Zuoce Lavender vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Zuoce Lavender and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Lavender switch is a linear switch that stands out for its exceptional smoothness right out of the box, thanks to its proprietary Ly blend, and provides a crisp and clacky sound signature, making each keystroke a satisfying experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch is a tactile switch known for its thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding character to your typing experience without being overly tactile. The Viola Tricolor strikes a balance between offering pronounced tactility and a sharp sensation, providing satisfying feedback without overwhelming the user. Each switch has its own unique qualities - the Lavender for its easy-to-press feel and clacky sound, and the Viola Tricolor for its accentuated, bassy, invigorating, and low-pitched characteristics. 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
48g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Zuoce Lavender and Haimu Viola Tricolor utilize different housing materials for both the top and bottom components of the switch. The Lavender features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Similarly, the Lavender's POM bottom housing contributes to a pleasing sound profile, while the Viola Tricolor's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. In this aspect, both switches offer unique sound qualities based on their housing materials.
The choice of housing material for the top component of the switch plays a significant role in the overall sound profile and aesthetic appeal. The POM top housing of the Zuoce Lavender creates a unique and pleasing sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Haimu Viola Tricolor offers a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Lavender and nylon bottom housing of the Viola Tricolor contribute to the overall sound profile by absorbing or enhancing sound, resulting in a deeper or rounder sound, respectively.
When comparing the Zuoce Lavender and Haimu Viola Tricolor, it is evident that their housing materials play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and overall typing experience. While the Lavender provides a deeper and more muted sound due to its POM housing, the Viola Tricolor offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound with its polycarbonate housing. Similarly, the choice of bottom housing material further influences the sound profile, with POM and nylon offering distinct qualities. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide a unique typing experience based on the specific characteristics of their housing materials.
Weight
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, which does not have a specified actuation force. However, the Viola Tricolor has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Lavender has a bottom out force of 53 grams. In terms of weight, the Lavender switch is lighter overall, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where a lighter touch is preferred. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, catering to those who prefer a stronger push feel for their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, which has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Lavender switch would provide a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for speed. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch would offer a more substantial depth when pressing down on a key, which may be preferred by users looking for a more tactile typing experience. Both switches fall within the range of travel distances commonly used in keyboards, but the slight difference in their lengths could provide a different typing experience for users. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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
In terms of sound, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch offers a clacky sound profile that is sharp and percussive, providing a satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch produces a bassey and low-pitched sound that adds depth and character to your typing sessions without being overwhelming. Both switches offer unique sound signatures that can enhance the overall typing experience, although the choice between a clacky or bass-heavy sound will depend on personal preference and the accompanying keyboard setup.
Moving on to feel, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch boasts an easy-to-press design that requires minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. This light actuation force can reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, providing a low-impact and responsive typing experience. Conversely, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers an accented and invigorating feel that provides a moderate to firm actuation force with pronounced feedback. This tactile sensation creates an immersive typing experience without being overly tactile, striking a balance between comfort and responsiveness.
Overall, when comparing the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is evident that both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Lavender excels in providing a clacky sound and an easy-to-press feel, while the Viola Tricolor stands out for its bass-heavy sound and accented tactile feedback. Whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both in your mechanical keyboard switch selection, both options offer unique and satisfying typing experiences that can elevate your overall typing enjoyment. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Zuoce Lavender linear switch or the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth and clacky typing experience with a lighter actuation force, the Lavender switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thuddy and punchy sound profile with a bit more tactile feedback and a slightly heavier actuation force, the Viola Tricolor switch could be more suitable. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so carefully consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Lavender and Viola Tricolor switches will depend on what key features you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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