TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Haimu Viola Tricolor are two options that cater to different preferences. The Gold Brown Pro offers a subtle and nuanced tactile feedback, perfect for those who prefer a quiet and understated typing experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor provides a more pronounced tactility with a thuddy and punchy sound profile, giving users a satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. Both switches cater to different needs and preferences, with the Gold Brown Pro being ideal for those who value a gentle typing experience, while the Viola Tricolor is perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile sensation. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Haimu Viola Tricolor feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, the Gold Brown Pro and Viola Tricolor differ in their bottom housing material, with the Gold Brown Pro featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Viola Tricolor also utilizing nylon for its bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
The contrasting housing materials between the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Haimu Viola Tricolor showcase how different materials can impact the overall sound and feel of a switch. While both switches have polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile, the use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches results in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a rounder sound that differs from the crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. This combination allows for a unique typing experience depending on which part of the switch is being activated.
In terms of overall typing experience, the differences in housing materials between the Gold Brown Pro and the Viola Tricolor create varying sound profiles depending on the keypress. The bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, contributing to the overall typing experience, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer a combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials, showcasing how the choice of materials can influence the sound and feel of mechanical switches. By combining the qualities of both polycarbonate and nylon, users can experience a unique typing experience that balances sharpness and depth in sound profiles.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, whose actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the bottom out force of the Gold Brown Pro is unavailable. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro may be the better choice, as its actuation force is lower. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial keystroke feel, the Viola Tricolor's heavier bottom out force may be more suitable. In terms of weight, the Gold Brown Pro provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor offers a heavier push feel, which some users may find more satisfying for typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switches both have a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This means that you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and typing experience provided by both switches. Whether you choose the Gold Brown Pro or the Viola Tricolor, you can be confident in their consistent and reliable performance due to their identical travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 TTC Gold Brown Pro offers a low-pitched and neutral profile, resulting in a thocky and mellow sound that is satisfying without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor provides a bassy and low-pitched sound, adding a touch of character to each keystroke. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Gold Brown Pro focusing on subtlety and the Viola Tricolor offering a more pronounced auditory experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prefer a softer, more understated sound or a richer, more colorful typing experience.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro presents a polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped typing experience that is smooth, refined, and gentle. Conversely, the Haimu Viola Tricolor delivers an accented and invigorating feel, with prominent feedback and a snappy, reactive sensation. While the Gold Brown Pro aims for a subtle and nuanced tactile feedback, the Viola Tricolor offers a more pronounced and invigorating typing experience. Depending on your preference for a gentler or more pronounced tactile sensation, you can choose between the polished smoothness of the Gold Brown Pro or the accented tactility of the Viola Tricolor.
Overall, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown Pro excels in providing a subtle, low-pitched sound profile with a polished and silky typing feel, ideal for those who prefer a more understated tactile experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor stands out with its bassy, accented sound and invigorating feel, catering to users who enjoy a more pronounced and immersive typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference, whether you prioritize a softer, more subdued typing experience with the Gold Brown Pro or a livelier, more dynamic feel with the Viola Tricolor. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer high-quality tactile feedback that will enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, consider your preference for tactility and sound. If you are looking for a subtle and understated tactile experience with a subdued sound profile, the Gold Brown Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you desire a more pronounced tactile feedback with a thuddy and punchy sound profile, the Viola Tricolor could be a better fit. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing preferences and whether you prefer a gentle and polished typing experience or a more invigorating and accented feel. Both switches have their unique qualities, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.