Kailh Box Royal vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and the Haimu Viola Tricolor offer two distinct options for those seeking a tactile typing experience. The Box Royal is well-known for its aggressive tactility, providing users with a sharp and binary sensation that is hard to beat. Additionally, its higher-pitched sound profile adds an element of excitement to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switches aim for a thuddy and punchy sound profile, imbuing your typing experience with a touch of character. These switches strike a perfect balance between pronounced tactility and overwhelming feedback, delivering a satisfying sensation without becoming too overwhelming. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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 housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches exhibit distinct differences. The Box Royal features a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Viola Tricolor utilizes a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. In terms of sound profiles, the Box Royal's nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder tone. Conversely, the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing, especially if it is clear, enhances the resonance and is particularly advantageous when utilizing RGB lighting.
However, when comparing the bottom housings of both switches, they share the same nylon material. This similarity in housing material allows for a similar deep and full sound profile for both switches. The softer composition of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to the absorption of sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound upon actuation. Therefore, if the bottom-out sound and feel are important factors for a user, both the Box Royal and the Viola Tricolor switches can offer a comparable experience.
It is crucial to note that the impact of the housing materials is not limited to the sound profile alone. The weight and composition of the housing materials can also affect the overall feel of the switch. While the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the different housing materials in each switch introduce variations in both the sound and tactile feedback during typing or gaming sessions.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switches, it becomes evident that there are some similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Kailh Box Royal is known to be 45 grams, while that of the Viola Tricolor remains unavailable. In terms of bottom out force, the Kailh Box Royal requires 70 grams of force, whereas the Viola Tricolor requires 63.5 grams.
Despite the lack of information about the actuation force of the Viola Tricolor, it can be inferred that it may have a similar range to the Kailh Box Royal, as both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force. However, for those who prefer a lighter touch, the Kailh Box Royal may be a better choice, as it has a slightly lower bottom out force. Conversely, individuals seeking a more robust typing experience may lean towards the Viola Tricolor, as its bottom out force is slightly heavier.
Weight plays a significant role in the decision-making process for many users. Those who desire a lighter switch often prioritize being able to type for longer periods without fatigue, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, individuals who prefer a stronger actuation force may opt for options with heavier forces, as it provides a more substantial tactile experience.
In conclusion, while the actuation force of the Kailh Box Royal and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches may not be directly comparable, it is evident that both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force. However, the Kailh Box Royal leans towards the lighter end of the spectrum, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch, while the Viola Tricolor offers a slightly heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is 3.6 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Comparing the two, it is evident that the Viola Tricolor has a slightly longer travel distance, providing a slightly deeper feel when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the Box Royal offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers who prioritize faster response times. The Viola Tricolor may be a better choice for those who prefer a more hearty depth in their typing experience, while the Box Royal would be suitable for those who prefer a more responsive and quick typing experience. Nevertheless, both switches provide a reasonable range within the spectrum of travel distances, ensuring a satisfactory typing experience for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25 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 Kailh Box Royal switch produces a relatively higher pitched sound when pressed. This means that each keystroke will have a sharp and crisp tone, which can be quite satisfying if you prefer a more pronounced and clear sound. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch offers a bassy sound profile. This results in a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the Viola Tricolor switches have a lower-pitched sound, which adds a mellow and soothing quality to the overall typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also depend on other factors such as the type of keyboard board and keycaps you choose.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch is highly tactile with a sharp feedback intensity. Each keypress provides a distinct and strong tactile bump, making it easy to feel and appreciate the feedback with every stroke. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch is described as accented. This means that it offers a medium level of tactility, not overpowering but also not subtle. The Viola Tricolor switch provides a prominent amount of tactility without overwhelming the user. It is also described as invigorating, offering a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. This combination of feedback and actuation force can be quite satisfying for typists who prefer a tactile switch that strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Box Royal and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches have their own unique qualities. The Box Royal is known for its sharp, binary tactility and higher-pitched sound profile, while the Viola Tricolor offers a thuddy and punchy sound with a prominent yet balanced level of tactility. Depending on your personal preferences, you can choose between the aggressive and crisp tactile experience of the Box Royal or the invigorating, immersive feel of the Viola Tricolor. Although they have different characteristics, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy tactile switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're someone who enjoys a highly tactile typing experience with a sharp and distinct tactile bump, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. These switches are known for their aggressive tactility and relatively higher pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced tactile experience that provides satisfying feedback without being overly tactile, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is the way to go. These switches strike a perfect balance, offering a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. Additionally, the Viola Tricolor switches provide a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to your typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of the desired level of tactility and sound profile.
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