TTC Silent Red vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Red and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that prioritizes a quiet and smooth typing experience, the TTC Silent Red and the Haimu Viola Tricolor are two excellent options to consider. The Silent Red switch is best known for its buttery and muted feel, making it a perfect choice for those looking to use their keyboard in an office or shared living space. It offers a consistent feel throughout and has a padded bottom-out for maximum comfort. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch is designed to deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to your typing experience. It strikes a perfect balance between tactile feedback and not being overly tactile, offering a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision for your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 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 housing materials of the TTC Silent Red and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches are quite similar, as both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. This material choice provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it an excellent option for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. Therefore, both switches are likely to offer comparable results in terms of sound quality and visual aesthetics when it comes to their top housings.
However, the differences in their bottom housings set these switches apart. The Silent Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Viola Tricolor features a similar nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Therefore, typing on both switches will provide a different experience in terms of sound, with the nylon bottom housing creating a duller and rounder sound compared to other materials.
Considering the impact on sound and feel, the bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel of a keypress. This means that the nylon bottom housing of both switches will play a significant role in the overall typing experience, offering a deeper and fuller sound when keys are pressed down. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing's influence becomes more noticeable. Therefore, the polycarbonate top housings of both switches will contribute to the sound profile when keys are released, providing a sharper and crisper sound. Despite these differences, both switches aim to enhance the auditory feedback of typing with their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are both similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the Silent Red requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is unknown. However, both switches share a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Red may be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. This lighter actuation force allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue and is ideal for individuals who value extended typing sessions, whether for work or gaming. On the other hand, for those seeking a more substantial typing feel, the Viola Tricolor's actuation force remains uncertain. However, its shared bottom out force with the Silent Red suggests a similar level of force required for a more substantial and satisfying typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference. Individuals who prioritize a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Silent Red, while those seeking a heavier push feel may find the Viola Tricolor more suitable. Regardless, with both switches featuring a medium-heavy bottom out force, users can expect a satisfying and tactile typing experience from either option.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Viola Tricolor has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If responsiveness is your priority, the Silent Red with its shorter travel distance may be the better choice. However, some people find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and if you prefer a more substantial depth to your keystrokes, the Viola Tricolor's slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable. Overall, these switches offer a similar experience but with a slight difference in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 TTC Silent Red linear switch is renowned for its muted sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a quiet typing experience. This switch is ideal for office or shared living spaces where noise reduction is essential. The Silent Red switch also offers a smooth and consistent feel throughout the keystroke, providing a seamless typing experience. Additionally, it features a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. If you opt for the Silent Red switch, you can expect a soft and quiet typing sound with a smooth and comfortable feel.
On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a unique sound profile described as thuddy and punchy. This switch adds a touch of character to your typing experience with its deeper and richer sound, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It is also characterized as low-pitched, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. In terms of feel, the Viola Tricolor switch offers a pronounced tactility without being overwhelming, striking a perfect balance that provides satisfying feedback. It is often described as an accented switch, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being excessively tactile. This switch delivers an invigorating typing sensation with its moderate to firm actuation force, snappy and reactive feel.
In summary, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is best known for its muted sound profile and smooth, consistent feel, making it perfect for a noise-sensitive environment. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch delivers a thuddy and punchy sound profile with pronounced tactility, providing a unique typing experience. Both switches offer their own distinctive qualities, catering to different preferences. If you desire a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Silent Red switch is an excellent choice, while the Viola Tricolor switch offers a more lively and tactile experience. Regardless of your choice, both switches provide a satisfying typing sensation.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, the TTC Silent Red linear switch would be the perfect choice for you. With a muted sound profile, these switches are ideal for office or shared living space use. The Silent Red switch provides a buttery and mild feel, ensuring a comfortable and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that adds a touch of character to your typing experience, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is the way to go. These switches offer a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding depth and richness to your keystrokes. The Viola Tricolor switch provides an accented and invigorating feel, delivering pronounced tactile feedback without being overwhelming. Ultimately, the choice between the Silent Red and Viola Tricolor switches depends on your preferences for sound and feel during typing.
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