TTC Ice vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, preferences often play a significant role in user experience. The TTC Ice switches stand out with their crystal-clear transparent design and linear feel, delivering a smooth and responsive typing experience that is perfect for both gaming enthusiasts and daily typists. Their satisfying bottom-out sound further enhances their appeal, making them a popular choice for those who prioritize swift keypresses without any tactile bump. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches feature a pronounced tactile feedback that produces a delightful thuddy sound profile, offering users a distinct character while typing. These switches achieve a harmonious balance, delivering invigorating but not overwhelming sensations, which makes them appealing for individuals who enjoy a more textured typing experience. Ultimately, while the Ice switches may be ideal for users seeking speed and fluidity, the Viola Tricolor caters to those who appreciate pronounced tactile responses. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Ice and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, it's evident that both switches feature polycarbonate for their top housings, offering a distinct advantage in terms of sound profile and lighting aesthetics. The polycarbonate material, known for its rigidity, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound signature in both switches. This similarity means that both the Ice and the Viola Tricolor will produce a clear and resonant sound when the keys are released, enhancing the user experience especially for those who appreciate the auditory feedback of mechanical switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for players who utilize RGB lighting, allowing light to pass through and create vivid illumination effects.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the two switches differ significantly. The TTC Ice employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, maintaining the same tonal qualities established by the top housing. Therefore, the bottom-out sound will also retain that crispness associated with the hard plastic, contributing to a coherent sound profile throughout the key press. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor features a nylon bottom housing, which has unique acoustic properties. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound when the switch is bottomed out. This difference creates a more rounded auditory experience on the Viola Tricolor compared to the sharper sounds produced by the Ice.
Ultimately, the interaction of the two housing materials greatly influences the acoustic characteristics of each switch. In the case of the TTC Ice, the use of polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings ensures a consistent high-pitched sound profile throughout the action of the key. Conversely, the Haimu Viola Tricolor's combination of polycarbonate and nylon results in a division of sound qualities, with the crispness of the top housing contrasting with the deeper tones of the bottom housing. This means that while both switches share the same sharpness in the release sound due to their polycarbonate tops, only the Ice provides a uniform sound experience throughout the keypress, versus the blended acoustic characteristics in the Viola Tricolor.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, notable differences emerge regarding their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice switch has a specified actuation force of 45 grams, while the Viola Tricolor lacks a defined actuation force, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons in that regard. However, both switches have bottom out forces that showcase a medium to medium-heavy classification, with the Ice at 60 grams and the Viola Tricolor at 63.5 grams. This indicates that the Haimu switch requires slightly more force to achieve the bottom out. Generally, the TTC Ice can be considered the lighter option, making it more favorable for users who prioritize prolonged typing sessions or gaming, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor, being effectively heavier in terms of bottom out force, would appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing feel. For users who prefer heavier switches, the Viola Tricolor aligns more closely with their preferences, although the lack of a specific actuation value for this switch leaves a degree of uncertainty in its overall feel compared to the Ice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The TTC Ice features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Ice switch provides a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times due to its more responsive feel. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor, with its additional 0.2 mm, offers a fuller depth that some users may prefer for a more satisfying tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you favor the snappier response of a shorter travel distance or the deeper sensation of a longer one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Ice linear switch is renowned for its smooth and satisfying acoustic profile, characterized by a crisp bottom-out sound that enhances the typing experience without being intrusive. This makes it an excellent choice for users who enjoy a clean and refined auditory feedback while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch presents a different sound profile with its bassy and low-pitched characteristics. This switch delivers a deeper, richer tone that resonates during key presses, providing a more pronounced auditory experience. The Viola's thuddy sound adds a layer of personality to each keystroke, appealing to those who appreciate a robust acoustic signature in their mechanical keyboard.
In terms of feel, the TTC Ice linear switch is acknowledged for its smooth and responsive actuation, allowing for effortless typing and gaming without any tactile interruption. It provides a fluid sensation that many users find enjoyable, especially for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch features pronounced tactility that strikes a balance between being adequately tactile yet not overwhelming. The invigorating feedback combined with a moderate to firm actuation force creates a dynamic, engaging typing experience. This medium tactile feedback ensures that users are informed of their keystrokes without the distraction of excessive resistance or scratchiness.
In conclusion, while the TTC Ice linear and Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, they each offer unique advantages. The Ice provides a refined, smooth auditory experience along with effortless typing, while the Viola Tricolor engages users with its deep, resonant sounds and satisfying tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your keyboard experience. Each switch offers qualities that can create enjoyable typing sessions, making them both worthy considerations for newcomers exploring the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a smooth, responsive typing experience that caters to both gaming and day-to-day tasks, the Ice switch might be the right choice for you. Its medium actuation force of 60 grams ensures a comfortable typing experience, while its crystal-clear design adds an aesthetic touch to your keyboard. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile feedback and a distinctive sound profile, the Viola Tricolor would be more suitable. Offering a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, it delivers a satisfying and invigorating sensation with each keypress, along with a deeper, bassy sound that enriches the overall typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what aspects—smoothness versus tactility, or aesthetics versus acoustics—you value most in your keyboard switches.
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