Haimu Viola Tricolor vs. TTC Yunhai

Overview

When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches can make a world of difference, and two notable options are the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the TTC Yunhai. The Viola Tricolor, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its thuddy and punchy sound profile, providing pronounced tactile feedback that strikes a harmonious balance between being satisfying and not overly intense—ideal for users who appreciate a bit of character in their keystrokes. Conversely, the TTC Yunhai represents the linear switch category, boasting an incredibly light actuation force that caters to those who prefer a gentle and effortless typing experience; its deep, rounded sound adds a unique auditory dynamic to every keystroke. These contrasting characteristics—one emphasizing tactile engagement and the other prioritizing smoothness—make each switch appealing for different typing styles and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual needs.

By the numbers

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

TTC Yunhai Linear

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The Haimu Viola Tricolor and the TTC Yunhai exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which fundamentally influence their acoustic profiles. The Viola Tricolor utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a choice that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance when a key is released. In contrast, the Yunhai features a nylon top housing, which possesses softer characteristics that create a deeper, fuller sound profile. This inherent softness allows the nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a sound that is rounder and less pronounced than that delivered by polycarbonate. Consequently, the two switches will produce distinctly different auditory experiences based on their top housing materials, with the Viola Tricolor being more suitable for users who prefer a bright, articulate sound, while the Yunhai caters to those desiring a warmer, more subdued acoustics.

On the other hand, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing materials, as both the Viola Tricolor and the Yunhai employ nylon. The addition of nylon to the bottom housing enhances the overall typing experience by providing a deeper, fuller sound profile across both models. This consistency means that regardless of the differences in top housing, users will still encounter a certain degree of sound absorption and softness when pressing down on the keys of either switch. The nylon's inherent characteristics are particularly effective in contributing to the bottom-out sound, resulting in a duller roundness that is pleasurable for many typists. Although the auditory experience varies from the top end, the shared nylon bottom housing serves as a common ground, ensuring that both switches deliver a similar feel underfoot.

Finally, the interplay between the different materials in the Viola Tricolor and their respective influences on sound perception is worth noting. With the polycarbonate top housing accentuating high frequencies and the nylon bottom housing softening the overall sound, the Viola Tricolor presents an intriguing blend of auditory sensations. Conversely, the Yunhai's entirely nylon construction offers a uniform sound profile that emphasizes richness and warmth across both the top and bottom. When comparing these two switches, it becomes evident that differing top housing materials create unique sound qualities while the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing provides a foundational similarity. Thus, users can expect a more varied auditory experience in the Viola Tricolor, whereas the Yunhai's sound profile remains cohesive and grounded in its design.

Weight

When comparing the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch to the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, contributing to distinct typing experiences. The Viola Tricolor lacks a specified actuation force, but it does have a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. In contrast, the Yunhai switch has a clear actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which categorizes it as light. With the lighter actuation force of the Yunhai, users may find it easier to type for extended periods, making it suitable for long hours at work or gaming sessions. Conversely, the heavier bottom out force of the Viola Tricolor may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback while typing, albeit at the cost of needing a bit more effort. Consequently, those who value a lighter touch should lean towards the Yunhai, while those who appreciate a firmer feel might find the Viola Tricolor more to their liking.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the Viola Tricolor features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Yunhai has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Viola Tricolor requires slightly more distance to be pressed down completely compared to the Yunhai.

For those who favor quicker responses, the shorter travel distance of the Yunhai might be more appealing, as it can lead to faster actuation times that are often preferred by gamers. Conversely, if a user appreciates a more pronounced feel with a substantial depth when pressing the keys, the Viola Tricolor would be the better choice due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different preferences—one prioritizing speed and the other emphasizing depth—the differences in travel distance highlight the specific needs of keyboard users based on their usage style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch provides a distinct auditory experience characterized by its bassy and low-pitched qualities. This switch produces a thuddy and punchy sound profile that resonates with a rich depth, offering a satisfying auditory feedback during typing. This low-frequency sound can enhance the overall typing experience, making each keystroke feel substantial. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch does not have a specific sound profile described, which leaves its acoustic characteristics unknown. Depending on your keyboard setup—combination of board and keycaps—the sound of any switch can also be influenced, meaning that the Yunhai’s tonal qualities might differ significantly without further information.

In terms of feel, the Viola Tricolor excels with its pronounced tactility. It strikes a commendable balance, delivering a medium tactile sensation that users find invigorating due to its noticeable feedback while remaining comfortable and not overwhelming. The firm actuation force and snappy responsiveness create an immersive typing experience, feeling engaging and enjoyable. The TTC Yunhai, described as having a light actuation force, is implied to offer a smoother and gentler typing feel, but without further specifics on its tactile feedback or overall sensation, a direct comparison remains elusive.

Overall, when comparing the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, you’re looking at a distinct difference in their auditory feedback and tactile characteristics. The Viola Tricolor’s thuddy, bassy sound and invigorating tactility make it a strong choice for those who seek a more textured typing experience. Meanwhile, the Yunhai's lighter actuation and unknown sound characteristics likely cater to users preferring a smoother and quieter approach. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you value pronounced feedback and sound or a gentler typing experience without compromising comfort.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you lean towards a more engaging and pronounced typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force and enjoy the satisfying feedback of tactile switches, the Viola Tricolor is an excellent choice. Its thuddy sound profile and invigorating feel provide not only character but also a satisfying engagement with each keystroke, making it ideal for typists who appreciate a blend of sound and tactile sensation. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch and a smooth, effortless typing experience, the Yunhai linear switch may be more suited to your needs. With its low actuation force and deep, rounded sound profile, it is perfect for those who want to type quickly and efficiently without the resistance associated with heavier switches. Therefore, consider what matters most in your typing experience—whether it’s the tactile feedback and sound of the Viola Tricolor or the effortless glide of the Yunhai—before making your choice.

Mentioned in this article

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn more

TTC Yunhai Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more