KTT Kang White vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the KTT Kang White and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Kang White, a linear switch, and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, a tactile switch. The Kang White is best known for its exquisite representation of a poppy linear switch, providing a dazzling typing sound that is sure to captivate users. Additionally, its self-lubricating material ensures an unparalleled smoothness when typing. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor is designed to deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to your typing experience. These switches offer a pronounced tactility, providing satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. The Viola Tricolor strikes a perfect balance, offering a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The KTT Kang White and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This choice allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it a preferred material for switches with a clear housing. Additionally, its translucency is especially advantageous for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for enhanced lighting effects. Overall, the polycarbonate top housing in both switches provides similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetics.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Kang White and the Viola Tricolor adopt nylon. This classic switch housing material offers a different sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Typing on switches with nylon housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to the softness of the material. Nylon has the ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This distinction in sound quality can be observed when typing on either switch. While the top housing mainly affects the sound upon key release, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, although the bottom housing material differs, both the Kang White and the Viola Tricolor deliver similar characteristics when it comes to sound production.
In conclusion, both the KTT Kang White and the Haimu Viola Tricolor feature polycarbonate top housing, which generates a sharp and crisp sound profile. This material choice is beneficial for achieving a clear and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing in both switches enhances the typing experience by creating a deeper and fuller sound due to its ability to absorb sound. While the top and bottom housings each contribute distinct qualities to the switches, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality with either option. Ultimately, the decision between the Kang White and the Viola Tricolor may come down to personal preference and aesthetic considerations.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Kang White has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, which falls into the medium range. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is unknown, but its bottom out force is heavier at 63.5 grams, considered medium-heavy.
Considering weight is important for users depending on their preferences and intended use. Those who prefer a lighter key switch may opt for the Kang White as it allows for longer typing periods, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. However, for individuals who desire a stronger and more substantial typing experience, the Viola Tricolor with its heavier bottom out force would be a better choice.
While the actuation forces of both switches are not known, their similarities in terms of the bottom out force ensure that users will experience a similar level of resistance when fully pressing down the keys. It is worth noting that the Kang White is slightly lighter overall, allowing for a potentially faster typing experience, while the Viola Tricolor provides a bit more resistance for those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is evident that the Viola Tricolor has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Kang White has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the more common choice. However, with the increasing popularity of shorter travel distances, gamers, in particular, tend to favor switches with a shorter distance for quicker response times. The Viola Tricolor would be a suitable option for those seeking a more responsive keystroke. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a deeper keystroke. In this case, the Kang White with its 4 mm travel distance would be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 per 10 switches.
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 KTT Kang White linear switch is best known for its dazzling typing sound. The low-pitched switches produce a bass-heavy and mellow tone, adding a pleasant and melodic element to your typing experience. The self-lubricating material used in these switches creates an unparalleled smoothness when typing, enhancing the overall feeling of using these switches. The Kang White switches are neutral in terms of actuation force requirement and sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use them at home or work.
On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a distinct sound profile. These switches deliver a thuddy and punchy sound that adds character to your typing. The bassy sound, characterized by lower frequencies, creates a depth and richness reminiscent of bass tones. The Viola Tricolor strikes a perfect balance with its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying level of tactility without being overly tactile. This ensures that the switches offer a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user.
When it comes to feel, information about the Kang White switches is unknown. However, the Viola Tricolor switches are described as accented, which means they have a medium level of tactility that is prominent without being overpowering. This provides a satisfying feedback during key presses without compromising the overall typing experience. The Viola Tricolor switches are also described as invigorating, offering a reactive and snappy feel with a moderate to firm actuation force. These qualities create an immersive typing sensation, making these switches a joy to use.
In conclusion, the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer different subjective qualities. The Kang White provides a dazzling typing sound and smoothness due to its self-lubricating material, while the Viola Tricolor offers a thuddy and punchy sound with a balanced level of tactility. Although information about the feel of the Kang White switches is unknown, the Viola Tricolor switches are described as accented and invigorating, providing a satisfying and immersive typing experience. Depending on your preferences, both switches can offer a great typing experience, each with its own unique qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a poppy linear switch with a dazzling typing sound and unparalleled smoothness, the KTT Kang White is a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that delivers a thuddy and punchy sound profile with a pronounced yet not overwhelming tactility, the Haimu Viola Tricolor is the way to go. In terms of sound, the Kang White offers a low-pitched and neutral tone, while the Viola Tricolor provides a bassy and low-pitched sound. As for feel, the Viola Tricolor has an accented tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, creating an invigorating typing sensation. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches should be based on your specific preferences in terms of sound and feel.
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