TTC Flame Red vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flame Red and the Haimu Viola Tricolor offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Flame Red is renowned not only for its tactile feel and delightful sound but also for its visually stunning light diffuser, making it the perfect choice for those who prioritize aesthetics and enjoy backlit, RGB keyboards. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor excels in delivering a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds a touch of character to the typing experience. With its pronounced tactility, it offers a satisfying feedback without becoming excessively tactile. While these general pointers provide a glimpse into the strengths of each switch, let's delve deeper into their specific attributes so you can make the best choice for your needs and preferences.

By the numbers

TTC Flame Red Linear

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

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Housing materials

The TTC Flame Red and the Haimu Viola Tricolor have different housing materials that significantly impact their sound profiles. The Flame Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with a deeper and fuller sound, the Flame Red's nylon top housing would be a better choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a sharper and crisper sound, the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate top housing would be more suitable.

When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Flame Red and Viola Tricolor utilize nylon as the material. As with the top housing, nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and higher sound absorption compared to harder plastics. Therefore, in terms of the sound profile created by the bottom housing, both switches would provide similar results. However, it's worth noting that the bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning the impact sensation you feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. So, even though the materials are the same for the bottom housing, the overall typing experience can still vary based on the different top housing materials of the switches.

In summary, the choice between the TTC Flame Red and the Haimu Viola Tricolor boils down to personal sound preferences. The Flame Red, with its nylon top housing, offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Viola Tricolor, with its polycarbonate top housing, produces a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches rely on nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in similar sound profiles for bottom-out sounds. However, it's essential to consider that the top housing material has a significant influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, if you prioritize the sound when pressing down on keys, the differences in top housing materials will play a crucial role in your decision-making process.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, they exhibit differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Flame Red switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is unavailable. This indicates that the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is either unknown or falls outside the typical range. In terms of bottom out force, the Flame Red requires 54 grams of force, which is considered medium-light, while the Viola Tricolor has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category.

Considering the weight of the switches, some individuals may prefer a lighter actuation force in order to type for extended periods without fatigue. This would make the Flame Red switch more suitable for situations such as work or long gaming sessions. However, those seeking a more robust typing experience may prefer a switch with a heavier force. In this case, the Viola Tricolor switch would be the preferable choice with its slightly higher bottom out force.

Although the actuation force of the Viola Tricolor switch is not specified, it is likely that the results will be similar to those of the Flame Red switch in terms of actuation and overall feel. It is important to note that both switches fall within the linear and tactile categories respectively, which means they provide different typing experiences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there is a slight difference between the two. The Flame Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Viola Tricolor has a slightly shorter distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the conventional range of travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the more traditional choice and 3.0 mm being the shallower option. However, it is worth noting that shorter travel distances have gained popularity, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Viola Tricolor with its slightly shorter travel distance may be the better choice. On the other hand, those who prefer a greater sense of depth when pressing down on a key might prefer the Flame Red with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel.

Starting with sound, the Flame Red switch is known for a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes, regardless of whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you are using the switches at home or work. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. This results in a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The Viola Tricolor provides a unique and characterful typing experience with its thuddy and punchy sound.

Moving on to feel, the Flame Red switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. It provides a gentle and approachable typing experience with its smooth and refined finish. The mild characteristics of the switch make it suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch offers an accented and invigorating feel. It provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. The switch offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, resulting in an immersive typing sensation.

Considering all the available information, the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Flame Red switch provides a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, along with a mild and polished feel. It is suitable for those who prefer a neutral sound and a gentle typing experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile, along with an accented and invigorating feel. It is suitable for those who prefer a more characterful sound and a pronounced tactile feedback. It is important to note that the actual sound and feel of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.

Conclusion

To sum up, the TTC Flame Red linear switch would be the ideal choice for someone who prioritizes visuals and sound in their keyboard. The dazzling light diffuser of the Flame Red makes it perfect for those who want to showcase their backlit, RGB keyboard. In terms of sound, the Flame Red offers a neutral profile suitable for various purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, or using the keyboard at home or work. Its feel is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle and smooth typing experience.

On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch would be a great option for those who value the sound and feel of their keyboard. The Viola Tricolor delivers a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding character to your typing experience. Its pronounced tactility offers satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. The Viola Tricolor strikes a perfect balance, providing a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. In terms of sound, the Viola Tricolor offers a bassy and low-pitched profile, creating a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Its feel is described as accented and invigorating, offering a prominent amount of tactility and an immersive typing sensation.

Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Flame Red and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches comes down to your priorities and preferences. If you want a visually stunning and clacky switch with a neutral sound profile, the Flame Red is the way to go. However, if you prioritize a thuddy and punchy sound with pronounced feedback and a tactile typing experience, the Viola Tricolor is the perfect fit. Consider your desired visuals, sound profile, and typing feel to make the best decision for your needs.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Flame Red Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn more