Haimu Viola Tricolor vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow

Overview

The Haimu Viola Tricolor and Wuque Studio WS Yellow are two mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics. The Viola Tricolor is a tactile switch, known for its thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds a touch of character to your typing experience. It offers a pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, striking a perfect balance for users. On the other hand, the WS Yellow is a linear switch that boasts a timeless fusion of classic materials and cutting-edge engineering. It features a 22mm double-stage spring for a delightful typing experience and a satisfying bounce. Additionally, the WS Yellow offers a familiar sound signature that enthusiasts adore. Both switches offer unique advantages, however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

Wuque Studio WS Yellow Linear

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow, one notable difference is in their top housing materials. The Viola Tricolor features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the WS Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. Despite their contrasting characteristics, both materials are commonly used in switch housings and offer their unique qualities to enhance the typing experience.

Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Viola Tricolor and the WS Yellow utilize nylon as the material of choice. As nylon is a classic switch housing material, it contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches. Its softer nature allows for better sound absorption, resulting in a more mellow and rounded sound when typing. Therefore, although the switches differ in their top housing materials, both the Viola Tricolor and the WS Yellow offer similar sound qualities through their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing.

It is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in the overall sound profile. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are more apparent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Consequently, the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate bottom housing and the WS Yellow's nylon bottom housing contribute to the deeper and fuller sound experienced when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the top housing material has a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper sound when letting go of a key, the WS Yellow's nylon top housing produces a fuller and rounder sound upon key release.

Weight

When comparing the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, one noticeable difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The actuation force of both switches is unavailable, meaning that it is not specified. However, the Viola Tricolor has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which can be categorized as medium-heavy, while the WS Yellow has a bottom out force of 53 grams, classified as medium-light. This indicates that the Viola Tricolor requires a slightly stronger push for a keypress compared to the WS Yellow.

For individuals who prefer a lighter weight and a longer typing duration, the WS Yellow may be a suitable choice. The relatively lower bottom out force allows for easier and smoother keystrokes, making it conducive for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor offers a more substantial typing experience with its higher bottom out force. This can be appealing to those who crave a stronger push feel, possibly resulting in increased tactile feedback and a more pronounced typing sensation.

While the actuation forces of both switches remain unknown, it is likely that they are different from each other since their bottom out forces differ. Therefore, if actuation force is a determining factor for switch selection, it is advised to consider the available information regarding the bottom out force to make an informed decision. Overall, the Viola Tricolor can be considered the heavier option, while the WS Yellow is comparatively lighter.

Travel distance

The travel distances of the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch are both 3.8 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same travel distance of 3.8 mm. Therefore, both switches will provide similar results in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on a key. It is worth noting that both switches have an identical travel distance, indicating that neither one is shorter or longer than the other.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Viola Tricolor switch is best known for its thuddy and punchy sound profile, which adds character to the typing experience. It strikes a balance between sharpness and not overwhelming the user. On the other hand, the sound profile of the WS Yellow switch is unknown. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Viola Tricolor switch is described as having a pronounced tactility without being overly tactile. It offers a satisfying feedback without overwhelming the user and is considered "medium tactile". It is also described as invigorating, providing a snappy and reactive feel. On the other hand, the WS Yellow switch is described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. It is mild and polished, providing a gentle and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Based on the available information, the Viola Tricolor switch offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile, along with a pronounced tactility and invigorating feel. The WS Yellow switch, on the other hand, offers a creamy typing experience with a mild and polished feel. If the sound and feel qualities are what you are looking for, you can expect similar results from these switches. However, it is important to consider other factors such as personal preference, keyboard, and keycap choices in order to have the best typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, when choosing between the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, there are some factors to consider. The Viola Tricolor, with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, offers a satisfying tactile feedback without being overly tactile. It strikes a perfect balance, providing a sharp sensation while not overwhelming the user. Additionally, it is known for delivering a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to your typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Yellow has a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams and is crafted to be lightweight, providing effortless keystrokes and ensuring a smooth and fluid typing experience. It offers a delightful typing experience with a satisfying bounce and a familiar sound signature. It is also described as creamy, mild, and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. Ultimately, if you prefer a switch with pronounced tactility and a thuddy sound profile, the Viola Tricolor would be a great choice. However, if you prioritize lightweight switches with a smooth and buttery typing experience, the WS Yellow would be more suitable. Consider your preferences for feel and sound when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Yellow Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more