Haimu Viola Tricolor vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often comes down to personal preference, particularly in the realm of tactile versus linear switches. The Haimu Viola Tricolor is a tactile switch celebrated for its thuddy and punchy sound profile, which adds a delightful character to your typing experience. With pronounced tactility that strikes a balance between satisfaction and comfort, the Viola Tricolor delivers that sharp sensation without being overly overwhelming—ideal for typists who appreciate feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ is a linear switch crafted from all-POM materials, offering a deep, satisfying "thock" sound and a buttery-smooth keystroke that typists often rave about. This switch is perfect for those seeking a seamless, uninterrupted typing experience that allows for rapid key presses without tactile resistance. While both switches have their unique merits—one providing a robust tactile feedback and the other an effortlessly smooth action—each caters to different typing styles and preferences. 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
45g
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
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, one of the most notable differences lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Viola Tricolor features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile that is particularly conducive to showcasing RGB lighting. In contrast, the WS POM+ incorporates a POM top housing that is characterized by a deeper, more muted sound profile due to the less resonant nature of POM (Polyoxymethylene). This fundamental difference in the top housing materials results in distinct auditory experiences—the Viola Tricolor is likely to offer a snappy, bright sound, while the WS POM+ presents a warmer and softer auditory signature.
On the other hand, when examining the bottom housings, both the Viola Tricolor and WS POM+ utilize nylon and POM, respectively. The Viola Tricolor’s nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, attributable to nylon’s sound-absorbing qualities, which enhance the overall roundness of the switch's acoustics. The WS POM+, on the other hand, uses a POM lower housing that yields a similar deeper sound profile, albeit with a unique twist that allows for soft, pleasing tones. Despite the different materials, both switches achieve a similar sonic depth due to the inherent characteristics of nylon and POM, effectively complementing their respective top housings.
Ultimately, the combined influence of each switch's housing materials reveals how they can shape the user’s typing experience. For the Viola Tricolor, the interplay between the sharpness of the polycarbonate top and the fullness of the nylon bottom allows for a vibrant yet balanced sound profile. Meanwhile, the WS POM+ benefits from the POM materials on both ends, creating a cohesive auditory experience characterized by pleasing and muted tones. While each switch employs different materials, the underlying similarities in sound production—stemming from the bottom housings—demonstrate how the design choices engage diverse acoustic attributes, creating enjoyable typing experiences suited to various preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, the differences in their weights cater to various typing preferences. The Viola Tricolor lacks a specified actuation force but features a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. In contrast, the WS POM+ has a quantified actuation force of 45 grams and a lower bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light. Consequently, the WS POM+ is the lighter option, making it suitable for users who seek a switch for extended typing or gaming sessions. The heavier bottom out force of the Viola Tricolor might appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced push feel while typing. Since the actuation force for the Viola Tricolor is unspecified, we cannot compare it directly. However, the results indicate that if users value a lighter touch, the WS POM+ would be the better choice, while those who appreciate a substantial feel should consider the Viola Tricolor.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, it is clear that they differ slightly. The Viola Tricolor has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the WS POM+ features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the WS POM+ the more responsive choice, appealing to gamers or those who appreciate quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor provides a slightly deeper press, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback during typing. Both switches engage well within the current trend of shorter travel distances, yet they cater to different preferences: the Viola Tricolor for those seeking depth and the WS POM+ for those favoring speed.
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 POM+ comes in at $3.90 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, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is noted for its thuddy and punchy sound profile, characterized by a deep, rich "bassy" tone that lends a unique aural dimension to your typing experience. This low-pitched quality can create an engaging auditory feedback with every keystroke, enhancing the overall atmospheric feel of your workspace. On the other hand, while the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switch is not as clearly defined in terms of its sound attributes, it has been praised for its deep "thock" when typing. Users can expect that both switches, while delivering different types of sound, may create an enjoyable acoustic experience, but the Viola Tricolor stands out with its distinct richness.
When it comes to feel, the Viola Tricolor switch offers a pronounced tactile sensation that balances nicely between being both accentuated and invigorating. This medium tactile feedback is designed to engage the typist without being overwhelming, providing a snappy responsiveness that contributes to a satisfying typing rhythm. The clarity of feedback ensures that each keypress is intuitive, which enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the characteristics of the WS POM+ switches’ feel remain less explored in the current information provided. However, the Viola's invigorating qualities suggest that typists seeking tactile satisfaction may find what they are looking for in this particular switch, with the WS POM+ potentially providing a different, yet equally pleasurable experience depending on personal preferences.
In conclusion, both the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch offer their own unique advantages. The Viola Tricolor excels with its deep, bassy sound and pronounced tactile feedback that strikes an ideal balance for those who seek a meaningful connection with their typing experience. While less is detailed about the sound and feel of the WS POM+, the promise of a buttery-smooth actuation and a satisfying thock remains enticing. Ultimately, both switches cater to different typing preferences; if one prefers a distinct tactile response and character in sound, the Viola Tricolor is the more suitable choice, while the WS POM+ might appeal to those who enjoy a smoother, linear experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch should largely depend on your typing preferences and the overall experience you seek. If you enjoy a more tactile feedback while typing and appreciate a deeper, bassy sound profile, the Viola Tricolor is likely your best bet. It offers a medium-heavy actuation force paired with a thuddy sound, perfect for those who like a pronounced tactile sensation without feeling overwhelmed. This switch is ideal for users who write extensively or engage in activities that benefit from the added feedback that helps improve typing accuracy. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more linear feel with a lighter actuation force, then the WS POM+ will likely appeal to you. The medium-light feel combined with a rich "thock" sound provides a pleasant auditory experience that makes for effortless typing, especially if you're looking to enjoy long sessions of gaming or typing with minimal distraction. Ultimately, each switch offers unique characteristics that cater to different styles; it all comes down to whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or smoothness and ease of actuation in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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