KTT Pine vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Pine and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Pine, a linear switch, is best known for its smooth and effortless typing experience. With a polished, factory-lubed finish, these switches minimize friction and provide smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor, a tactile switch, offers a touch of character to your typing experience with its thuddy and punchy sound profile. It strikes a perfect balance between providing satisfying feedback without feeling overly tactile. The Viola Tricolor offers a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 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
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The KTT Pine and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. The similarities in their top housings indicate that users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetic options from both switches when it comes to top-out sound and visual effects.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Pine and the Viola Tricolor take different approaches. The Pine utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, reinforcing the clear and resonant sound profile attributed to this material. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor features a nylon bottom housing. This choice of material elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature and its ability to absorb more sound. Therefore, users can expect a slightly different sound experience when it comes to bottom-out sound between these two switches.
In terms of overall typing experience, both switches benefit from their choice of materials in different ways. The Pine's use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings results in a clear and resonant sound profile throughout the entire typing process. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a contrast in sound between the top-out and bottom-out actions. While the top-out sound is sharper and crisper, thanks to polycarbonate, the bottom-out sound is deeper and fuller, courtesy of the nylon material. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches may come down to personal preference regarding the specific sound profile desired during typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Pine linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Pine has a medium actuation force of 45 grams, while the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is unknown. However, both switches have a medium-bottom out force, with the Pine requiring 58 grams and the Viola Tricolor being heavier at 63.5 grams.
Weight is an important consideration for keyboard users, as it can impact the typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter feel may opt for the Pine switch, as its actuation and bottom out forces are generally lower. This lighter weight allows for longer typing periods, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. This can provide users with a stronger push feel, which some may find more satisfying.
It is worth noting that since the actuation force of the Viola Tricolor is not available, it is difficult to compare it directly with the Pine in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, the Viola Tricolor's medium-heavy bottom out force suggests that it may still offer a similar level of resistance to the Pine, albeit with a slightly heavier feel overall.
In summary, the KTT Pine linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation force but has a medium-bottom out force. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a potentially heavier typing experience with its medium-bottom out force, but the exact actuation force is unknown. Both switches cater to different preferences and can provide satisfying typing experiences depending on the user's desired level of resistance.
Travel distance
The KTT Pine linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch have different travel distances. The Pine has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is a more traditional distance, while the Viola Tricolor has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. If you prefer a more responsive feel when typing or gaming, the Viola Tricolor with its shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. However, if you prefer a deeper, more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Pine with its longer travel distance may be the better choice. It's important to consider personal preference and the specific needs of the user when deciding between these two switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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
The KTT Pine linear switch is known for its medium-heavy weight and smooth keystrokes, providing an effortless typing experience. It is designed to minimize friction with its polished, factory-lubed finish, resulting in smooth key travel. As for sound, the Pine switch offers a bassy and low-pitched profile during key presses. This means that it produces a deeper and richer sound with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. However, it's important to note that the sound of the Pine switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is known for its thuddy and punchy sound profile, which adds character to the typing experience. It offers a pronounced tactility without being excessively tactile, striking a perfect balance. In terms of feel, the Viola Tricolor switch can be described as accented, providing a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming nor subtle. It offers a satisfying feedback without compromising on smoothness. Additionally, the Viola Tricolor switch is invigorating, offering a snappy and reactive feel with a moderate to firm actuation force. This creates an immersive typing sensation for the user.
Overall, the KTT Pine linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch have their own unique qualities. The Pine switch excels in providing a smooth and seamless typing experience with a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch offers a thuddy and punchy sound with a balanced level of tactility, providing an invigorating typing experience. While they differ in certain aspects, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience and offer satisfaction to the user. Therefore, if you are looking for a smooth and buttery typing experience, either switch will provide similar results, although the Viola Tricolor switch may offer a more tactile feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Pine linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are a few factors to consider. If you prioritize a buttery smooth typing experience with minimal friction, effortless key travel, and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Pine switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to your typing experience, along with a satisfying feedback and a pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, the Viola Tricolor switch might be more suitable. Both switches offer a medium to medium-heavy bottom out force, which provides a comfortable keystroke experience. Additionally, the Pine switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound, while the Viola Tricolor switch also offers a bassy and low-pitched sound. Overall, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preference for typing feel, sound profile, and tactility. It's important to consider your own typing habits and preferences when making a choice.
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