Haimu Viola Tricolor vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer an exceptional typing experience are the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile. The Viola Tricolor switches are best known for their thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to your typing. They offer a pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, striking a perfect balance that provides a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switches from Wuque Studio are captivating in their own right. With a tactile force of 70g, each keystroke offers satisfying resistance, making typing an engaging journey. These switches also boast a captivating sound profile, thanks to Wuque Studios' nylon housings that contribute to a "thocky" resonance. Both switches offer accents and invigorating typing experiences, but 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Viola Tricolor features a polycarbonate top housing, which enhances its sound by creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound.
The differences continue into the bottom housing as well. The Viola Tricolor utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to its deep and full sound profile. Similar to its impact on the top housing, nylon's softness absorbs sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, thus providing a similar impact on the switch's sound. Both switches, therefore, benefit from the use of nylon in their bottom housings, enhancing their overall sound profiles.
When it comes to the overall feel of the switch, the differences in housing materials become more evident. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Therefore, with the Viola Tricolor's nylon bottom housing, users can expect a deeper and fuller feel when pressing down on the keys. Likewise, the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon bottom housing will provide a similar experience. On the other hand, the impact of the top housing becomes more prominent when releasing a key, affecting the sound produced. Therefore, the polycarbonate top housing of the Viola Tricolor will deliver a sharper and crisper sound when keys are released, while the nylon top housing of the WS Heavy Tactile will provide a deeper and fuller sound.
In summary, the housing materials of the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile differ in composition and resulting sound profiles. The Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while its nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon top and bottom housings deliver a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches benefit from the absorption properties of nylon, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile overall. The impact of the housing materials is most noticeable in the bottom-out sound and feel for both switches, while the release sound is influenced by the top housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Viola Tricolor has an actuation force that is unavailable, while the WS Heavy Tactile also has an unavailable actuation force. However, in terms of bottom out force, we can see that the Viola Tricolor requires a heavier force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, whereas the WS Heavy Tactile requires a lighter force of 45 grams, categorizing it as light.
The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider for various reasons. Some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for longer periods, making it ideal for keyboards used in work environments or for extended gaming sessions. However, others prefer a stronger push feel to enhance their typing experience, and for them, opting for switches with heavier forces is preferred.
Although the exact actuation forces for both the Viola Tricolor and WS Heavy Tactile switches are unknown, it can be assumed that they provide different tactile feedback due to the difference in their bottom out forces. The Viola Tricolor requires a heavier force to bottom out, resulting in a more substantial typing experience, whereas the WS Heavy Tactile requires a lighter force, providing a lighter and potentially more effortless keystroke.
In conclusion, the Viola Tricolor is characterized by a heavier bottom out force, suggesting a more robust typing experience, while the WS Heavy Tactile is lighter in comparison, enabling longer and potentially less fatiguing typing sessions. Choosing between the two will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Comparing the two, it is evident that the Viola Tricolor has a slightly longer travel distance than the WS Heavy Tactile switch. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which is becoming more popular in recent times, there is still a subtle difference between the two. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the WS Heavy Tactile switch with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down the keys may opt for the Viola Tricolor with its slightly longer travel distance. Therefore, the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness and depth.
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 Heavy Tactile 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 delivering a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to your typing experience. It offers a pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, striking a perfect balance between a sharp sensation and user comfort. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch from Wuque Studio provides a profound and pronounced tactile bump with a tactile force of 70g. This creates a satisfying resistance during keystrokes, making typing an engaging and immersive journey. Additionally, the WS Heavy Tactile switch produces a familiar and captivating sound profile, thanks to Wuque Studios' nylon housing, which contributes to a "thocky" resonance.
In terms of sound, the Viola Tricolor switch has a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. This means that it offers a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The WS Heavy Tactile switch, on the other hand, is described as clacky, high-pitched, and resonant. It produces a sharp, crisp, and percussive sound when pressed, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, both the Viola Tricolor and WS Heavy Tactile switches are described as accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. They offer pronounced feedback and an invigorating typing sensation. The WS Heavy Tactile switch is additionally described as bouncy, giving a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, and snappy, which means it is super responsive and makes the typing experience feel more alive. The Viola Tricolor's feel is not explicitly mentioned, but based on its description of pronounced tactility, it can be inferred that it also offers a sharp and snappy tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Viola Tricolor and WS Heavy Tactile switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics. The Viola Tricolor provides a thuddy and punchy sound profile, along with a pronounced tactility that strikes a perfect balance between sharpness and user comfort. The WS Heavy Tactile switch, on the other hand, offers a captivating sound profile with a resonant and clacky nature, complemented by a profound and pronounced tactile bump. Both switches provide an invigorating typing sensation and pronounced feedback. So, if you enjoy a deeper and richer sound profile, you can expect similar results with the Viola Tricolor switch.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a balanced level of tactility, then the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches provide a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user, offering a satisfying feedback during typing. Additionally, the Viola Tricolor switches deliver a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, adding a touch of depth and richness to your typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more pronounced tactile bump, then the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch would be a better fit. These switches offer a satisfying resistance with each keystroke, making typing an engaging and immersive journey. Furthermore, the WS Heavy Tactile switches produce a clacky and high-pitched sound, providing a crisp and percussive auditory feedback.
Ultimately, your choice between the Viola Tricolor and WS Heavy Tactile switches will depend on your preference for bottom out force, tactility level, and sound profile. Consider whether you prefer a medium-heavy or light bottom out force, a balanced or more pronounced tactile bump, as well as a bassy or high-pitched sound. These factors will help you decide which switch suits your typing style and preferences the best.
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