Jwick Taro vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Jwick Taro and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the switch you choose can greatly impact your typing experience. Two popular options to consider are the Jwick Taro and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, both tactile switches with unique qualities. The Taro switches are loved for their cozy typing experience and subdued color scheme. With a snappy, medium-level of tactility and acute, crisp clacks, typing on the Taro switches is a pleasure. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switches are designed to provide a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to your typing. They offer a pronounced tactility without becoming overly tactile, striking a perfect balance between sharp sensation and user comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Jwick Taro and the Haimu Viola Tricolor share similar qualities in their housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Taro and the Viola Tricolor will provide similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics.
Where the two switches differ is in their nylon bottom housing. The Taro's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the nature of nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing. Similarly, the Viola Tricolor's nylon bottom housing offers these same qualities. However, since the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, this aspect will be more noticeable in the Taro switch. On the other hand, the top housing, which has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key, will showcase its qualities in the Viola Tricolor.
Overall, while both the Jwick Taro and the Haimu Viola Tricolor feature polycarbonate top housings that provide a similar sound and aesthetic experience, their differences lie in the nylon bottom housing. The Taro offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nylon bottom housing, while the Viola Tricolor presents a contrasting sound experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound and feel during typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is important to consider the weight of the switches. Unfortunately, the actuation force for both switches is unavailable. However, the Taro has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the Viola Tricolor has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 63.5 grams, also classified as medium-heavy. Although the actuation force is unknown, it can be assumed that both switches require a similar level of force to trigger a keystroke, based on the similarity of their bottom out forces.
Weight can play a significant role in switch preference. Some individuals may prefer a lighter switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This is particularly advantageous for those using the keyboard for work or engaging in prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users may desire a heavier actuation force to provide a more substantial typing experience. These individuals would benefit from switches with heavier forces.
In conclusion, while the actuation forces of the Jwick Taro and Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switches are unavailable, their bottom out forces provide an indication of their weights. The Taro has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Viola Tricolor has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Despite the lack of information on actuation force, it can be inferred that both switches would likely require a similar level of force to trigger a keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences for lighter or heavier typing experiences.
Travel distance
The Jwick Taro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular in recent years. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Jwick Taro with its 3.7 mm travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel when pressing a key, the Haimu Viola Tricolor with its slightly longer 3.8 mm travel distance may be more to your preference. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and whether you prioritize speed or a deeper key press sensation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch differ in both sound and feel.
In terms of sound, the Taro switch offers a neutral sound profile. It has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level, making it suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch provides a bassy sound profile. The key presses emit a deeper and richer tone, resembling the depth associated with bass tones. Additionally, these switches have a low-pitched sound, contributing to a more mellow and bass-heavy sound compared to higher-pitched switches.
When it comes to feel, the Taro switch offers a buttery typing experience. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless and effortless sensation. Furthermore, the Taro switch is stepped, meaning it has two stages of tactility. It offers mild feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, differentiating it from hypertactile switches. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor switch delivers an accented tactile experience. It provides a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, making it a medium tactile switch. Additionally, the Viola Tricolor switch is invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, resulting in an immersive typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Taro and Viola Tricolor switches have distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Taro switch provides a neutral sound profile with a medium-level of tactility and crisp clacks. Its feel is described as buttery and stepped, offering a smooth and effortless keystroke with mild tactility. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch delivers a bassy sound profile with a touch of character. It offers pronounced tactility without being overly tactile and strikes a balance between sharpness and user comfort. Its feel is described as accented and invigorating, providing a satisfying feedback and an immersive typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose either switch to achieve the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you are looking for a switch with a comfortable typing experience and a medium-level of tactility, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is an excellent choice. These switches provide a snappy feel with a cozy typing experience, accompanied by acute and crisp clacks. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to your typing, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is a great option. These switches offer a pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, striking a perfect balance. They provide a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user.
In terms of sound, the Taro switch has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes and environments. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses.
When it comes to feel, the Taro switch offers a buttery and stepped typ
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