Gateron Aliaz vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, also a tactile switch. The Aliaz switches are renowned for their silent design, making them perfect for quiet environments such as offices. They offer a medium-heavy weight, giving each keystroke a substantial feel and providing a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a more pronounced feedback without the noise. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switches are known for delivering a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds a unique character to typing. With a pronounced tactility that strikes a balance between sharp sensation and user comfort, they offer an invigorating and low-pitched experience. While the Aliaz switches are categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished', the Viola Tricolor switches are categorized as 'Accented', 'Bassy', 'Invigorating', and 'Low-pitched'. Each switch has its own appeal and benefits, catering to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This results in a clear and resonant sound when typing on these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing. However, the difference lies in the bottom housing material - the Aliaz uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, while the Viola Tricolor utilizes nylon. This means that typing on the Viola Tricolor will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Aliaz.
When it comes to sound and feel, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the overall typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of the Viola Tricolor absorbs more sound than the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aliaz, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out a key. On the other hand, the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. Both switches offer a unique typing experience due to the differences in housing materials, with the Aliaz providing a sharper and crisper sound, while the Viola Tricolor offers a deeper and fuller sound profile.
Overall, while both the Gateron Aliaz and the Haimu Viola Tricolor feature polycarbonate top housings, the difference lies in their bottom housings. This contrast results in a different sound profile when typing on each switch - the Aliaz with its stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing delivers a clearer sound, while the Viola Tricolor with its softer nylon bottom housing offers a rounder sound. Despite the difference in bottom housing material, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch differ in weight. The Aliaz has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, providing a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor has a lighter actuation force of None grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, but a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is medium-heavy. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Viola Tricolor for longer typing sessions, while those who prefer a more solid feel may choose the Aliaz for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback, albeit with slightly different weight preferences, so users can expect similar results in terms of key response and overall typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Viola Tricolor has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Aliaz. However, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances. Gamers may prefer the Viola Tricolor for its slightly faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while others may prefer the Aliaz for its slightly deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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.
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 Gateron Aliaz switch is designed to produce a muted and softer sound compared to standard mechanical switches, making it ideal for quiet environments such as offices. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, adding a touch of character to the typing experience without being overly loud. Both switches provide unique auditory feedback, with the Aliaz focusing on a quieter typing experience while the Viola Tricolor offers a deeper and richer sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Aliaz switch is known for its silky and polished typing experience, offering smooth key travel with minimal resistance. This makes it a popular choice for users who prefer a refined and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch provides an invigorating and accented tactile feedback, striking a balance between a pronounced tactile bump and a smooth keypress. This provides users with a satisfying yet non-overwhelming typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Aliaz switch is tailored for a quieter typing environment with its muted sound and smooth feel, the Viola Tricolor switch provides a punchy sound profile and a balance between tactility and smoothness. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to different user preferences. Whether you choose the Aliaz or Viola Tricolor switch, you can expect a high-quality tactile typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch or the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you prioritize a heavier bottom out force and a quieter typing experience tailored for office environments, the Aliaz switches are a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a touch of character in your typing experience, the Viola Tricolor switches offer a sharp tactility without being overwhelming. Additionally, if you prefer a silky and polished feel, the Aliaz switches would suit you, while the Viola Tricolor switches provide an accented and invigorating tactile sensation. Consider the sound profiles as well, with the Aliaz offering a muted sound and the Viola Tricolor providing a bassy and low-pitched sound. Ultimately, your decision should be based on how each switch aligns with your typing preferences and environment.
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