TTC Iron vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the TTC Iron and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Iron linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch stand out as top contenders with their unique characteristics. The TTC Iron switch is celebrated for its clacky sound signature and light actuation, making it a popular choice for those seeking precision and a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch is known for its thuddy and punchy sound profile, offering a pronounced tactility that strikes a perfect balance between feedback and smooth typing. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
41g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Iron and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their unique properties. The Iron's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound, while the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the Viola Tricolor allows for translucency, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Iron's POM bottom housing contributes to a unique sound profile similar to its top housing, while the Viola Tricolor's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition.
While the Iron's POM top and bottom housing offer a consistent sound profile, the Haimu Viola Tricolor split the qualities of its housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch. When typing on the Viola Tricolor switches, the nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing creates a crisper and resonant sound profile due to its stiffness. This split housing design allows for a balance of impact on both the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, as well as the sound when letting go of a key.
In conclusion, while both the TTC Iron and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer pleasing and unique sound profiles, they do so through different housing materials. The Iron's POM housing provides a consistent deep and muted sound, while the Viola Tricolor's split housing design allows for a combination of sharper and deeper sound profiles. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel when typing.
Weight
The TTC Iron linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 41 grams compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Viola Tricolor does have a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Iron has a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Viola Tricolor may provide a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force. If we were to assume the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is similar to its bottom out force, then both switches would offer a medium-heavy keypress experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether one prefers a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions or a heavier bottom out force for a more robust typing feel.
Travel distance
The TTC Iron linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two, both switches provide a consistent and similar travel distance experience when pressing down on a key. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of feel and performance when using either switch. Whether you choose the TTC Iron or the Haimu Viola Tricolor, you can be confident in the smooth and precise key presses provided by their respective 3.8 mm travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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 Iron linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and percussive feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound, adding a touch of depth and richness to the typing experience. While the Iron switch provides a more neutral sound, the Viola Tricolor switch offers a distinct bass-heavy tone. Both switches contribute to an immersive typing experience, with the Iron switch delivering a crisp sound and the Viola Tricolor switch offering a more mellow and rich sound.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Iron linear switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for activation. It offers a mild typing experience that is gentle on the fingers, reducing fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is described as accented and invigorating, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It offers a firm actuation force and a snappy, reactive feel, creating a satisfying typing sensation. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Iron switch offering a light and effortless typing feel, and the Viola Tricolor switch providing a more pronounced feedback and tactile experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Iron linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Iron switch excels in providing a clacky and easy-to-press typing experience, while the Viola Tricolor switch offers a bassy and accented tactile feedback. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Iron switch focusing on precision and lightness, and the Viola Tricolor switch emphasizing tactility and feedback. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and can enhance the typing experience for enthusiasts and daily users alike.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Iron linear switch or the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, you should take into account your personal preferences for typing experience. If you appreciate a light actuation force and smooth travel, along with a clacky sound profile, then the Iron switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, pronounced tactility, and a thuddy, punchy sound profile, then the Viola Tricolor switch might suit your typing style better. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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