KTT Semi Mute vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the KTT Semi Mute and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Semi Mute is a linear switch, known for its completely silent operation, making it ideal for those who crave a noise-free environment, especially during late-night typing sessions. With its buttery and mild feel, this switch offers a comfortable and gratifying typing experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor is a tactile switch, designed to deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds a touch of character to your typing. It strikes a perfect balance between being overly tactile and offering a satisfying feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Semi Mute Linear

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Semi Mute and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, specifically the polycarbonate top housing, share similar characteristics. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting purposes, giving a visually appealing effect to the switches. Thus, users can expect comparable sound profiles and aesthetic benefits from the polycarbonate top housings of both switches.

However, the differences arise when comparing the bottom housing materials of the two switches. The KTT Semi Mute features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to the overall sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Similar to the top housing, the polycarbonate bottom housing adds to the sharpness and clarity of the bottom-out sound. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper, fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Therefore, the KTT Semi Mute will provide a crisper and more impactful bottom-out sound, whereas the Viola Tricolor will offer a deeper and fuller sound with a softer touch.

Overall, even though the housing materials differ for the top and bottom of each switch, the impact of these materials is divided accordingly. Pressing down on a key will provide an experience influenced by the characteristics of the bottom housing material. Conversely, releasing a key will produce a sound influenced by the top housing material. Therefore, users will notice variations in the sound and feel of the switches based on the specific housing materials used but can expect similar results in terms of the overall sound profile and visual appeal.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Semi Mute linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force of the KTT Semi Mute switch is 43 grams, while the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is unavailable. However, both switches have a medium actuation force, which means that they require a moderate amount of force to trigger a keystroke.

Moving to the bottom out force, the KTT Semi Mute switch has a bottom out force of 58 grams, whereas the Viola Tricolor has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. This means that the Viola Tricolor switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience, as it requires a slightly stronger push to fully press down the keys.

Considering weight as a factor, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the KTT Semi Mute switch, as it has a comparatively lighter actuation force and bottom out force. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions, such as in professional environments or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more pronounced and robust typing experience may find the Viola Tricolor switch more suitable, as it offers a heavier bottom out force.

In conclusion, while both the KTT Semi Mute linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch have medium actuation forces, the Viola Tricolor switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel, with the lighter option being ideal for extended use and the heavier option offering a more pronounced keystroke.

Travel distance

The KTT Semi Mute linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Viola Tricolor slightly shallower than the Semi Mute. The difference in travel distance may not seem significant, but it can have an impact on the overall feel and response of the switch. If you are a gamer or someone who values faster response times, the Viola Tricolor with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a more substantial key press and a deeper feel, the Semi Mute with its longer travel distance may be more appealing to you. Both switches offer a tactile experience, but the difference in travel distance allows for some personal preference in terms of key press depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Semi Mute switch is best described as muted and neutral. Muted switches produce a softer and quieter sound, which is ideal for those who prefer a noise-free environment during late-night typing sessions. The Semi Mute switch minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. These switches deliver a deeper and richer tone during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. This adds a touch of character to the typing experience without being overly loud or distracting. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

In terms of feel, the KTT Semi Mute switch is often described as buttery and mild. A buttery switch provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. With a mild tactile feel, these switches are gentle and approachable for most users. They fall in the safe middle-ground zone, striking a balance between too much and too little feedback. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch is known for its accented and invigorating feel. Accented switches provide a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. This creates a pleasant feedback sensation without being too subtle. The Viola Tricolor switch offers a snappy and reactive feel, providing an immersive typing experience. The actuation force is moderate to firm, ensuring a satisfying response with every keypress.

Considering all the available information, the KTT Semi Mute and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Semi Mute switch provides a muted sound profile and a buttery typing experience, while the Viola Tricolor switch delivers a bassy sound and an accented, invigorating feel. Both switches have their own appeal and cater to different preferences. For those seeking a noise-free environment and smooth typing sensation, the Semi Mute switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if someone desires a touch of character in their typing experience and prefers a noticeable, medium amount of tactility, the Viola Tricolor switch would be a suitable option. Keep in mind that individual preferences may vary, and it's essential to consider other factors such as keyboard layout and personal typing style when choosing a switch.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Semi Mute linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, consider your preferences for noise level and typing experience. If you prioritize a noise-free environment and desire undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions, the KTT Semi Mute is the ideal choice. With its completely silent operation and linear actuation, it offers a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a touch of character in your typing experience and enjoy a thuddy and punchy sound profile, the Haimu Viola Tricolor is the way to go. It offers pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, striking a perfect balance between sharp sensation and user comfort. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a quieter and buttery typing experience (Semi Mute) or a more invigorating and bassy feel (Viola Tricolor). Assessing the sound and feel descriptors provided will guide you to the switch that best suits your preferences.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Semi Mute Linear

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn more