TTC Gold Brown vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two notable options to consider are the TTC Gold Brown and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. Both switches fall under the tactile category, offering a satisfying feedback while typing. The Gold Browns are known for their balanced nature, providing a slight but noticeable bump and a moderate weightiness. The resulting sound profile is rounded and softer than most switches, without being completely silent. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switches aim to deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds a touch of character to your typing experience. They offer pronounced tactility, providing satisfying feedback without becoming overly tactile. The Viola Tricolor strikes a perfect balance, offering a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision based on your preferences.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Brown Tactile

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The TTC Gold Brown and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in switches. It is also translucent, making it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. With both switches using polycarbonate in their top housing, users can expect similar results in terms of the sound produced and the aesthetic appeal when illuminated.

In terms of their bottom housing, both the TTC Gold Brown and the Haimu Viola Tricolor feature nylon as their material of choice. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material that enhances the typing experience by eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Users can expect a similar typing experience when using either of these switches, as the nylon bottom housing will contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed.

While both switches share similar characteristics in their top and bottom housing, it is worth noting that the qualities brought by each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing will have more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound produced. This distinction showcases the importance of both the top and bottom housing materials in shaping the overall typing experience.

Overall, the TTC Gold Brown and the Haimu Viola Tricolor offer comparable results in terms of their housing materials. With both switches using polycarbonate for the top housing, users can expect a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when combined with RGB lighting. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound experience. While the specific qualities might differ between the top and bottom housing, the overall typing experience will be similar due to the use of these materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Gold Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the actuation force of the Viola Tricolor is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare the two. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 63 grams, which falls within the medium range.

In terms of weight, the Gold Brown can be considered on the lighter side, allowing for comfortable and prolonged typing or gaming sessions. This lightweight nature makes it an ideal choice for those who prioritize long-term usage. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor falls into the medium-heavy category, offering a more substantial typing experience. This heavier force may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel while typing.

In summary, while the actuation force of the Gold Brown and Viola Tricolor switches differ, their bottom out forces are the same. Therefore, users can expect similar results when it comes to the overall typing experience, particularly when it comes to the pressure exerted on the keys. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on individual preferences regarding actuation force and the desired weight of the typing experience.

Travel distance

The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The Gold Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Viola Tricolor has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both of these switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Gold Brown being slightly longer and the Viola Tricolor slightly shorter.

The choice between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Viola Tricolor, as it allows for faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial and deeper feel when pressing down on a key may prefer the longer travel distance of the Gold Brown. It's important to consider your own preferences and what feels most comfortable for you when deciding between these two switches. Overall, while there is a slight difference in travel distance, both the TTC Gold Brown and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches provide a satisfactory typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Brown switch provides a balanced experience. These switches have a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness, resulting in a rounded sound profile that is generally softer than most switches without being completely silent. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to your typing experience. It has a deeper and richer sound profile with lower frequency tones, giving it a bassy quality. In comparison, while the Gold Brown is more neutral in sound, the Viola Tricolor has a more prominent and bass-heavy sound. The sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gold Brown is described as mild, buttery, accented, and polished. These qualities contribute to a gentle typing experience with a smooth and fluid keystroke. The tactility of the Gold Brown is prominent yet not overwhelming, striking a balance that is approachable to most users. The Viola Tricolor shares the accented quality with the Gold Brown, providing a medium level of tactility that is also not overwhelming. It is described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, a snappy and reactive feel, and moderate to firm actuation force. The Viola Tricolor strikes a balance between tactility and user comfort, delivering an immersive typing sensation.

In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown provides a balanced and softer sound profile, while the Viola Tricolor offers a deeper and bassier sound. In terms of feel, both switches share the accented quality, providing a prominent yet comfortable level of tactility. The Gold Brown has a mild and buttery feel with a polished finish, while the Viola Tricolor is described as invigorating with a snappy and reactive typing experience. Overall, users can expect satisfying and balanced tactile experiences with both switches, albeit with different sound and feel characteristics.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a balanced switch with a moderate weightiness and a slight, satisfying bump, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch is the way to go. These switches provide a rounded and softer sound profile, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users in any setting. Additionally, the Gold Brown switches offer a mild and buttery typing experience, with a prominent amount of tactility that is not overwhelming. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to your typing experience, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is the better choice. These switches strike a perfect balance between a sharp sensation and a satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. They offer a deeper and richer bassy sound profile, providing an invigorating and immersive typing sensation. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel, but both options offer their own unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Brown Tactile

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn more