TTC Honey vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer distinct experiences are the TTC Honey and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Honey, a linear switch, is best known for its smooth and creamy feel, giving typists a frictionless and buttery typing experience. Additionally, it produces a deep and pleasant sound profile that adds to the overall satisfaction. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor, a tactile switch, is renowned for its thuddy and punchy sound profile that injects a touch of character into typing. With pronounced tactility, it provides satisfying feedback without being overly tactile, striking a perfect balance. While these general pointers give a glimpse into the reasons one might choose either switch, let's dive deeper beyond generalities to determine which switch is the best fit for your individual preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches have some similarities and differences. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that allows for a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that feature RGB lighting. Therefore, the sound and aesthetic qualities of the top housing in both switches will be similar.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Honey switch features polycarbonate, while the Viola Tricolor switch uses nylon. While polycarbonate brings stiffness to the bottom housing, resulting in a clear and resonant sound, nylon offers a different experience. Switches with a nylon bottom housing produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. The bottom housing of each switch has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, providing a distinct typing experience.
In summary, both the TTC Honey and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches share similar qualities in their top housing material, polycarbonate, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. However, their bottom housing materials, polycarbonate and nylon respectively, provide different sound characteristics. The Honey's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a clearer and more resonant sound, while the Viola Tricolor's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on the desired typing experience and the preference for sound aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Honey linear switch to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, differences in their actuation force and bottom out force become apparent. The Honey switch has a relatively lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Viola Tricolor is unknown, making it difficult to assess its lightness or heaviness in comparison. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Honey switch requires 50 grams of force to fully press down, while the Viola Tricolor necessitates a heavier 63.5 grams. This makes the Viola Tricolor switch a medium-heavy option for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. It's worth noting that both switches have a difference in weight, with the Honey being lighter due to its lower force requirements. However, for individuals seeking a similar result, the Viola Tricolor could potentially be adjusted to achieve a lighter actuation force, although the specific measurement remains unknown. Nonetheless, the consideration of weight is crucial for different user preferences. Some may favor the lighter option, facilitating longer typing periods ideal for work or gaming, while others may prioritize a heavier actuation force for a more significant tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on the user's specific requirements and typing preferences.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Honey linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch have a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches provide a similar tactile experience in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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
The TTC Honey linear switch is best known for its smooth and creamy feel, offering a typing experience that feels like effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys. The sound profile of the Honey is described as more subdued, providing a dampened and subtle sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is designed to deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to your typing experience. These switches offer pronounced tactility, providing a satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. The Viola Tricolor strikes a perfect balance by offering a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. In terms of sound, the Viola Tricolor is described as bassy and low-pitched, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses.
When it comes to feel, the Honey switch offers a creamy and frictionless typing experience. The smooth and buttery feel of these switches, achieved through lubrication or specific materials, allows for a seamless and effortless keystroke. The Honey switch can also be described as subtle and polished, providing a gentle resistance and a refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch offers an accented feel, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The invigorating feel of the Viola Tricolor switch offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive typing sensation.
Based on the information provided, it is evident that the TTC Honey linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch have distinct subjective qualities. The Honey switch offers a smooth and creamy typing experience with a more subdued sound profile, while the Viola Tricolor switch provides a pronounced tactility and a thuddy, punchy sound profile. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. It is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. Ultimately, selecting the right switch should be based on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TTC Honey linear switch or the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth and creamy typing experience, the TTC Honey switch is an excellent choice for you. These switches offer a deep and pleasant sound profile and provide a frictionless and buttery typing sensation. They are best suited for those who enjoy a subdued sound during key presses and a seamless, effortless typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a more tactile typing experience, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch is a great option. These switches offer a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to your typing experience. They strike a perfect balance between sharp sensation and satisfying feedback, without overwhelming the user. The Viola Tricolor switches are described as accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. They offer an invigorating typing sensation with their pronounced feedback and reactive feel.
Ultimately, whether you choose the TTC Honey linear switch or the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, both options have their own unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience. Consider your desired sound profile, typing feel, and bottom out force preference to make the decision that best suits your needs.
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