Haimu Viola Tricolor vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Haimu Viola Tricolor and the Wuque Studio WS Brown are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct features for different typing preferences. The Viola Tricolor switches are known for their thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to your typing experience. They offer a pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, striking a perfect balance for satisfying feedback. On the other hand, the WS Brown switches provide a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation. With a medium-light actuation force, they offer a comfortable and responsive typing experience, perfect for fatigue-free extended sessions. Enthusiasts cherish the delightful auditory experience these switches provide, thanks to their familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
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
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
Nylon
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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Haimu Viola Tricolor and the Wuque Studio WS Brown differ in their housing materials. The Viola Tricolor features a polycarbonate top housing, while the WS Brown has a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing in the Viola Tricolor creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the WS Brown elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. So, when it comes to sound profile, the Viola Tricolor with its polycarbonate top housing offers a brighter and more precise sound, while the WS Brown with its nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches share the same material - nylon. Nylon is known for being a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. It absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, whether it's the Viola Tricolor or the WS Brown, the nylon bottom housing will contribute to the deeper and fuller sound experience. The impact of the bottom housing is mostly felt on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, emphasizing the importance of the bottom housing in the overall typing experience.
In summary, the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the Wuque Studio WS Brown differ in their top housing materials. The Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the WS Brown's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to the deeper and fuller sound experience. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, whereas the top housing plays a major role in the sound when releasing a key. So, while the two switches may differ in their housing materials, they both offer unique sound profiles and a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it is clear that their actuation and bottom out forces have differences. Unfortunately, the specific actuation forces for both switches are unavailable. However, the bottom out force of the Viola Tricolor is 63.5 grams, which falls under the medium-heavy category. In contrast, the WS Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light.
Consideration of weight is important when choosing a switch, as it affects the typing experience. Some individuals prefer a lighter switch to enable longer typing sessions, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For these users, a switch with a heavier force is preferable.
Therefore, if the actuation forces of both switches are similar, users can expect comparable results when typing. However, it is important to note that the Viola Tricolor is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force, offering a more substantial typing feel. In contrast, the WS Brown provides a lighter bottom out force, which may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the desired typing experience, whether it be a heavier or lighter touch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 3.8 mm. When pressing down on a key, both switches will provide a consistent and uniform travel distance 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 Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 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
The Viola Tricolor tactile switch is best known for its thuddy and punchy sound profile. It adds a touch of character to the typing experience without being overly tactile. It strikes a perfect balance, offering a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. On the other hand, the sound profile of the WS Brown tactile switch is unknown, but it is mentioned to offer a familiar and delightful auditory experience that enthusiasts cherish due to its familiar materials.
In terms of feel, the Viola Tricolor switch is described as being accented, meaning it provides a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It is also described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. Unfortunately, the description of the WS Brown's feel is unknown.
Based on the available information, the Viola Tricolor offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile, while the sound profile of the WS Brown is unspecified. When it comes to feel, the Viola Tricolor is known for its accented and invigorating tactile feel, while the feel of the WS Brown is not mentioned. Without more information on the WS Brown tactile switch, it is difficult to make a direct comparison. However, if the user enjoys a tactile and invigorating typing experience with a thuddy and punchy sound, the Viola Tricolor would be a suitable choice. It is important to note that the feel and sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the chosen keyboard and keycaps.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, there are a few factors to consider.
If you value a thuddy and punchy sound profile with a touch of character, the Viola Tricolor is the way to go. It offers a pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, striking a perfect balance that provides a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. In terms of sound, the Viola Tricolor is described as bassy and low-pitched, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses.
On the other hand, if you prefer a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation, the WS Brown is a great choice. It has a medium-light actuation force, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort for fatigue-free typing. Enthusiasts cherish the WS Brown switches for their familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination. While there is no specific description of the sound profile for WS Brown, it is safe to assume that it offers a familiar and delightful auditory experience based on the choice of materials.
In terms of feel, the Viola Tricolor is described as accented and invigorating. It provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming and offers a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. Unfortunately, there is no specific description of the feel for WS Brown.
Ultimately, the choice between the Viola Tricolor and the WS Brown comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize a unique sound profile and a pronounced tactile feel, the Viola Tricolor is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a harmonious balance of familiarity and comfort without a specific emphasis on sound and feel, the WS Brown is a solid option. Consider your typing preferences and prioritize what matters most to you to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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