TTC Flaming Purple vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Flaming Purple stands out for its resonant and bassy sound profile, combined with a feathery feel and easy-to-press actuation at 47g. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor provides a thuddy and punchy sound with a balanced tactility that offers satisfying feedback without being too overwhelming. While the Flaming Purple is ideal for those who prioritize a silky and low-pitched typing experience, the Viola Tricolor suits individuals seeking an invigorating and bass-accented keypress. 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
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Purple and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiff nature of polycarbonate. This material is ideal for switches with RGB lighting as it is translucent and allows light to shine through. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches ensures a clear and resonant sound when typing. In terms of sound quality, both switches offer a similar experience when it comes to their polycarbonate top housings.
While both switches have polycarbonate top housings, they differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The TTC Flaming Purple features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile while typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Similarly, the Haimu Viola Tricolor also utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches benefit from the qualities that nylon brings to the bottom of the switch.
Overall, the differences between the TTC Flaming Purple and the Haimu Viola Tricolor lie in their choice of bottom housing material while sharing the same polycarbonate top housing. The nylon bottom housing of both switches offers a unique typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its soft and sound-absorbing properties. Conversely, the polycarbonate top housing ensures a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Whether you choose the Flaming Purple or the Viola Tricolor, you can expect a combination of clear and resonant sound from the polycarbonate top housing and a deeper, fuller sound from the nylon bottom housing.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, providing a smoother and easier typing experience. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, offering a more substantial and tactile typing feel. The actuation force for the Viola Tricolor is unknown, but the difference in bottom out force suggests that it may also be heavier than the Flaming Purple. Overall, those looking for a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may prefer the Flaming Purple, while individuals seeking a heavier and more tactile typing experience may lean towards the Viola Tricolor.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is evident that the Flaming Purple has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Viola Tricolor's 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking quicker response times. The Flaming Purple may be preferred for its slightly faster actuation, while the Viola Tricolor might appeal to those who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and responsiveness in a mechanical keyboard.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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, both the TTC Flaming Purple and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, providing users with a rich and immersive auditory experience. The Flaming Purple leans slightly towards a resonant character with a poppy undertone, while the Viola Tricolor delivers a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds a touch of character to typing. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by external factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Flaming Purple is revered for its feathery, easy-to-press, and silky typing experience. With a bottom-out force of just 47g, it ensures swift and effortless typing, reducing finger fatigue and enhancing the overall typing comfort. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor offers an accented and invigorating tactile feedback, striking a perfect balance between tactile sensation and actuation force, providing users with a satisfying and reactive typing experience. This makes the Viola Tricolor ideal for those seeking a tactile switch without being overly tactile.
Overall, both the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Flaming Purple excels in providing a resonant and feathery typing experience, the Viola Tricolor stands out for its thuddy sound profile and balanced tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience each user is seeking.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a smoother, feathery typing feel with a unique poppy undertone, the Flaming Purple may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy tactile feel with pronounced feedback and a thuddy, punchy sound profile, the Viola Tricolor could be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and what characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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