TTC Silent Brown vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Brown 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 options that stand out are the TTC Silent Brown and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, both tactile switches. The TTC Silent Brown is known for its comfortable typing experience, featuring a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. What sets it apart is the muted sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor offers a different experience with its thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding character to your typing. These switches strike a perfect balance by offering pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, providing 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 best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The TTC Silent Brown and the Haimu Viola Tricolor share similarities in their housing materials, as both feature polycarbonate top housings. This common material choice contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency is beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through effectively. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetic appeal when comparing the top housings of these switches.
However, a key difference arises when considering the bottom housings. The Silent Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Viola Tricolor also employs the same material. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound, which can be distinct from the sharper sound profile produced by the polycarbonate top housing.
When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the respective bottom housing will have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Since the Silent Brown and the Viola Tricolor share the same nylon bottom housing, users can expect a similar experience in terms of the typing sound. However, the top housing's material will play a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice of switch between the Silent Brown and the Viola Tricolor may depend on personal preferences regarding the desired sound profile when typing and releasing keys.
In summary, both the TTC Silent Brown and the Haimu Viola Tricolor feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, they share a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. While the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing's material influences the sound when releasing a key. Understanding these differences can help individuals determine which switch aligns better with their preferences and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are both similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the TTC Silent Brown requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, whereas the actuation force of the Viola Tricolor is unknown. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter actuation force to allow for longer typing sessions, making it ideal for tasks such as work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for a heavier actuation force to provide a stronger push feel.
In this case, individuals looking for a lighter actuation force may find the TTC Silent Brown to be a suitable choice due to its known actuation force of 45 grams, although the Viola Tricolor's force value remains unavailable. Both switches, however, share a similar bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which ensures a medium-heavy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and desired typing experiences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is 3.8 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches provide a consistent and equal feedback in terms of the distance traveled. Whether you opt for the TTC Silent Brown or the Haimu Viola Tricolor, you can expect to experience the same tactile sensation and feedback due to their identical travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $5.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is best known for its muted profile. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise generally associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a thuddy and punchy sound profile. It adds a touch of character to the typing experience with a deeper and richer sound, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The Viola Tricolor strikes a perfect balance, offering a low-pitched, bass-heavy, and mellow tone without being overwhelming.
In terms of feel, the TTC Silent Brown provides a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience. A buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. It also has a mild typing experience with gentle qualities that make it approachable to most users. Additionally, the Silent Brown is polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch is accented, offering a medium level of tactility. It is not hypertactile nor scratchy, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. This switch provides an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel.
Based on the available information, the TTC Silent Brown and Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switches offer different subjective qualities. The Silent Brown provides a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, a satisfying rounded tactile bump, and a muted sound profile. It offers a buttery, mild, and polished feel that is smooth, effortless, and uniform. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor delivers a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding character to typing. It offers a pronounced tactility without being overwhelming, striking a perfect balance between sharp sensation and usability. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding sound and feel, as well as other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are a few factors to consider.
If you value a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, along with a muted sound profile that minimizes keyboard noise, then the Silent Brown switches would be an excellent choice for you. These switches offer a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience, providing a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that delivers a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to your typing experience, along with a pronounced tactility that provides satisfying feedback without being overly tactile, then the Viola Tricolor switches would be a great fit. These switches strike a perfect balance, offering a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. They are accented and invigorating, providing a medium level of tactility and creating an immersive typing sensation.
Ultimately, the decision between the TTC Silent Brown and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you prioritize a muted sound profile and a comfortable typing experience, opt for the Silent Brown switches. However, if you prefer a thuddy and punchy sound with a more pronounced tactility, the Viola Tricolor switches are the way to go. Consider these factors and choose the switch that matches your desired typing experience.
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