Haimu Viola Tricolor vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, choosing the right switch can significantly enhance your typing experience, and two standout options in this realm are the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the Wuque Studio WS Dash. The Viola Tricolor is celebrated for its thuddy and punchy sound profile, offering a satisfying tactility that strikes a perfect balance between feedback and comfort, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more tactile experience without being overwhelmed. In contrast, the WS Dash features a bright and clacky sound signature coupled with a silky smooth keystroke, thanks to its innovative Hall Effect technology. This switch appeals to users who value a refined typing experience with a touch of flair. While both switches have their unique offerings—tactile satisfaction versus smooth elegance—both can drastically shape your daily interactions with your keyboard. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Haimu Viola Tricolor and the Wuque Studio WS Dash both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes significantly to the sound profile of the switches. This choice of material allows for a crisper, higher-pitched sound, owing to polycarbonate's stiffer nature. The translucency of the polycarbonate also serves a dual purpose; not only does it enhance the acoustic qualities of the switch, but it also facilitates the aesthetics of RGB lighting. Due to these similarities in construction and material, users can expect to experience a remarkably similar auditory experience when interacting with both switches, highlighting the effectiveness of polycarbonate in achieving a clear and resonant sound.
On the other hand, both the Viola Tricolor and the WS Dash feature nylon for their bottom housing. This classic switch housing material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, contrasting with the high-pitched nature of the polycarbonate top. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb sound more effectively, which generates a duller and rounder auditory experience compared to its polycarbonate counterpart. The shared bottom housing material between these two switches indicates that the overall typing experience will have a consistent warmth and depth, with the nylon absorbing sound and enhancing the tactile feedback associated with each keystroke.
When considering the combined effects of the top and bottom housing materials, the Viola Tricolor and the WS Dash present a cohesive sound profile that balances both clarity and depth. The polycarbonate top delivers sharpness and brightness, while the nylon bottom tempers that with warmth and resonance. Both switches are designed to maximize their materials’ strengths, delivering an enjoyable typing experience. Users can expect that pressing down on either switch will provide the fuller, rounder sound from the nylon housing, while releasing will highlight the clearer sound profile from the polycarbonate top, demonstrating that despite their distinct characteristics, the switches coexist harmoniously in their acoustic performances.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, distinct differences emerge, particularly in their weight characteristics. The Viola Tricolor features an actuation force that is unspecified, while its bottom out force is measured at 63.5 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel. In contrast, the WS Dash has a defined actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which categorizes it as medium-light. This makes the WS Dash the lighter option, appealing to users who favor prolonged typing sessions or gaming without excessive strain. Conversely, the Viola Tricolor, with its heavier bottom out force, provides a more substantial tactile experience for those who prefer a firmer push when typing. Overall, while the Viola's actuation force remains unknown, the differences in their bottom out forces create a clear distinction in user experience between a softer versus a firmer touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, there is a slight difference to note: the Viola Tricolor has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the WS Dash measures at 3.5 mm. Therefore, the WS Dash is the shorter option, appealing to users who prefer quicker response times, such as gamers. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor offers a longer travel distance, which might be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing keys, providing a sense of depth in the key press experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, and users seeking similar results may find that their choice between these two stems primarily from their desired typing experience—whether they prioritize responsiveness or a more deliberate key feel.
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 Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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 tactile switch produces a distinct thuddy and punchy sound profile that embodies a deep, rich auditory experience. This bassy and low-pitched sound adds an engaging quality to each keystroke, giving users a satisfying acoustic feedback that enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch is characterized by a bright and clacky sound signature that typically resonates with a more pronounced high frequency, delivering a lively auditory feel. While both switches offer unique auditory experiences, it’s evident that users will be drawn to different sound profiles depending on their preference for either a deeper thud or a brighter, clattering sound.
In terms of feel, the Viola Tricolor presents a medium tactile sensation that balances pronounced feedback with comfort. Described as accented, it offers a snappy and invigorating typing experience that engages the typist without becoming overly tactile or scratchy. This makes it conducive to both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the WS Dash's feel qualities remain less defined, but considering its design, it can be inferred that the silky smooth keystroke would offer a unique typing experience, likely catering to those who prefer a more fluid and potentially less tactile action.
Overall, both the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches deliver engaging experiences, albeit with distinct characteristics. The Viola Tricolor provides a satisfying auditory and tactile experience that remains grounded and controlled, while the WS Dash appeals to those seeking a more dynamic sound with a smooth actuation. Ultimately, your choice will depend on the atmosphere that you prefer during your typing sessions; whether you favor the deep, rich tones and inviting feedback of the Viola Tricolor or the bright, lively acoustics and smooth flow of the WS Dash, both are set to elevate your mechanical keyboard experience in their own unique ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom-out force. If you enjoy a heavier typing experience with a pronounced tactile feedback, the Viola Tricolor will likely resonate with you. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams complements a rich, bassy sound profile that can add character to your workspace while providing an invigorating tactile response that feels both sharp and satisfying. This switch is great for users who appreciate a solid typing experience that embodies depth without being overly aggressive. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch, the WS Dash switch, with its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, delivers a silky smooth keystroke along with a bright, clacky sound. This makes it an excellent choice for fast-paced typists or gamers who seek quick key presses without sacrificing comfort. In essence, if you want a robust and tactile feel with a distinct auditory signature, choose the Viola Tricolor; if a lighter, smoother typing experience is more your style, then the WS Dash will serve you well.
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