KTT Purple Star vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Star 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 Purple Star and the Haimu Viola Tricolor stand out as popular options. The Purple Star offers a smooth and light typing experience with a neutral sound profile, making it a great choice for those who prefer a mild and easy-to-press switch. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor provides a thuddy and punchy sound profile with a pronounced tactility, offering a satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. 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
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 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 housing materials of the KTT Purple Star and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, it is evident that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their respective materials. The Purple Star's POM top and bottom housing create a deep and muted sound, while the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing produce a sharper, crisper sound with a fuller tone. The use of different materials in each part of the switch allows for a varied typing experience, with the top housing affecting the sound upon key release and the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel.
While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the choice between POM and polycarbonate or nylon ultimately comes down to personal preference. POM housings provide a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum, while polycarbonate offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a clearer resonance. On the other hand, nylon housings give a fuller and deeper sound profile due to their softer nature, absorbing more sound compared to stiffer plastics. Depending on the desired typing experience, users can choose between these materials to suit their preferences.
In terms of aesthetics, the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate top housing is especially useful for RGB lighting due to its translucency, adding a visual element to the typing experience. The Purple Star, on the other hand, offers a more subtle and understated design with its POM housing. Despite their differences, both switches deliver quality sound profiles thanks to their respective housing materials, showcasing the importance of material choice in customizing the typing experience.
Weight
The KTT Purple Star linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. The bottom out force of the Purple Star is 50 grams, while the Viola Tricolor has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that the Purple Star is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Viola Tricolor. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Purple Star, while those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Viola Tricolor. In terms of weight, the Purple Star may be more suitable for longer typing or gaming sessions, while the Viola Tricolor could provide a more pronounced tactile feedback for those seeking a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, making them suitable choices for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. The Purple Star is slightly shorter than the Viola Tricolor, which may provide a slightly quicker keypress feel. However, the Viola Tricolor offers a tad more depth in its travel distance, which can be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress experience. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, with the Viola Tricolor providing a slightly longer keypress journey compared to the Purple Star.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88 per 10 switches.
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 Purple Star linear switch offers a low-pitched and mellow tone, providing a soothing auditory experience during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch brings a bassy sound profile, adding a touch of depth and richness to each key press. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound, with the Purple Star leaning towards a more subtle and neutral tone, while the Viola Tricolor offers a punchier and more characterful sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prefer a softer, smoother sound or a deeper, more vibrant auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Purple Star switch provides a mild and easy-to-press typing experience, making it an excellent choice for light typists who value comfort and ease of use. Conversely, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch offers an accented and invigorating tactile feedback, striking a perfect balance between a noticeable tactility and a comfortable typing experience. While the Purple Star focuses on providing a gentle and approachable typing feel, the Viola Tricolor aims to enhance the typing sensation by offering a more pronounced feedback and a moderate actuation force. Choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a mild and effortless typing experience or a more engaging and tactile one.
In conclusion, both the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch have their unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Purple Star offers a smoother and more neutral sound, paired with an easy-to-press and mild typing feel, the Viola Tricolor provides a punchier and more characterful sound profile, along with an invigorating and accented tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a softer, smoother typing experience with a mellow sound or a more engaging and tactile feedback with a bassier tone. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and habits. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a smooth and neutral sound, the Purple Star may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile typing experience with a punchy sound profile, the Viola Tricolor could better suit your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize lightness and smoothness or tactility and sound characteristics in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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