with their slightly heavier 50 grams bottom-out force, could suit your needs perfectly. This switch is ideal for typists who enjoy a subtle auditory feedback and satisfying sound while maintaining light actuation. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing style and sound preference, and choose accordingly for the best mechanical keyboard experience.
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