Haimu Viola Tricolor vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Haimu Viola Tricolor is a tactile switch that offers a unique and character-filled typing experience. With its thuddy and punchy sound profile, these switches provide a satisfying feedback that strikes the perfect balance between being tactile without overwhelming the user. Categorized as "Accented," "Bassy," "Invigorating," and "Low-pitched," the Viola Tricolor offers a sharp sensation that adds a touch of distinction to your typing. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus is also a tactile switch but offers a different experience. Designed with the discerning typist in mind, these switches offer a delicate tactility that is perfect for long work sessions. Categorized as "Easy-to-press," "Low-pitched," "Mild," "Neutral," and "Subtle," the White Lotus strikes a balance of being easy to press without sacrificing the satisfying feedback. Additionally, the White Lotus features a removable light column that allows for captivating RGB lighting effects, immersing you in a tranquil typing experience with a mesmerizing radiance. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the Durock White Lotus exhibit some similarities, but also have distinct differences that contribute to their overall performance and sound profiles. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which gives them a clear and transparent appearance, making them ideal for RGB lighting. However, the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. On the other hand, the White Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which offers a unique and premium feel, but the specific sound characteristics it produces are not explicitly stated.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both switches employ nylon, a classic switch housing material. Nylon has a softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a result, typing on either the Viola Tricolor or the White Lotus will elicit a similar duller and rounder sound, contributing to a more satisfying typing experience.
When it comes to the impact of each housing material, the bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. Pressing down on the switch will make you more aware of the qualities of the bottom housing, regardless of whether it is polycarbonate or nylon. In contrast, the top housing plays a greater role in the sound produced when you release a key. Therefore, while the housing materials of the Viola Tricolor and the White Lotus differ, the overall sound experience may be similar, as the qualities of each housing material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, we can see some noticeable differences. The Viola Tricolor has an actuation force that is unavailable in terms of grams, while the White Lotus has an actuation force of 46 grams. This means that the White Lotus requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Viola Tricolor.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Viola Tricolor has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered to be medium-heavy. In contrast, the White Lotus has a bottom out force of 56 grams, which is classified as medium-light. This suggests that the Viola Tricolor requires a slightly stronger push for a more substantial typing experience, while the White Lotus provides a lighter bottoming out sensation.
Considering the weight aspect, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue. This is especially beneficial for keyboards used in work or during extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are people who prefer a stronger push feel to enhance the typing experience, and for them, switches with heavier forces are more suitable.
In conclusion, the Viola Tricolor and the White Lotus offer different levels of actuation and bottom out forces. The Viola Tricolor has an actuation force that is unavailable, indicating a potential similarity to the White Lotus if the force happens to be the same. However, the Viola Tricolor has a heavier bottom out force compared to the White Lotus, making it a slightly heavier option overall. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences and desired typing experiences.
Travel distance
The Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Durock White Lotus tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Viola Tricolor falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which is favored by gamers who desire faster response times. On the other hand, the White Lotus offers a more substantial depth, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more hearty feel when pressing down on a key. Both options fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the White Lotus being slightly longer than the Viola Tricolor. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether faster response times or a more substantial feel is desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor switches are best known for their thuddy and punchy sound profile. These switches offer a bassy and low-pitched tone during key presses, providing a deeper and richer sound reminiscent of bass tones. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switches also produce a low-pitched sound, similar to the Viola Tricolor. Both switches offer a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches are described as accented and invigorating. They offer a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming, providing a medium tactile feel. These switches also offer a snappy and reactive typing sensation, creating an immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switches are described as easy-to-press, mild, and subtle. They offer a gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The White Lotus switches provide a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, offering a low-impact and approachable feel.
In conclusion, both the Haimu Viola Tricolor and Durock White Lotus switches have their own unique qualities. The Viola Tricolor switches deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile, along with an accented and invigorating feel. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches offer a low-pitched sound and an easy-to-press, mild, and subtle feel. While they have their differences, both switches strike a balance between tactility and comfort, making them suitable for various typing preferences. If you're looking for a similar sound or feel, either switch would provide comparable results depending on your specific preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are a few key factors to consider. The Viola Tricolor is best known for its thuddy and punchy sound profile, offering a satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. It has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams and is described as bassy and low-pitched in terms of sound. The Viola Tricolor provides an invigorating typing sensation with its prominent tactility. On the other hand, the White Lotus is designed for a delicate and tranquil typing experience. It has a medium-light bottom out force of 56 grams and features a removable light column for vibrant RGB lighting effects. The White Lotus is considered easy-to-press and offers a gentle typing feel with its mild and subtle characteristics. Ultimately, if you prefer a sharper tactile sensation and a deeper sound profile, the Viola Tricolor would be a suitable choice. However, if you prioritize a comfortable and effortless typing experience with gentle resistance and low-impact feel, the White Lotus would be an excellent option.
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