TTC Gold Silver vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the TTC Gold Silver and the Haimu Viola Tricolor offers a distinct contrast in typing experiences. The TTC Gold Silver stands out for its rapid responsiveness and smooth keystrokes, resulting in a satisfyingly solid bottom-out with each press. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor provides a unique tactile experience with a thuddy and punchy sound profile, offering a perfect balance of tactility without being overpowering. While the Gold Silver excels in speed, sound, and fluidity, the Viola Tricolor brings a touch of character and satisfaction to every keystroke. 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
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 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
The TTC Gold Silver and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profiles. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance in the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting for added aesthetics. As both switches share this same housing material, users can expect similar sound characteristics and performance in this aspect.
In contrast, the Gold Silver and the Viola Tricolor differ in their bottom housing material, with the former using nylon and the latter also featuring a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is attributed to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound and contributes to a duller and rounder sound overall. With both switches incorporating nylon bottom housings, users can anticipate a similar typing experience in terms of sound output and tactile feedback.
When considering how the top and bottom housing materials interact in a switch, it is essential to understand how each material contributes to the overall typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as sound impact and feel upon bottoming out a key, will be more prominent when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing material will have a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. By analyzing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, users can gain a better understanding of how these materials shape the sound and feel of their typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, requiring 45 grams to trigger a keystroke compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor is heavier when it comes to bottom out force, needing 63.5 grams to fully press down the key while the Gold Silver's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Gold Silver switch would provide a lighter typing experience for those who prefer less resistance, while the Viola Tricolor switch would offer a more substantial and tactile feel for those who enjoy a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, whereas the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Viola Tricolor has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gold Silver. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for users looking for faster response times, such as gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different typing or gaming experience. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Gold Silver, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their key press may opt for the Viola Tricolor. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver 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 Silver linear switch is best characterized by its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying tone with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch leans towards a more bass-heavy and rich sound, offering a punchy and character-filled typing experience. Both switches deliver a pleasant auditory experience, with the Gold Silver focusing on a neutral and solid sound, while the Viola Tricolor adds a touch of depth and richness to the typing sound.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch is renowned for its polished and silky typing experience, ensuring a smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction. The switch offers a mild and subtle typing feel, providing a gentle resistance that is approachable to most users. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is described as accented and invigorating, offering a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. This gives users a pronounced feedback and a snappy typing sensation, enhancing the overall tactile experience.
Overall, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch excels in providing rapid responsiveness and precision in every keystroke, coupled with a resonant and smooth sound signature. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a balance of tactility and sound, delivering a thuddy and punchy typing experience without being overly tactile. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to varying typing preferences, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience. So, if you're looking for a similar level of satisfaction in sound and feel, either of these switches could provide you with a top-notch typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Silver linear switch or the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness, smooth keystrokes, and a resonant sound profile, the Gold Silver may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a balanced tactility, a thuddy sound profile, and a punchy typing experience, the Viola Tricolor could be the better option. Consider your typing needs, whether you value speed, precision, or tactile feedback, to make an informed decision between these two distinct switches. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on what qualities resonate most with your typing preferences.
Mentioned in this article
