KTT Orange vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a multitude of options available, each with its own unique qualities. Two switches that stand out are the KTT Orange and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The KTT Orange switch is known for its bouncy and frictionless feel, offering a smooth typing experience without compromising on key travel. With a low-pitched sound profile, this linear switch provides a sleek and refined experience. 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. With its pronounced tactility, it offers satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. This switch strikes a perfect balance, providing a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. 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
46g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The KTT Orange and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both use polycarbonate for their top housings. Polycarbonate is known to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This stiffness leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it a popular choice for switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful if you plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for the effective illumination of the switch. Therefore, both the Orange and the Viola Tricolor can be expected to have similar sound qualities and aesthetic appeal when it comes to their top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Orange differs from the Viola Tricolor. The Orange utilizes polycarbonate, while the Viola Tricolor opts for nylon. Nylon is considered a classic switch housing material and elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. This is because nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the choice of housing material for the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
In summary, while both the KTT Orange and the Haimu Viola Tricolor share the use of polycarbonate for their top housings, they differ in terms of their bottom housings. The Viola Tricolor utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a different sound profile compared to the Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing. The choice of housing material for the bottom of the switch greatly influences the bottom-out sound and feel. However, the impact of the top housing material remains similar for both switches, affecting the sound when a key is released.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Orange linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Orange switch has an actuation force of 46 grams, which is considered medium-light, while the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is unknown. However, the bottom out force of the Orange switch is 53 grams, slightly heavier than its actuation force. The Viola Tricolor, on the other hand, has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is medium-heavy.
Considering weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Orange switch, as it requires less force for actuation. This can be advantageous for longer typing sessions or extended periods of gaming. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial keystroke may opt for the Viola Tricolor switch due to its heavier bottom out force. Choosing an option with a heavier force can provide a stronger push feel, enhancing the typing experience.
It is worth noting that if the actuation forces of the switches are the same, users can expect similar results in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is not provided, so a direct comparison in this aspect cannot be made. Overall, the Orange switch appears to be lighter in terms of force required, while the Viola Tricolor leans towards the heavier side for a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Orange linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is clear that the Orange has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Viola Tricolor has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, both switches fall within the average range. However, the Orange offers a slightly shallower travel distance, making it a favorable choice for gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor with its longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on individual preference for either a shorter, more responsive feel or a deeper, more substantial keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 Orange switch is known for its low-pitched profile. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile. It adds a touch of character to your typing experience and provides a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Both switches have a similar low-pitched sound profile, however, the Viola Tricolor switch may have a slightly more prominent bass tone. It's important to note that the actual sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's design and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Orange switch offers a bouncy and frictionless typing experience. With a 22mm long spring, these switches provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving you a lively feel and rebound when pressed. They also have excellent factory-lubing, ensuring a refined and fluid key travel with minimal friction. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch is described as accented and invigorating. It offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming, creating a satisfying feedback during typing. The switch has a moderate to firm actuation force, providing a snappy and reactive feel. While the Viola Tricolor switch offers a distinct tactile experience, it's important to note that the Orange switch may have a similar smoothness and effortless typing experience due to its frictionless nature.
In conclusion, the KTT Orange and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer different subjective qualities. The Orange switch provides a slick, frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. It has a bouncy and elastic feedback sensation, ensuring a lively feel during typing. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile with prominent tactility. It has an accented tactile feedback and a snappy, invigorating feel during key presses. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who prefers a medium-light bottom out force and values a slick and frictionless typing experience, then the KTT Orange linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its bouncy and frictionless feel, the Orange switch provides a spring-like feedback and a fluid key travel, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction. Additionally, if you enjoy a low-pitched sound profile that is more bass-heavy and mellow, the Orange switch would be a suitable option, as it offers a low-pitched tone during key presses.
On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and value a tactile typing experience without it being too overwhelming, then the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch would be a better fit for you. The Viola Tricolor switch strikes a perfect balance by offering a pronounced tactility without crossing into the realm of being overly tactile. With its accented and invigorating feel, this switch provides a satisfying feedback and a snappy and reactive typing sensation. Furthermore, if you enjoy a thuddy and punchy sound profile, characterized by a lower frequency range resembling the depth and richness of bass tones, the Viola Tricolor switch would be a suitable choice.
Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Orange linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire. Consider factors such as bottom out force, feel, and sound profile when making your choice. By understanding and considering these factors, you can make an informed decision that suits your individual needs and preferences.
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