HMX EMO vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EMO and the Haimu Viola Tricolor stand out as popular options with their distinct characteristics. The HMX EMO switch is a linear switch that offers a lively and clacky feel, with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force. This switch is exceptionally factory-lubed, delivering an effortless and bouncy typing experience that is both satisfying and smooth. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor is a tactile switch known for its thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to typing. With pronounced tactility that strikes a perfect balance between providing satisfying feedback without being overly tactile, the Viola Tricolor offers a sharp sensation to users. Although each switch has its own unique features, the choice ultimately depends on personal preferences – 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
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
46g
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
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX EMO and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the EMO features a nylon bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon which absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Viola Tricolor also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, showcasing the same qualities of a deeper and fuller sound profile.
While both the EMO and Viola Tricolor share the same top housing material of polycarbonate, their differences lie in their bottom housing materials. The split between the nylon bottom housing and the polycarbonate top housing in the EMO allows for a unique typing experience with a combination of deeper, fuller sound from the bottom housing and a crisper, higher-pitched sound from the top housing. Conversely, the Viola Tricolor with its nylon bottom housing and polycarbonate top housing offers a similar typing experience with a different distribution of sound qualities. The impact of the bottom housing is felt more during key presses, while the top housing plays a bigger role in the sound release when a key is let go.
In conclusion, both the HMX EMO and the Haimu Viola Tricolor showcase the importance of housing materials in creating a distinct sound profile for mechanical switches. While their top housing is consistent with polycarbonate, their bottom housing materials highlight the differences in sound characteristics, resulting in unique typing experiences for users. Whether experiencing the deeper and fuller sound of nylon or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, both switches offer a blend of qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The HMX EMO linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the EMO also has a lighter bottom out force of 46 grams compared to the Viola Tricolor's heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that the EMO switch will provide a lighter typing experience overall, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch will provide a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, which is preferred by those who enjoy a stronger push feel while typing. In terms of weight, the EMO switch is lighter overall, while the Viola Tricolor switch is medium-heavy. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and keypress force.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular for their responsiveness, especially among gamers. The EMO offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to those seeking a quick response time. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor's slightly longer travel distance could provide a more satisfying depth and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO for $2.79.
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 HMX EMO linear switch is known for its lively and clacky sound profile, which may be more on the higher-pitched side due to its feather-light 46g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a thuddy and punchy sound that adds a unique character to typing sessions, with a deeper and richer bass tone that resonates with each key press. Both switches provide distinct auditory experiences, with the EMO focusing on a bouncy and satisfying sound while the Viola Tricolor offers a deeper and more pronounced tone, providing a variety of options for users seeking different sound profiles to enhance their typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the HMX EMO linear switch delivers a smooth and effortless typing experience, characterized by its lively and bouncy feel. The Viola Tricolor tactile switch, on the other hand, provides a pronounced tactility that strikes a balance between being satisfyingly tactile without being overly intense. The Viola Tricolor switch is also described as accented, offering a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still provides a noticeable feedback, creating an invigorating typing sensation. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback tailored to different preferences, with the EMO focusing on a light and bouncy feel and the Viola Tricolor providing a satisfying and invigorating tactile experience.
In conclusion, the HMX EMO linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch each provide distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the EMO offers a lively and clacky sound with a smooth and bouncy feel, the Viola Tricolor provides a thuddy and punchy sound profile with a pronounced but balanced tactility. Your choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on your preference for sound and feel during typing sessions, ensuring that you can customize your mechanical keyboard experience to suit your individual tastes.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a light, clacky feel with a bouncy and smooth typing experience, then the EMO with its 46g bottom-out force may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom-out force that offers a pronounced but balanced tactility, providing a satisfying feedback without being overwhelming, then the Viola Tricolor switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound profile.
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