Haimu Viola Tricolor vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the KTT Wine Red. The Viola Tricolor is a tactile switch that is designed to deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to your typing experience. It offers a pronounced tactility and satisfying feedback without being overly tactile, striking a perfect balance. On the other hand, the Wine Red is a linear switch that provides a pillowy light type feel when typing, accompanied by a deep and rich sound profile. Both switches have their unique qualities and appeal. The Viola Tricolor is categorized as 'Accented', 'Bassy', 'Invigorating', and 'Low-pitched', while the Wine Red is known for its 'Bassy' and 'Low-pitched' characteristics. 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
44g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the KTT Wine Red is that the Viola Tricolor has a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Wine Red has a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, producing a duller and rounder sound. This split in housing materials means that the Viola Tricolor may have a more varied sound and feel when typing, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
Despite these differences, the housing materials of both switches share some similarities. Both the Viola Tricolor and the Wine Red use polycarbonate in their top housing, which results in a similar sound profile characterized by sharpness, higher pitches, and crisper tones. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting in both switches. However, the Viola Tricolor stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which provides a different typing experience compared to the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing. The Viola Tricolor's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer and sound-absorbent properties. This distinction in bottom housing materials may appeal to individuals seeking a specific typing feel.
In terms of sound and feel, the Viola Tricolor and the Wine Red will have noticeable differences due to the variation in their housing materials. The Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate top housing will contribute to a crisper and more resonant sound when releasing a key, emphasizing the sharpness and higher-pitched tones. Conversely, the Wine Red's polycarbonate top housing will produce a similar effect. However, when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel, the Viola Tricolor's nylon bottom housing will create a deeper and fuller sound profile, offering a rounder typing experience. The Wine Red, on the other hand, will lack this specific characteristic as its bottom housing is also made of polycarbonate. Ultimately, the choice between the Viola Tricolor and the Wine Red will depend on personal preferences, with the former providing a more varied sound profile and the latter offering consistency throughout both top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are notable differences. The actuation force of the Viola Tricolor is unfortunately unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare to the 44 grams required for the actuation of the Wine Red. However, it is known that the Viola Tricolor has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category. In contrast, the Wine Red requires a bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light range.
Considering weight as an important factor, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience would find the Wine Red switch more suitable. Its actuation force of 44 grams allows for smoother and potentially faster keystrokes, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, those seeking a more robust and substantial typing experience might lean towards the Viola Tricolor. While its actuation force is unknown, its heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams provides a stronger push feel, potentially resulting in a more satisfying typing sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. However, it is worth noting that if an individual prefers a lighter feel, both switches offer similar results, as the actuation and bottom out forces of the Wine Red are relatively close to each other.
Travel distance
The Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Wine Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Viola Tricolor a suitable option for those seeking a more responsive typing or gaming experience. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper and more substantial key press may lean towards the KTT Wine Red with its slightly longer travel distance. Both switches offer unique benefits, so it ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, both the Viola Tricolor and the Wine Red switches are described as having a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. This means that they offer a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. Therefore, while both switches share similar sound qualities, the final result may vary depending on the overall setup.
When it comes to feel, the Viola Tricolor is described as having an accented and invigorating tactile experience. This means that it provides a prominent level of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. It offers pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the feel of the Wine Red switches, which makes it difficult to directly compare them to the Viola Tricolor in this aspect.
In conclusion, both the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch have their own unique qualities. They have similar bassy and low-pitched sound profiles, adding character to the typing experience. The Viola Tricolor offers pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, striking a perfect balance. In terms of feel, the Viola Tricolor provides an invigorating and accented tactile experience, while information about the feel of the Wine Red switches is unknown. Ultimately, it is important to consider both the sound and feel aspects when choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, and the Viola Tricolor appears to offer a more detailed description of its subjective qualities. However, if you are seeking a similar experience with the Wine Red switches, you can expect a pillowy light type feel and a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and want a switch that offers a pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, the Viola Tricolor is the way to go. It delivers a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a pillowy light type feel, along with a deep and rich sound profile, the Wine Red is the switch for you. Both switches are described as bassy with a low-pitched sound, but the Viola Tricolor is also accented and invigorating in terms of feel. Overall, consider your desired force, sound, and feel to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard.
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