Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Haimu Viola Tricolor mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to consider the unique features that each switch offers. The Ice King Tactile stands out for its creamy smoothness, pronounced tactile bump, and symphony of touch that creates a uniquely satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor boasts a thuddy and punchy sound profile, striking a perfect balance between pronounced tactility and a satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. While the Ice King Tactile is categorized as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', and 'Polished', the Viola Tricolor falls under 'Accented', 'Bassy', 'Invigorating', and 'Low-pitched'. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
58g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, one can see a clear contrast in the sound profiles produced by the different materials used. The Ice King Tactile features a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softness, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. These differences in sound quality can greatly impact the typing experience for users depending on their preferences for sound and feel.
When it comes to the bottom housing of these switches, both the Ice King Tactile and the Viola Tricolor feature nylon material. This classic switch housing material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound absorption capabilities. Despite having the same bottom housing material, the overall typing experience may still vary between the two switches because of the different top housing materials used. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when a key is released, further showcasing the importance of the materials chosen for each part of the switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of the typing experience. While the Ice King Tactile and the Viola Tricolor both use nylon for the bottom housing, their contrasting top housing materials result in different sound profiles. By understanding the qualities of each material - from the softness of nylon to the stiffness of polycarbonate - users can select switches that best suit their preferences for sound and feel when typing. Whether aiming for a deeper, fuller sound or a sharper, crisper one, the housing materials chosen can greatly impact the overall typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is 58 grams compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch, which has an unknown actuation force. Despite this difference, both switches have a medium to heavy actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a slightly heavier force of 68 grams compared to the Viola Tricolor switch, which has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that the Ice King Tactile switch would provide a slightly more substantial typing experience compared to the Viola Tricolor switch. However, both switches fall into the medium to heavy category, making them suitable for users who prefer a bit of resistance in their keystrokes. Ultimately, if weight is a deciding factor for an individual, the Ice King Tactile switch would be considered heavier in comparison to the Viola Tricolor switch.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch with a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Despite the slight difference in travel distance, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by gamers for faster response times. The Ice King Tactile switch may provide a slightly quicker response due to its shorter travel distance compared to the Viola Tricolor. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch offers a slightly deeper press, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and the feel of the key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Tactile has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Tactile for $4.20.
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 Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued sound profile, producing a dampened and subtle noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound that adds depth and richness to each key press. While the Ice King Tactile is more understated in its auditory feedback, the Viola Tricolor delivers a punchier and more characterful sound experience, giving users a different auditory sensation depending on their preference.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is known for its silky and frictionless typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless key press with minimal resistance. Additionally, the switch gives a stepped sensation with two distinct stages, providing a refined and polished feel during use. Meanwhile, the Viola Tricolor switch is described as accented and invigorating, offering a medium amount of tactility that is not overly tactile or scratchy. This switch provides a firm actuation force and a snappy, responsive feel for an immersive typing sensation.
Overall, the Ice King Tactile and Viola Tricolor switches offer unique tactile and auditory experiences that cater to different preferences. The Ice King Tactile emphasizes smoothness and finesse with a pronounced tactile bump, while the Viola Tricolor strikes a balance between tactility and responsiveness, delivering a punchy sound profile and invigorating feedback. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, as both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their own distinctive qualities.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switches, consider your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Ice King Tactile with 68 grams might be more suitable for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a smoother and more polished typing experience, the Ice King Tactile may be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force at 63.5 grams and enjoy a thuddy and punchy sound profile, the Viola Tricolor might be the switch for you. The Viola Tricolor strikes a balance between tactility and sound, offering an invigorating typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound characteristics.
Mentioned in this article
