TTC Bluish White vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are pleased to present two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches for your consideration: the TTC Bluish White and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. These switches offer distinct qualities and are ideal for those seeking a delightful typing experience. The Bluish White switch is renowned for its satisfyingly poppy feel and snappy sound profile, categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Subtle', 'Polished', and 'Low-pitched'. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch stands out with its thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding character to your typing. It strikes the perfect balance between pronounced tactility and user-friendly experience, categorized as 'Accented', 'Bassy', 'Invigorating', and 'Low-pitched'. While these general descriptions provide a glimpse into the switches' characteristics, let's delve deeper to help you make the best choice for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The TTC Bluish White and the Haimu Viola Tricolor keyboards share similar housing materials, particularly in their polycarbonate top housing. Both keyboards utilize polycarbonate to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, allowing for more clarity and resonance in the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting effects. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound and visual experience in terms of the top housing for both keyboards.
However, where the keyboards differ is in their nylon bottom housing. The Bluish White's bottom housing is made of nylon, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. Similarly, the Viola Tricolor also features a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile as well. By using nylon in the bottom housing, both keyboards aim to enhance the overall typing experience by adding depth and richness to the sound produced.
It is important to note that the split between top and bottom housing materials will affect the overall feel and sound of the keyboards. When pressing down on a key, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more pronounced, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This differentiation allows for a more nuanced and dynamic typing experience, catering to users' preferences for both sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When it comes to the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Bluish White has an actuation force of 42 grams, providing a relatively light touch to trigger a keystroke. In comparison, the actuation force of the Viola Tricolor is unknown, so it's unclear how it compares to the Bluish White in this aspect. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Bluish White requires 50 grams of force to fully press down, which again falls on the lighter end of the spectrum. Conversely, the Viola Tricolor has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier and providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. It's worth mentioning that if the actuation forces of both switches were the same, users would likely achieve similar results in terms of typing experience, regardless of the difference in bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may depend on personal preference and the desired weight for prolonged typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Bluish White switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Viola Tricolor switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both of these distances fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular in recent years. Gamers, for example, often prefer shorter travel distances as they allow for faster response times. If you are seeking a more responsive typing experience, the Bluish White switch with its shorter travel distance may be the better choice for you. However, it is important to note that for some individuals, the shorter travel distance can feel too abrupt. In this case, the Viola Tricolor switch with its longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and substantial typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
The Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 TTC Bluish White offers a low-pitched profile, which means it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor provides a bassy sound profile, characterized by a deeper and richer tone resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Both switches have a low-pitched sound overall, but the Viola Tricolor may have a slightly more pronounced bassy tone. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Bluish White is described as offering a buttery and mild typing experience. "Buttery" implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The switch is also considered mild, meaning it offers a more gentle typing experience without being overly tactile. It falls within a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. Additionally, the Bluish White is described as having a stepped feel, meaning it has two stages of feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The switch is also subtle, offering a gentle resistance and a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. Lastly, the Bluish White is polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch provides an accented feel, offering a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It provides a prominent amount of feedback without being too intense. The Viola Tricolor switch is described as invigorating, providing pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive feel. This creates an immersive typing sensation that adds character to the overall typing experience.
Based on the available information, the TTC Bluish White and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bluish White provides a low-pitched sound with a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished typing feel. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor offers a bassy sound with an accented and invigorating typing feel. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback, but the Bluish White leans towards a smoother and more subtle experience, while the Viola Tricolor offers a sharper sensation without overwhelming the user. Depending on personal preferences, either switch can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light bottom out force and a satisfyingly poppy typing experience, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch would be a great choice for you. These switches provide a snappy sound profile and offer a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished feel. The Bluish White also has a low-pitched sound, which gives it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a thuddy and punchy sound profile, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch would be the better option. These switches offer a pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, striking a perfect balance. The Viola Tricolor has a bassy and low-pitched sound, providing a deeper and richer tone reminiscent of bass tones. In terms of feel, the Viola Tricolor is described as accented and invigorating, offering prominent feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Bluish White and Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switches will come down to personal preference. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and feel to determine which switch best suits your typing style and preferences. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so choose the one that aligns with your preferences and typing needs.
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