TTC Brother vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch stand out as unique options with their own distinct characteristics. The Brother offers a lightweight actuation of just 37g, providing a breezy typing experience that is complemented by a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature beloved by clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor provides a thuddy and punchy sound profile, offering a pronounced tactility without becoming overwhelming. While the Brother is lauded for its easy-to-press and stepped design, the Viola Tricolor is praised for its invigorating and low-pitched feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference, but both offer a high-quality typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
17.5mm spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches are quite similar, both featuring polycarbonate top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to use RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, the Brother utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor also incorporates a nylon bottom housing for similar sound characteristics.
The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both the Brother and Viola Tricolor switches leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. While the top housings of both switches are made of polycarbonate, which contributes to a sharper and clearer sound profile, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the overall typing experience. Therefore, despite the shared characteristic of polycarbonate top housings, the nylon bottom housings give each switch its unique sound signature.
Overall, the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches showcase a blend of similarities and differences. Both switches benefit from the sharp and crisp sound profile provided by the polycarbonate top housing, while the nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the sound. The combination of these materials results in a balanced typing experience that is influenced by the unique qualities of each housing material. Whether it be the impact on bottom-out sound and feel from the bottom housing or the sound when releasing a key from the top housing, the choice of housing materials plays a vital role in determining the overall sound profile of a mechanical switch.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, whose actuation force is unknown. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Viola Tricolor requires a heavier force of 63.5 grams, whereas the Brother has an unknown bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Brother switch for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Viola Tricolor switch. In terms of actuation force, the results obtained from both switches may be similar in terms of keystroke triggering, but the bottom out force will provide a noticeable difference in typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight of key presses.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Viola Tricolor has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Brother switch. The Brother switch may provide a slightly quicker response due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for fast reaction times. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor may offer a more satisfying key press with its slightly longer travel distance, which can appeal to those who prefer a more substantial depth when typing or gaming. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their travel distances, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference for responsiveness and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature that is clear and precise, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch provides a thuddy and punchy sound profile with a touch of character, offering a deeper and richer bass tone during key presses. Both switches provide distinct auditory experiences, with the Brother being described as crunchy and the Viola Tricolor as bassy and low-pitched.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a responsive and low-impact typing feel. The Viola Tricolor tactile switch, on the other hand, is characterized as accented and invigorating, providing a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still adds a satisfying feedback to each keystroke. While the Brother switch has a stepped feel, offering a mild tactile experience with distinct stages, the Viola Tricolor switch offers a more firm actuation force and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation.
Overall, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Brother switch excels in providing a crunchy sound with easy-to-press actuation, while the Viola Tricolor switch delivers a punchy sound with an invigorating tactile experience. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience that is sure to enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when selecting between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, consider the specific qualities that align with your preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a lightweight and breezy actuation paired with a satisfyingly crunchy sound, the Brother switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a medium-heavy bottom out force with a thuddy and punchy sound profile, the Viola Tricolor switch offers a pronounced tactility without overwhelming feedback. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a crisp and light typing experience or a tactile sensation that strikes a balance between feedback and actuation force. Choose the switch that complements your typing preferences and enhances your overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
