Huano Elf vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience, and two noteworthy options to consider are the Huano Elf and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Huano Elf is a linear switch that excels in delivering a smooth and seamless keypress, characterized by its POK top housing that enhances acoustics for a deep sound signature. This switch features a medium-light feel, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize fluid keystrokes without interruptions. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor is a tactile switch that strikes a unique balance, providing a pronounced thuddy feedback that adds character to each keystroke without being overwhelming. With its invigorating and low-pitched sound profile, the Viola Tricolor caters to those who enjoy a more engaging typing experience with a noticeable tactile response. While both switches have their distinct advantages—whether it's the smooth, uninterrupted experience of the Elf or the satisfying feedback of the Viola Tricolor—it's essential to delve deeper into their characteristics to determine which switch aligns best with your personal preferences. Let’s explore these differences further to help you make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Haimu Viola Tricolor highlight both contrasts and similarities, particularly in their top and bottom housing components. The Elf utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, known for its low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability, leading to a smooth, clacky, and robust typing experience. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor features a polycarbonate top housing that is stiffer and offers a sharper, clearer sound profile. This distinction in materials provides the Elf with a more resonant feel under pressure, while the Viola Tricolor’s polycarbonate housing enhances the brightness of sound—especially when illuminated by RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, creating a striking similarity between the two. Nylon, characterized by its softness, absorbs vibrations and produces a deeper, fuller sound profile. Its ability to dampen noise contributes to a more subdued typing experience, making it a classic choice for switch designs across various brands. This shared material offers both switches a foundation of auditory consistency, ensuring that regardless of the top housing's differences, the bottom housing imparts a rich and rounded sound.
Overall, while the Huano Elf and the Haimu Viola Tricolor utilize different materials for their top housings, they converge on nylon for the bottom housings, resulting in a complementary blend of auditory properties. The impact of these materials is clear: the top housing dictates the sound upon release, while the bottom housing shapes the typing experience through sound absorption. This interplay between materials showcases how variation in housing can lead to distinct aural signatures in keystrokes, despite sharing a common bottom housing component that enhances depth and fullness in sound.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Elf features a known actuation force of 42 grams, which makes it on the lighter side, potentially appealing for users who favor prolonged typing sessions or gaming due to reduced finger fatigue. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor does not have a specified actuation force, making it difficult to assess its lightness or heaviness in terms of initial keypress resistance. However, its bottom out force is measured at 63.5 grams, classified as medium-heavy, indicating a more substantial feel when the key is pressed all the way down. As a result, while the Elf may provide a lighter and less taxing keystroke experience, the Viola Tricolor is designed for those who prefer a heavier, more tactile typing sensation. Overall, if one prioritizes lighter actuation for extended use, the Huano Elf is the more suitable option, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor caters to those who enjoy a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, we find that the Elf has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Viola Tricolor has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Elf the shorter option, catering to those who prefer a more responsive feel, which is often favored among gamers seeking faster response times. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor offers a slightly longer travel distance, which might appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced actuation depth, providing a sense of stability and feedback. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Huano Elf is the better choice, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor may suit those who prefer a deeper, more tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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 Huano Elf linear switch delivers a deep sound signature, allowing for a rich and satisfying auditory experience upon key presses. This is enhanced by its POK top housing, which provides better acoustics and amplifies the deeper audio profile. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a thuddier and punchier sound, firmly characterized by a bassy and low-pitched tone. This creates an engaging typing atmosphere with each press, providing a unique character to the experience. Both switches contribute to an enjoyable sound environment, yet the Elf leans towards a deeper resonance while the Viola emphasizes a more pronounced tactile auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Huano Elf switch provides a medium-light actuation that encourages a satisfying typing experience, ideal for those who appreciate a smooth linear feel. The absence of tactile bump makes for a seamless key press, allowing for quick and fluid typing. By contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch features a pronounced tactile feedback known for its accentuated sensation that strikes the balance between being excessively tactile and overly smooth. The invigorating nature of the Viola offers a pronounced response with snappy actuation, creating a dynamic typing experience that many typists and gamers find engaging. Thus, the Elf suits those who prefer a fluid typing experience, while the Viola caters to those who enjoy tactile satisfaction without overwhelming feedback.
In conclusion, while the Huano Elf linear switch focuses on delivering a smooth and deep audio experience coupled with a medium-light feel, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch emphasizes a rich auditory character alongside pronounced tactile feedback. Those seeking a seamless and deeper sound with a lighter touch may favor the Elf, whereas users looking for a punchier auditory profile with invigorating tactile sensations will likely prefer the Viola. Depending on personal typing preferences, both switches offer distinct characteristics that lead to enjoyable typing experiences, ensuring there's something valuable in each for newcomers exploring mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a smooth typing experience free of tactile bumps and prefer a lighter feel, the Elf switch brings a delightful medium-light touch along with a deep acoustic profile that is well-suited for long typing sessions or gaming, where rapid key presses are essential. Its design promises a satisfying experience without the distraction of overwhelming sound or texture. On the other hand, if you favor a more engaging tactile feedback with a pronounced thud, the Viola Tricolor is your go-to switch. With its medium-heavy actuation force, this switch provides gratifying feedback that enhances your interaction with the keyboard, perfect for both typing and gaming, where every key press counts. Its deep, bassy sound further enriches the typing experience, making it an enjoyable choice for users who appreciate a bit more character in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision should reflect whether you seek a streamlined linear feel or an invigorating tactile experience.
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