Aflion Thunder Shadow vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two stand out for their unique characteristics: the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, both tactile switches. The Thunder Shadow from Aflion is praised for its pronounced tactile bump and medium weight feel at a 63.5g bottom-out, giving users a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor from Haimu stands out for its thuddy and punchy sound profile, with just the right amount of tactility that doesn't become overwhelming. While the Thunder Shadow is known for its neutral sound signature and balanced feel, the Viola Tricolor offers a more accented and bassy typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
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
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Thunder Shadow and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiff nature of polycarbonate. This material is ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for a visually appealing effect. However, the two switches differ in their bottom housing material, with the Thunder Shadow utilizing a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Viola Tricolor also opts for nylon for a similar effect.
The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both the Thunder Shadow and Viola Tricolor switches results in a sound profile that is deeper and fuller due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound that can enhance the typing experience for users who prefer a quieter switch. While both switches share this characteristic in their bottom housing, their differing top housing materials contribute to variations in sound when pressing down and releasing a key.
Overall, the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the Haimu Viola Tricolor offer similar sound profiles due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing and nylon in the bottom housing. The stiffer polycarbonate creates a clear and resonant sound, while the softer nylon absorbs more sound for a deeper and fuller sound experience. Whether one prefers the crisper sound of the Thunder Shadow or the rounder sound of the Viola Tricolor may depend on personal preference, but both switches showcase the impact that housing materials can have on the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switches, both switches have the same actuation force of None grams. However, in terms of the bottom out force, both switches have a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making them both medium-heavy in terms of force required to fully press down the key. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the amount of force needed to press the keys all the way down on both switches. Whether you prefer a lighter typing experience for longer typing sessions or a heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience, both the Thunder Shadow and the Viola Tricolor switches provide a balance of actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Viola Tricolor has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Thunder Shadow. The 0.3 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. The Thunder Shadow's shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers, while the Viola Tricolor's longer travel distance might be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, so choosing between them depends on personal preference for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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 Thunder Shadow offers a neutral profile that suits various typing environments, making it a versatile choice for both beginners and experienced users. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor provides a bassy and low-pitched sound that adds a unique touch to the typing experience, giving it a distinct character. Depending on the setup, the sound output of these switches can further be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Thunder Shadow and Viola Tricolor switches provide an invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force. The Viola Tricolor is also described as accented, which indicates a medium level of tactility that strikes a balance between being noticeable without being overwhelming. This means that users can expect a satisfying and engaging typing experience with either of these switches.
Overall, both the Aflion Thunder Shadow and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer users a tactile typing experience with their own unique characteristics. While the Thunder Shadow leans towards a more neutral sound profile and the Viola Tricolor boasts a bassy sound, both switches provide an invigorating typing feel that keeps users immersed in their typing tasks. Whether choosing between these two switches, users can anticipate a satisfying and tactile typing experience that enhances their overall typing productivity and enjoyment.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a neutral sound profile and a well-balanced tactile experience with a medium weight feel, the Thunder Shadow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bassy and low-pitched sound profile with a touch of character in your typing experience, along with a pronounced yet not overwhelming tactile feedback, the Viola Tricolor could be the switch that suits your typing style. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to determine what aspects are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
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