Dareu Master vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Dareu Master and the Haimu Viola Tricolor mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two distinct options to enhance your typing experience. The Dareu Master switch is a linear option that is prized for its medium weight, classic clacky sound, and smooth operation. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch is a tactile choice that offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile with a perfect balance of tactility. While the Master switch provides a polished and mild typing experience, the Viola Tricolor switch offers an invigorating and low-pitched sensation. Both switches have their advantages, catering to different preferences in typing feel and sound. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the Dareu Master and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The Master's POM housings create a deeper and more muted sound, while the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate housings produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer pleasing sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The use of POM in the Master provides a softer and more subdued typing experience, while the polycarbonate in the Viola Tricolor offers a more clear and resonant sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the differences between the two switches become more pronounced. The Master's POM bottom housing contributes to its deep and muted sound profile, while the Viola Tricolor's nylon bottom housing creates a fuller and rounder sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller sound profile compared to the POM bottom housing. These differences in bottom housing materials impact the overall typing experience and sound produced by each switch.
Overall, the choice between the Dareu Master and the Haimu Viola Tricolor will depend on personal preference for sound profile and typing experience. While the Master offers a softer and more subdued sound with its POM housing, the Viola Tricolor provides a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate housing. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in contributing to the overall typing experience, whether it be in sound profile, feel, or aesthetic appeal. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality from both switches, but with distinct characteristics based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Master linear switch to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is evident that the actuation force varies between the two. The Master has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Viola Tricolor has an unknown actuation force. This means that the Master requires a lighter touch to register a keystroke compared to the Viola Tricolor. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Viola Tricolor has a higher force of 63.5 grams, indicating a more substantial typing experience compared to the Master, whose bottom out force is unavailable. The difference in weight between the two switches caters to different preferences, with the Master being lighter for extended typing sessions and the Viola Tricolor offering a heavier push feel for those seeking a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Master linear switch is 3.4mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular for their quicker response times. Gamers, in particular, may lean towards the Master switch for its slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for fast and efficient keystrokes. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch offers a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced key press. Overall, both switches offer similar experiences in terms of travel distance, so you can expect comparable results regardless of which one you choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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 Dareu Master linear switch is known for its sharp and snappy clacky sound, providing a crisp and bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a deeper and richer bassy sound profile with low-pitched tones, adding a touch of character to each keystroke. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Master providing a classic clacky sound and the Viola Tricolor offering a thuddy and punchy sound.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Master linear switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle and smooth typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is described as accented and invigorating, providing a pronounced tactility without being overwhelming. Both switches offer satisfying feedback to users, with the Master delivering a polished and refined feel and the Viola Tricolor offering a tactile and reactive typing sensation.
Overall, the Dareu Master linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a sharp and clacky sound with smooth operation or a bassy and punchy sound with pronounced tactile feedback, both switches provide excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the sound and feel of the switches differ, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch, ensuring that they will get similar results in terms of performance and satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Master linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a classic clacky sound and a smooth typing experience with medium weight, the Master switch may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a thuddy and punchy sound profile with balanced tactility that is not too overwhelming, the Viola Tricolor could be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Mentioned in this article
