Akko Rosewood vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience, particularly when comparing the Akko Rosewood and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Akko Rosewood, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keypresses and a deep, satisfying “thocky” sound, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, making it an exceptional choice for those who appreciate a seamless and quiet typing experience. Conversely, the Haimu Viola Tricolor, categorized as tactile, delivers a punchy, thuddy sound profile, adding an exciting layer of character to each keystroke. With its pronounced tactility, the Viola Tricolor provides a compelling feedback mechanism that enhances typing precision without being overly distracting. Whether you seek the smooth elegance of the Rosewood or the engaging tactile sensation offered by the Viola Tricolor, each switch presents unique advantages tailored to different preferences and styles. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.

By the numbers

Akko Rosewood Linear

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Rosewood and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, we find a notable contrast in the materials used for the top housings. The Rosewood utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's relatively softer nature, which allows it to absorb sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, typing on the Rosewood yields a duller and rounder sound, which many users find pleasing for a tactile typing experience. Conversely, the Viola Tricolor employs polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper and more resonant sound profile. Polycarbonate’s rigidity enhances clarity, rendering a higher-pitched typing sound. This structural difference not only influences the acoustic experience when typing but also the visual appeal of the switches, as polycarbonate’s translucence makes it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting.

In terms of the bottom housing, both the Akko Rosewood and the Haimu Viola Tricolor share the same material: nylon. This similarity means that both switches will deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out, as nylon absorbs sound more effectively than stiffer alternatives. Therefore, the tactile feedback and overall sound produced by the bottom housing will be consistent across both switches. This commonality in bottom housing allows users to expect a certain level of acoustic richness when pressing down on either switch, despite the differences presented in the top housing that influence the sound upon release.

Ultimately, the diverging characteristics of the top housings lead to distinct acoustic profiles when typing on the two switches, while the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent sound experience when bottoming out. Users choosing between the Akko Rosewood and the Haimu Viola Tricolor should consider their preference for sound profiles: the Rosewood for a warmer and softer feel, and the Viola Tricolor for a sharper and more resonant typing experience. This combination of materials highlights how the interplay of different plastics affects both sound and tactile sensations, allowing users to select a switch that aligns closely with their typing preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Rosewood switch features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons without causing significant strain. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor has an unknown actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which suggests a more substantial tactile experience. As a result, the Rosewood switch is classified as lighter, while the Viola Tricolor is categorized as medium-heavy. This difference in force characteristics can influence user preference; those who favor a softer touch for prolonged use may lean towards the Rosewood, while those who enjoy a firmer feel might opt for the Viola Tricolor.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Rosewood features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Viola Tricolor has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Viola Tricolor the shorter option, appealing to those who favor quicker response times and a more instant bottom-out feeling—attributes often sought after by gamers. On the other hand, the Rosewood's longer travel distance might be preferred by users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and deeper keypress, offering a satisfying sensation during typing or gaming. Thus, while both switches offer unique benefits, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding the depth and responsiveness of key presses.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko Rosewood linear switch is characterized by a deep and satisfying thocky sound that is noticeably enhanced by a factory-applied layer of lubricant. This results in a pleasant auditory experience right out of the box, appealing to those who appreciate a mellow yet resonant sound profile. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch delivers a thuddy and punchy sound, which incorporates a bassy and low-pitched quality, providing a distinctive audio character during typing. Both switches produce rich sounds, with the Rosewood leaning towards a smoother thock and the Viola Tricolor offering a sharper and more dynamic auditory footprint.

When it comes to feel, the Rosewood switch offers a distinct linear action that prioritizes smoothness from top to bottom; however, specific descriptors of its tactile quality are missing. Meanwhile, the Viola Tricolor is described as an accented tactile switch that strikes a balance with its medium tactile feedback, presenting a prominent yet non-obtrusive sensation during key engagements. Users can expect an invigorating typing experience with the Viola Tricolor, which features snappy and reactive feedback without becoming overwhelming. The Rosewood will likely provide a fluid typing experience that complements its smoother sound profile, which is a stark contrast to the more dynamic and tactile nature of the Viola.

In conclusion, while both the Akko Rosewood and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches are appealing options, they cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Rosewood’s deep thocky sound suits those who appreciate a smooth, rich auditory experience, whereas the Viola Tricolor’s thuddy tone and pronounced tactile feedback will resonate with typists who enjoy intricate sound profiles paired with satisfying feedback. Evaluating individual preferences regarding sound and tactile response will ultimately determine which switch aligns best with a user’s typing style and experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch that produces a satisfying thocky sound right out of the box, the Rosewood is an excellent option. Its 50-gram bottom-out force is ideal for those who type quickly or aim for a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke experience with minimal resistance. On the other hand, if you enjoy clear tactile feedback and a more pronounced sound profile during your typing sessions, the Viola Tricolor might be the better choice for you. With a medium-heavy force of 63.5 grams, this switch offers a unique balance of tactile response and sound, delivering a thuddy yet invigorating experience that keeps you engaged. Essentially, if you favor a quiet and smooth keystroke, go for the Rosewood. However, if you're seeking a responsive, character-rich typing experience with reassuring tactile feedback, the Viola Tricolor will prove to be more satisfying.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

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Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn more