KTT Mallo vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Mallo and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both offer unique characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Mallo is praised for its subtlety and finesse, providing a gentle tactility and medium-light typing feel that strikes a balanced chord for typists. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor boasts a thuddy and punchy sound profile with pronounced tactility that adds character to typing. While the Mallo offers a neutral and versatile typing experience, the Viola Tricolor provides an invigorating and low-pitched sensation. 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
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The KTT Mallo and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in both switches results in clear and resonant sound due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. This similarity in housing material indicates that users can expect a similar sound profile and aesthetic experience when using either the Mallo or the Viola Tricolor.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the KTT Mallo features a nylon bottom housing while the Haimu Viola Tricolor also utilizes nylon as its bottom housing material. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon. Both switches offer a similar typing experience due to their shared bottom housing material, which emphasizes a richer and more satisfying sound profile for users.
In terms of functionality, the qualities of the housing materials for both switches are split between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This division ensures that users can appreciate the distinct qualities of both the top and bottom housing materials in each switch, offering a well-rounded and immersive typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, we find that the Mallo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Viola Tricolor has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This makes the Mallo the lighter option between the two, as it requires less force for a keystroke to register compared to the Viola Tricolor. Both switches share the same actuation force of None grams, meaning that the initial force needed to trigger a keystroke is equal for both. The Mallo provides a medium-light typing experience with its bottom out force, ideal for those looking for a lighter touch during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor offers a medium-heavy typing experience, suitable for those who prefer a more substantial push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Mallo catering to those who prefer a lighter touch and the Viola Tricolor for those who prefer a heavier feel.
Travel distance
The KTT Mallo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Viola Tricolor has a shorter travel distance compared to the Mallo. A shorter travel distance often leads to faster response times, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for some users. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, but the slight difference may still affect the user experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for responsiveness and depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 KTT Mallo switch is known for its neutral and subdued sound profile. This means that it offers a moderate sound level that is not overpowering, making it suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound that is deeper and richer in tone. Depending on personal preference, the Mallo would be more suitable for those looking for a quieter typing experience, while the Viola Tricolor would cater to individuals who enjoy a more noticeable and punchy sound while typing.
In terms of feel, the KTT Mallo switch is characterized by its feathery, mild, stepped, and subtle typing experience. This means that it offers a light and gentle typing feel that is comfortable for extended typing sessions, without being too overwhelming in terms of tactility. Conversely, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch provides an accented and invigorating typing experience. With a prominent amount of tactility and a snappy feel, this switch is ideal for those seeking a more immersive and interactive typing sensation.
Overall, both the KTT Mallo and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mallo switch provides a balanced and subtle typing experience with a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for different settings. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch offers a more pronounced tactility and a punchy sound that adds character to the typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards will find a switch that suits their needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a balanced and subtle typing experience, the KTT Mallo tactile switch with its medium-light bottom out force and feathery feel would be a great choice. The Mallo's neutral sound signature and gentle tactility make it suitable for various typing environments without being overpowering. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bit more character and punch, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force and accented feel might be more to your liking. The Viola Tricolor's bassy sound profile and pronounced tactility provide a more immersive typing sensation without being overly tactile. Ultimately, the choice between the Mallo and Viola Tricolor comes down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
