Haimu Viola Tricolor vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile. Both switches offer a satisfying level of tactility, but they differ in certain aspects. The Viola Tricolor is known for its thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to typing, striking a perfect balance between tactility and user comfort. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches by Wuque are designed specifically for office and work environments, providing a medium level of tactility while effectively reducing noise. These switches utilize ingenious stem railings to minimize switch sound without the use of silicone dampeners, resulting in a uniquely crisp bottom-out and responsive return. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can determine the best switch that suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Haimu Viola Tricolor and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches have different housing materials, which greatly impact the sound profile of each switch. The Viola Tricolor features a polycarbonate top housing, while the WS Silent Tactile has a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing in the Viola Tricolor creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a crisper typing experience. In contrast, the nylon top housing in the WS Silent Tactile produces a deeper and fuller sound, offering a more rounded and subdued typing feel.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Viola Tricolor and the WS Silent Tactile utilize nylon. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller yet more resonant sound.
It's important to note that the top and bottom housings play different roles in the overall sound and feel of a switch. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Thus, the Viola Tricolor and the WS Silent Tactile offer contrasting experiences in terms of sound, with the polycarbonate top housing producing a sharper sound upon release and the nylon top housing creating a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience due to the shared nylon bottom housing, which contributes to their overall sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, both have an actuation force of unavailable grams. This means that the exact amount of force required to trigger a keystroke is unknown for both switches. However, they both have a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy.
In terms of weight, it is worth mentioning that some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for longer periods of time without experiencing fatigue. This lighter weight is also beneficial for keyboards that are frequently used at work or for extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, others prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. These individuals may opt for options with heavier forces as it gives them a satisfying tactile feedback while typing.
In summary, both the Haimu Viola Tricolor and Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches have an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. The choice between the two would largely depend on personal preference regarding the weight and force required for a satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular in recent times. Gamers, in particular, tend to favor switches with shorter travel distances as they provide faster response times. If you prioritize a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the Viola Tricolor switch would be the suitable choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and may prefer switches with longer travel distances for a more satisfying tactile feel. In this case, the WS Silent Tactile switch would be the better option. Overall, the decision between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preferences 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 Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile comes in at $4.20 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 switch is best known for its thuddy and punchy sound profile, which adds character to the typing experience. It offers a pronounced tactility that provides satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. The Viola Tricolor strikes a perfect balance, offering a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch strikes a delicate balance by offering a medium level of tactility while minimizing noise. It features stem railings with small cutouts to reduce switch sound while maintaining a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Unlike most silent switches, the WS Silent Tactile does not use silicone dampeners, resulting in a typing experience that is tranquil yet tactile.
In terms of sound, the Viola Tricolor is described as "bassy" and "low-pitched," offering a deeper and richer sound profile with lower frequencies. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile is described as "neutral" and "muted," providing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. It is worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, both the Viola Tricolor and WS Silent Tactile switches are described as "accented." This means that they provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Both switches offer a pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. Additionally, the WS Silent Tactile is also described as "mild," offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Its qualities stand in a safe middle-ground zone that most users will find approachable.
Considering the available information, the Viola Tricolor switch excels in delivering a thuddy and punchy sound profile, with a balanced level of tactility. The WS Silent Tactile switch, on the other hand, offers a quieter typing experience while still maintaining a medium level of tactility. Both switches provide a satisfying feedback and an immersive typing sensation. If you are seeking a switch with similar sound qualities to the Viola Tricolor but with reduced noise, the WS Silent Tactile would be a suitable choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that delivers a thuddy and punchy sound profile without being overly tactile, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is the one for you. With its medium-heavy bottom out force and bassy, low-pitched sound characteristics, it adds a touch of character to your typing experience. Additionally, these switches offer a perfect balance of sharp sensation and satisfying feedback, creating an invigorating and immersive typing sensation.
On the other hand, if your priority is a quieter office or work environment without compromising on tactile feedback, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch is the perfect choice. With the same bottom out force as the Viola Tricolor, these switches strike a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction. The ingenious stem railings and absence of silicone dampeners ensure a crisp bottom-out and responsive return, minimizing switch sound and maintaining an impressively silent profile. The WS Silent Tactile offers a neutral sound profile with muted characteristics, providing a softer and quieter typing experience.
Both switches share the same descriptors of being accented and invigorating, providing a prominent amount of tactility without overwhelming the user. However, the WS Silent Tactile also offers a mild option, providing a more gentle typing experience for those who prefer a middle-ground approach in terms of sound and feel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches depends on your preferences and requirements. Consider your environment and desired sound profile, as well as the level of tactile feedback and typing experience you are looking for. Whether you prioritize a character-filled, immersive typing experience or a quiet and responsive work environment, both these switches offer unique qualities that cater to different needs.
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