Durock Piano vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Piano and the Haimu Viola Tricolor are two popular options that offer distinct typing experiences. The Durock Piano, a linear switch, stands out for its proprietary material blend, which makes it incredibly pleasant to type on. Users can expect a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor, a tactile switch, aims to provide a unique thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to your typing. What sets this switch apart is its pronounced tactility, offering satisfying feedback without becoming overly tactile. It strikes a perfect balance, providing a sharp sensation without being overwhelming. These general pointers give a glimpse into what each switch has to offer, but to make an informed decision, let's dive a bit deeper into the specifics. Explore further to determine which switch best suits your preferences and typing style.

By the numbers

Durock Piano Linear

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Piano and the Haimu Viola Tricolor differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profile. The Piano's proprietary POM blend top housing offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile, although the exact details of this blend are unknown. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. While the Piano's top housing emphasizes depth, the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate top housing provides a distinct clarity and brightness to the overall sound.

Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the Piano and the Viola Tricolor also differ. The Piano features a proprietary POM blend bottom housing, which contributes to its uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. However, like the top housing, the exact details of this blend are undisclosed. On the contrary, the Viola Tricolor incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is primarily because nylon is a relatively softer plastic, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. Thus, the Piano's bottom housing emphasizes satisfaction and depth, while the Viola Tricolor's nylon bottom housing offers enhanced richness and a fuller acoustic experience.

When comparing the top and bottom housings of the Durock Piano and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, it is important to note the impact each housing material has on the overall sound and feel of a switch. The characteristics of the bottom housing are predominantly felt during the moment of pressing down and bottoming out a key. In the case of the Piano, its POM blend bottom housing likely enhances the deep and satisfying sound experienced during this stage. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor's nylon bottom housing contributes to a rounded and duller sound when the keys are pressed. Conversely, the qualities of the top housing come into play when releasing a key, affecting the sound produced. While the Piano's POM blend top housing enhances depth, the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate top housing lends itself to a sharper and more resonant sound upon key release.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Piano linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is worth noting that both switches have an actuation force of unavailable grams. This means that the exact force required to trigger a keystroke is unknown for both switches. However, they do share a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which falls into the category of medium-heavy.

Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. This is particularly beneficial for those who use their keyboards for work or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. They may choose options with heavier forces to achieve this.

In terms of weight, it is unknown which switch is lighter and which one is heavier, as the actuation force is not specified. However, with both switches having the same bottom out force of 63.5 grams, users can expect similar results in terms of the force required to fully press the keys. Whether one prefers the Durock Piano linear switch or the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch would ultimately depend on their individual preferences and typing style.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Piano linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, we can see that the Piano has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Viola Tricolor has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The difference may seem minimal, but it can have an impact on the overall typing or gaming experience.

The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Piano is considered as the more traditional option, providing a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor's 3.8 mm travel distance leans towards the shallower end of the spectrum. This shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times. Opting for the Viola Tricolor would result in a slightly quicker keypress, potentially enhancing gaming performance.

However, it is worth noting that some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt or lacking in depth. For those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke, the Piano's longer travel distance may be more suitable. This additional depth can provide a satisfying tactile feel and potentially reduce accidental keystrokes.

Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user. Whether you prioritize responsiveness or a more tactile experience, both the Durock Piano and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer distinct advantages, allowing you to achieve your desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Durock Piano linear switch is best known for its pleasant typing experience, characterized by a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. It offers a smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. This is achieved through its frictionless and silky properties, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a seamless typing experience. In terms of sound, the Piano switch is described as bassy, offering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses.

On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is designed to provide a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to the typing experience. It strikes a perfect balance by offering a pronounced tactility without overwhelming the user. The Viola Tricolor switches are described as accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being too overwhelming or subtle. This switch offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an invigorating typing sensation.

In terms of sound, both switches are described as bassy, offering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. The Viola Tricolor switch also adds a low-pitched element to its sound profile, which provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This can add diversity and depth to the overall typing experience.

Comparing the feel of both switches, the Piano switch offers a frictionless and silky typing experience, ensuring smooth and effortless keystrokes. It enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch provides an accented typing experience, offering a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. It creates an immersive typing sensation with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel.

In conclusion, both the Durock Piano linear switch and Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer unique and desirable qualities for typing enthusiasts. The Piano switch excels in providing a smooth, frictionless, and silky typing experience with a deep and creamy sound signature. Meanwhile, the Viola Tricolor switch strikes a balance between pronounced tactility and an invigorating feel, accompanied by a thuddy and punchy sound profile. By understanding the subjective qualities of these switches, one can make an informed decision based on their personal preferences and desired typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, if you're looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience with a deep and creamy sound signature, the Durock Piano linear switch is the way to go. With its frictionless and silky feel, this switch offers a gliding push feel that minimizes any sense of resistance or friction. Additionally, the bassy sound profile adds depth and richness to your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch that strikes a balance between sharp sensation and satisfying feedback, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is the perfect choice. Its accented tactility provides a prominent amount of feedback without being overwhelming, and the invigorating typing sensation creates an immersive experience. With a thuddy and punchy sound profile and a low-pitched tone, the Viola Tricolor adds a touch of character to your typing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches and the specific characteristics you value in your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Piano Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn more