KTT Darling vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the KTT Darling, a linear switch, and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, a tactile switch. The Darling is known for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, with a bouncy and springy responsiveness that adds a unique touch to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to typing, with a satisfying feedback from its pronounced tactility. While the Darling provides a high-pitched, resonant sound upon bottoming out, the Viola Tricolor strikes a balance with a bassy, low-pitched sound. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics, appealing to different preferences in typing feel and sound. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The KTT Darling and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housings of both switches produce a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches offer a unique sound experience that caters to varying preferences.
While the Darling and the Viola Tricolor share similarities in their top and bottom housing materials, the slight differences in how these materials impact the typing experience can provide distinct qualities to each switch. The split between the bottom and top housings allows for a combination of deeper and fuller sound from the nylon bottom, and a sharper and crisper sound from the polycarbonate top. This split also affects the overall feel of the key press, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Darling and the Haimu Viola Tricolor may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. The polycarbonate top housing of both switches offers a clear and resonant sound ideal for those seeking a sharper tone, while the nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound for a more rounded typing experience. Both switches showcase the advantages of using different housing materials to achieve unique sound profiles, giving users the option to tailor their typing experience to their preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch differ in weight, with the Darling being lighter and the Viola Tricolor being heavier. The Darling has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it medium-light in comparison to the Viola Tricolor, which has an actuation force of None grams (unknown) and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider, as some prefer a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer a heavier force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch. This means that the Darling linear switch requires less distance to be pressed down fully compared to the Viola Tricolor tactile switch. If you are someone who values faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Darling switch may be more appealing. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth and feel that a shorter travel distance is too abrupt, the Viola Tricolor tactile switch with a longer travel distance could be the better option for you. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and how it affects your typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 KTT Darling linear switch provides a high-pitched and resonant sound, giving a crisp and sharp auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a bassy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to your typing session. Both switches offer different sound profiles, so the choice between them would depend on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Darling is described as bouncy, providing a springy responsiveness to each keystroke, giving a lively feel with a rebound when pressed. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor switch is known for its accented feel, offering a medium tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but still satisfying. The Viola Tricolor switch is also described as invigorating, providing a snappy and reactive feel that enhances the typing experience. Again, the choice between these switches would come down to personal preference in terms of the tactile feedback you prefer during typing.
In conclusion, the KTT Darling linear switch offers a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a bouncy feel and high-pitched, resonant sound. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch provides a thuddy and punchy sound profile with an accented and invigorating tactile feel. When considering these switches, it's important to weigh the sound and feel qualities that best suit your preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, consider the typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a chewy and bouncy typing sensation with a high-pitched sound profile, the Darling may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you desire a thuddy and punchy sound with pronounced tactility and a balanced tactile feedback, the Viola Tricolor could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you want to achieve. So, choose wisely based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you.
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