HMX Canglan V2 vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the HMX Canglan V2 and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Canglan V2, a linear switch, and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, a tactile switch, can dramatically affect your typing or gaming experience. The Canglan V2 is celebrated for its thocky and silky feel, providing a smooth and light typing experience that many HMX enthusiasts crave. Its deep sound profile creates a satisfying auditory feedback that elevates the overall experience, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a quieter yet pleasant linear switch. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor offers a pronounced tactility with a thuddy and punchy sound, delivering feedback that enhances the typing experience without being overly intrusive. This makes it a fantastic option for users who enjoy the sensation of each keystroke and want a more engaging interaction with their keyboard. Both switches bring unique qualities that cater to different preferences, whether you lean towards the smooth and muted or the tactile and dynamic. 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
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Canglan V2 and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, significant differences in sound profiles emerge due to their distinct top housings. The Canglan V2 features a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper, fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic composition. This material absorbs sound more effectively, yielding a more muted auditory experience. Conversely, the Viola Tricolor employs a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The stiffer characteristics of polycarbonate lead to a clearer and more resonant result, making it ideal for users who prefer a crisp auditory feedback. While both housing types may contribute to an engaging typing experience, the apparent contrast in acoustics can significantly affect user preference based on sound quality alone.
On the bottom housing front, both the Canglan V2 and Viola Tricolor utilize nylon, making for a striking resemblance in this aspect. Nylon is traditionally recognized for its capacity to deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile, and this consistency allows for a similar auditory feel in both switches. The bottom housing has a critical role in determining the sound and feel upon bottoming out the switch, and since both models use nylon here, the impact of sound absorption will be comparable. This commonality ensures that when pressed, users will experience a robust response regardless of the contrast presented in the top housings, linking the two switches in a shared auditory experience when fully actuated.
Considering both switches collectively, the disparate top housing materials bring a unique character to each model yet are unified by their nylon bottom housings. If one is seeking vibrant RGB lighting effects, the Viola Tricolor’s polycarbonate top allows for a more pronounced light diffusion due to its translucency. Still, both switches will offer a smooth and rich keystroke experience thanks to the nylon bottom housing's characteristics. Ultimately, while the sound profiles differ markedly between the two due to their material choices at the top, the common use of nylon at the base serves to unify the overall experience, bringing together both switches in a way that emphasizes their unique yet complementary traits.
Weight
The HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, impacting their suitability for different users. The Canglan V2 has a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an appealing choice for those who prefer a keyboard that allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor switch has an unspecified actuation force and a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. Consequently, the Viola Tricolor's heavier bottoming out could offer a more substantial tactile experience for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback while typing. As such, the Canglan V2 is the lighter option, ideal for users seeking comfort during prolonged use, while the Viola Tricolor, with its heavier bottom out, caters to those who favor a firmer feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Canglan V2 has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option between the two, while the Viola Tricolor features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, establishing it as the longer choice. This distinction in travel distance may cater to different user preferences: those seeking quicker response times may prefer the Canglan V2 due to its shorter travel, making it advantageous for gaming. Conversely, the Viola Tricolor, with its greater travel distance, could provide a more pronounced tactile feedback, appealing to users who enjoy a deeper typing experience. Overall, the choice between these two switches ultimately hinges on individual preferences for response versus depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Canglan V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Canglan V2 for $2.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch stands out with its thocky and bass-heavy character, producing a deep, rich thud that delivers a satisfying auditory experience on each key press. This low-pitched tone adds a mellow quality, contributing to a pleasant typing atmosphere. Conversely, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a punchy and thuddy sound profile that is equally compelling but emphasizes a more pronounced acoustic feedback. Also low-pitched and bassy, the Viola Tricolor incorporates a lively character, making each keystroke feel dynamic while still being warm and robust. Although both switches produce low-pitched sounds, the Canglan V2 leans more towards a soft “knock,” whereas the Viola Tricolor provides a more immediate tactile nuance in the sound experience.
In terms of feel, the Canglan V2 presents an impressively smooth typing experience characterized by its silky and feathery qualities. The switch’s light actuation force minimizes finger fatigue, making it an excellent choice for prolonged use, whether for gaming or extensive typing sessions. Its bouncy feedback provides an enjoyable rebound, enhancing the overall sensation during typing. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor emphasizes tactility without overwhelming the user. It provides an accented, medium tactility that offers clear feedback but stops short of being scratchy. The tactile nature adds a distinct tactile sensation that can be gratifying for those who prefer feedback with their keystrokes but doesn’t veer into excessive resistance.
In summary, the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch present distinct auditory and tactile profiles that cater to different user preferences. The Canglan V2 is praised for its deep, thocky sound and exceptionally smooth and light feel, making it suitable for those who enjoy a fluid typing experience. Meanwhile, the Viola Tricolor’s punchy sound and pronounced yet comfortable tactility appeal to users who appreciate feedback without excessive resistance. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics, allowing typists to choose based on their desired auditory and tactile preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typographic needs. If you prefer a lighter feel with a silky and feathery touch that minimizes finger fatigue, particularly during extended typing sessions for activities such as gaming or work, the Canglan V2 is the ideal option. Its thocky and low-pitched sound profile delivers a satisfying auditory experience while providing an exceptionally smooth keystroke. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback without it being excessively overwhelming, the Viola Tricolor is a great choice. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force and accented tactility, it offers a balanced and engaging typing experience that’s particularly well-suited for typing tasks where feedback and sound matter. Thus, by considering these aspects of feel and sound, you can select the switch that aligns best with your typing style and acoustic preference, ensuring an enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.