TTC Gold Pink vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Gold Pink and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Gold Pink switches are known for their incredibly light actuation force of just 37g, making them ideal for those who prefer a fast and effortless typing experience. Whether you're a prolific typist or an avid gamer, these switches provide a satisfying level of feedback with their clacky sound that adds a lively touch to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switches are designed to deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a unique character to your typing. With a pronounced tactility, these switches offer a satisfying feedback without being overly tactile, striking a perfect balance for users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Pink and the Haimu Viola Tricolor share similar housing materials, with both switches featuring a polycarbonate top housing. This material provides several advantages including creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of the polycarbonate also makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting into the switches. In terms of aesthetics and sound quality, both switches offer similar results due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Gold Pink utilizes a nylon material while the Viola Tricolor also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. The relatively softer plastic of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches differ in their bottom housing material, which in turn impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the keys.
In summary, the Gold Pink and the Viola Tricolor share a polycarbonate top housing that enhances the sound profile and allows for RGB lighting. However, they differ in their bottom housing material, with the Gold Pink utilizing nylon for a deeper and fuller sound, while the Viola Tricolor also incorporates nylon to absorb more sound. These distinctions in housing materials affect the sound and feel of the switches when typing, providing users with unique preferences and experiences depending on their desired sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Pink linear switch to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Pink has an actuation force of 37 grams, which is considered light, while the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is unavailable. However, it is worth noting that if the actuation force of the Viola Tricolor is similar to or lighter than 37 grams, then both switches would yield comparable results in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Gold Pink requires 45 grams for a complete press down, which is still relatively light. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. This means that those who prefer a stronger push feel or a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Viola Tricolor due to its heavier bottom out force.
Consideration of weight is important for users who prioritize comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. Those who prefer lighter switches, like the Gold Pink, will benefit from the reduced fatigue that comes with typing for longer periods. Conversely, individuals seeking a more solid and pronounced typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces, such as the Viola Tricolor. The choice ultimately depends on personal preference and the specific use cases for the keyboard in question.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The Gold Pink has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Viola Tricolor has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both of these distances fall within the range of traditional switch travel distances. The Gold Pink's 4.0mm is a more standard distance, while the Viola Tricolor offers a slightly shallower travel distance. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Viola Tricolor for its faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial, deeper feel when pressing down on a key may lean towards the Gold Pink with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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 Pink switches deliver a clacky sound that offers a satisfying level of feedback during typing. This sound profile adds a lively and energetic characteristic to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer a thuddy and punchy sound profile. These switches provide a deeper and richer sound compared to the Gold Pink switches, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The Viola Tricolor switches have a low-pitched sound, which is more bass-heavy and mellow. This adds a touch of character to the typing experience and creates a unique auditory sensation. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Gold Pink switches are described as buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. These switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. With an actuation force of 37g, they are exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Gold Pink switches have a gentle resistance that maintains a light typing feel while providing a refined and sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches are described as accented and invigorating. These switches offer pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force. They provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle, creating an immersive typing sensation. The Viola Tricolor switches have a snappy and reactive feel, adding an invigorating touch to each keystroke.
To conclude, the TTC Gold Pink switches deliver a light and lively typing experience with their clacky sound profile and smooth, effortless feel. They are perfect for rapid typing or gaming due to their fast actuation and lack of finger strain. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to the typing experience. They strike a balance between providing satisfying tactile feedback without overwhelming the user. Both switches offer their own unique qualities and can provide an enjoyable typing experience. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, either switch can be a suitable choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and effortless typing experience, particularly for rapid typing or gaming, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch would be a great choice. With its 45-gram bottom out force and 37-gram actuation force, it offers a fast and lively typing experience. These switches also provide a satisfying level of feedback with their clacky sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a touch of character, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch would be a better option. With its medium-heavy 63.5-gram bottom out force, it offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile. The Viola Tricolor strikes a perfect balance, providing a pronounced tactility without being overly tactile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for a light and lively typing experience (Gold Pink) or a switch with character and pronounced tactility (Viola Tricolor).
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