TTC Gold Red vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red 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 Red and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. Starting with the Gold Red, this linear switch offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. Its snappy sound profile adds just the right amount of personality without being too loud or ostentatious. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch is known for its thuddy and punchy sound profile, providing a touch of character to your typing. It offers a pronounced tactility, delivering satisfying feedback without being 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 on which switch suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Standard
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 Red and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to its stiffness, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches will provide similar sound characteristics and visual effects when it comes to their top housings.
On the other hand, the bottom housing material differs for the TTC Gold Red and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches, as the former uses nylon while the latter also utilizes polycarbonate. Nylon is considered a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Thus, the TTC Gold Red switch will produce deeper and fuller sounds when pressed down, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch, with its polycarbonate bottom housing, may have a slightly different sound profile.
It's important to note that the choice of housing materials for both the top and bottom housings of switches creates a unique combination of sound characteristics. The qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is more prominent. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced. Therefore, while the TTC Gold Red and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches may differ in their housing materials, their overall performance and experience may still have some similarities due to the shared use of polycarbonate in their top housings.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are notable differences in both the actuation force and bottom out force. The Gold Red requires an actuation force of 43 grams, which is relatively light, while the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is unavailable. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Gold Red requires 50 grams, whereas the Viola Tricolor has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions. The lighter actuation force of the Gold Red would be ideal for these cases. On the other hand, others may enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, and for them, a switch with a heavier bottom out force, such as the Viola Tricolor, would be a better choice.
In the absence of the Viola Tricolor's actuation force information, it is challenging to provide a direct comparison. However, based on the available data, it is evident that the Gold Red is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Gold Red providing a lighter and potentially faster keystroke response, while the Viola Tricolor offers a heavier and more pronounced tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Gold Red being on the longer side and the Viola Tricolor being slightly shorter. The difference of 0.2 mm may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. So, if you are looking for a more responsive experience, the Viola Tricolor with its shorter travel distance would be a better choice. However, for those who prefer a more substantial and deep keystroke, the Gold Red's longer travel distance might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preferences and the specific use case.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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 Gold Red linear switch is best described as having a "thocky" sound profile, which means it produces a deep and satisfying sound when pressed and released. The sound is low-pitched, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The Gold Red switch is also described as having a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for most users, whether they are beginners or advanced, and whether they plan to use the switches at home or work. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is described as having a "bassy" sound profile, which means it offers a deeper and richer sound during key presses. Similar to the Gold Red, it has a low-pitched tone. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Red linear switch offers a mild and subtle typing experience. It has a gentle resistance that is not feather-light but still maintains a light typing feel. Additionally, the switch is described as being silky and polished, meaning it provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The overall feel of the Gold Red switch is approachable to most users, as its qualities are in the safe middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is characterized as an accented switch. It provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. It offers pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an invigorating typing sensation.
In conclusion, the subjective qualities of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer distinct experiences. The Gold Red switch provides a buttery smooth typing experience with a neutral sound profile and a mild, silky, and polished feel. It offers a light-medium level of resistance and a subtle typing feel that is suitable for most users. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch delivers a thuddy and punchy sound profile with a bass-heavy, low-pitched tone. It offers a pronounced tactility without overwhelming the user, providing pronounced feedback and an invigorating typing sensation. Both switches offer unique characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for sound and feel. Whether opting for the Gold Red or the Viola Tricolor, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with satisfying results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is a great choice. These switches offer a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. They are best suited for those who prefer a thocky and low-pitched sound and a mild, silky, subtle, or polished feel.
On the other hand, if you desire a switch that delivers a thuddy and punchy sound profile, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is the way to go. These switches offer a pronounced tactility that provides satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. They strike a perfect balance between sharp sensation and user comfort. The Viola Tricolor switches are perfect for those who prefer a bassy and low-pitched sound and an accented or invigorating feel.
Ultimately, the decision between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch depends on your personal preferences. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to choose the switch that suits your typing style and creates the most enjoyable and immersive typing experience for you.
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