HMX FJ400 vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the HMX FJ400 and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience. The HMX FJ400, a linear switch known for its middle-ground position in the HMX Film switch lineup, offers a balanced sound profile that appeals to users looking for a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke. This makes the FJ400 a great choice for gamers who require quick actuation and responsiveness without the distraction of sound. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor is a tactile switch specifically designed to produce a thuddy and punchy sound profile, delivering pronounced tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience. This switch offers a satisfying sense of touch without being overwhelmingly tactile, making it an ideal option for typists and writers who appreciate a bit of character in their keystrokes. While both switches serve different preferences—one prioritizing smoothness and speed, and the other focusing on tactile feedback—both have their unique advantages. 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
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 FJ400 and the Haimu Viola Tricolor represent two distinct approaches to housing materials in keyboard switches, each producing unique auditory experiences. The FJ400 utilizes a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which lends itself to a sound profile that is notably deeper and more muted. This material is designed to create an incredibly pleasing, yet relatively subdued audio experience, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer sound during engagement and disengagement of the keys. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor opts for a polycarbonate top housing known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Due to its stiffness and clarity, polycarbonate amplifies the resonant frequencies, giving it a crisper, more articulate audio profile. This makes the Viola particularly appealing for those seeking a more pronounced and bright auditory feedback from their switches.
Examining the bottom housing, both the FJ400 and Viola Tricolor utilize nylon, a classic material renowned for its superior sound-absorbing characteristics. The nylon bottom housing creates a deep and fuller sound profile, promoting a duller and rounder auditory experience as it effectively dampens the impact noise. Despite sharing the same bottom housing material, the two switches diverge in overall sound due to their different top housings. The nylon’s ability to absorb sound is consistent in both switches, ensuring that the profound characteristics of the bottom housing bring a satisfying depth to the experience, regardless of the contrasting top materials.
Together, these combinations lead to distinctive sound profiles shaped by the interplay of housing materials. While the FJ400 provides a softer, deeper sound influenced by its POM top housing, the Viola Tricolor offers a brighter and crisper response thanks to its polycarbonate top. The substantial role each housing plays—where the bottom significantly affects bottom-out sound and feel while the top accentuates the lift-off—results in an intriguing contrast in user experience. Even though both switches feature nylon on the bottom, the differing top housing materials ensure that typists will experience markedly different sounds and sensations when engaging with each keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The FJ400 features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorizing it as a medium force switch. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor does not have a specified actuation force but boasts a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is classified as medium-heavy. This indicates that while the FJ400 is lighter and requires less force to register a keystroke, the Viola Tricolor's heavier bottom out force may provide a more substantial feel once fully pressed. Users looking for a lighter typing experience that minimizes fatigue during long sessions would benefit from the FJ400, while those preferring a firmer push may lean towards the Viola Tricolor, despite the unknown actuation force. Overall, the differences in bottom out forces suggest that the FJ400 offers a more forgiving typing experience, whereas the Viola Tricolor gives a stronger feedback when bottoming out.
Travel distance
Both the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch have a travel distance of 3.8 mm, meaning they offer identical travel experiences when pressed. This similarity in distance ensures that users will achieve the same key feel and actuation dynamics from both switches, making them a suitable choice for those looking for consistency in their typing experience. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect similar results regarding key responsiveness and feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX FJ400 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the FJ400 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
In terms of sound, the HMX FJ400 linear switch is recognized for its balanced sound profile, providing a smooth and even audible experience during typing. It allows for a consistent and unobtrusive acoustic backdrop, making it suitable for environments where distraction might be an issue. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a more characterful auditory experience. It is characterized by a basy and low-pitched tone that delivers a deeper, richer sound with each keystroke. This darker profile stands out and can create a more engaging typing atmosphere, especially for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing.
When it comes to feel, the FJ400 remains a smooth linear switch, which typically translates to a consistent keystroke without any tactile bump or resistance throughout the press. This smoothness facilitates rapid typing and is preferred by those who seek a fluid experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor emphasizes tactility with its accented feedback. It provides a medium level of tactility that is pronounced but not overwhelming, allowing users to enjoy a satisfying keystroke without feeling fatigued. This makes the Viola Tricolor particularly appealing to those who appreciate feedback while maintaining a sense of comfort during extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the HMX FJ400 and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The FJ400 offers a balanced sound and a smooth feel ideal for those who prefer a more minimalist typing experience, while the Viola Tricolor provides a rich auditory character and a tactile sensation that adds excitement to each keypress. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you lean towards a more traditional linear feel or a tactile experience with auditory depth, but both switches provide high-quality performance tailored to distinct typing preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and desired experience. If you seek a smooth keystroke with a balanced sound profile that provides reliable performance for both typing and gaming, the FJ400’s medium bottom-out force of 58 grams and overall neutral characteristics make it an excellent choice. This switch is ideal if you want a sound that won't draw too much attention or if you prefer an unobtrusive typing experience. Conversely, if you crave a more dynamic feel with a pronounced tactility, the Viola Tricolor is tailor-made for you. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams delivers a satisfying thud with each keystroke, perfect for users who enjoy feedback from their switches. The bassy, low-pitched sound adds depth to your typing, enhancing the overall experience. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether you want smooth, balanced linear action or the engaging tactile character of the Viola Tricolor, making either switch a fantastic addition depending on what you’re looking for in your mechanical keyboard.
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