Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor

Overview

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Haimu Viola Tricolor are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features for different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is a linear switch that stands out as an affordable yet excellent option. Typing on these switches provides a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a bouncy type feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a polished and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor is a tactile switch designed to deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile with a touch of character. Offering a pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, it strikes a perfect balance, providing a satisfying feedback without overwhelming the user. The Viola Tricolor is accented and bassy, offering an invigorating and low-pitched sensation. Both switches have their own advantages and selecting the best one for you depends on further exploration beyond generalities.

By the numbers

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow Linear

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$3.10

$2.78 per 10

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housing. This results in a similar sound profile for both switches, with a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The polycarbonate material is known for its stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switch. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to be more effectively displayed, making it an ideal choice for those who want to incorporate lighting effects into their keyboard setup.

In terms of the bottom housing, both the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Viola Tricolor use nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Unlike the stiffer polycarbonate, nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. When typing on switches with nylon bottom housings, users can expect a more satisfying and immersive typing experience due to the enhanced sound produced.

While both switches have different materials for their top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, the user will primarily feel the characteristics of the bottom housing, which influences the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when a key is released. This distinction allows for a nuanced and dynamic typing experience, providing a balance between the initial impact and the subsequent sound feedback of each keystroke.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is clear that both switches fall under the medium-heavy category. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow requires an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is unknown and it has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Although the exact actuation force for the Viola Tricolor is unavailable, it can be assumed to be within a similar range to the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, as both switches are considered medium-heavy.

The variation in actuation force and bottom out force is important because it allows users to customize their typing experience according to their preferences. Some individuals may prefer a lighter switch like the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, as it enables them to type for longer periods of time without fatigue. This makes it suitable for professional work environments or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who desire a more substantial typing experience may opt for a switch with a heavier force, such as the Viola Tricolor. The heavier force provides a stronger push feel, enhancing the tactile feedback during typing.

In summary, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and Haimu Viola Tricolor have differing actuation forces and bottom out forces, they both fall within the medium-heavy range. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is known to be lighter with a specific actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the exact actuation force for the Viola Tricolor is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Both options cater to specific user preferences, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow being suitable for longer typing sessions, and the Viola Tricolor offering a more substantial typing experience.

Travel distance

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch have contrasting travel distances. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Viola Tricolor has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow falls into the more traditional range of travel distances, providing a deeper key press experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor's shorter travel distance caters to those seeking a more responsive typing or gaming experience. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the Viola Tricolor for its faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference. If you value a deeper key press and a more substantial feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow would be the better option. Alternatively, if you prioritize a quicker response and a shallower key press, the Viola Tricolor would be more suitable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch offers a higher-pitched clacky sound profile that adds a sense of liveliness and energy to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch provides a thuddy and punchy sound profile with a lower frequency range, giving a deeper and richer tone. While the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a sharper and crisp sound, the Viola Tricolor offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches bring their own unique character to the auditory aspect of typing, allowing you to choose based on your preference for a higher-pitched or bassier sound. Additionally, it's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to the feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch provides a polished and refined typing experience. With its smooth and sleek finish, you can expect reduced friction and a pleasant key travel. The switch feels creamy, offering a buttery sensation as your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch provides an accented tactile sensation. It offers a prominent amount of tactility, providing satisfying feedback without being overwhelming. The switch is invigorating, offering moderate to firm actuation force and a snappy, reactive feel. Both switches offer a delightful tactile experience, allowing you to choose between a smooth and refined feel or a more pronounced and invigorating sensation.

In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer contrasting qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a higher-pitched clacky sound profile and a polished, creamy feel, while the Viola Tricolor offers a thuddy, punchy sound profile and an accented, invigorating feel. Each switch brings its own unique character to the typing experience, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for sound and feel. It's important to consider personal preferences and use other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps to further customize the keyboard to achieve the desired results.

Conclusion

To wrap up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly linear switch that provides a bouncy type feel and a higher-pitched clacky sound profile, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow is the switch for you. It has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a slightly heavier keypress. On the other hand, if you desire a touch of character in your typing experience, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is an excellent choice. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it falls into the medium-heavy category as well. The Viola Tricolor offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile, along with a pronounced tactility that provides satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. Whether you prefer a high-pitched and resonant sound profile or a bassy and low-pitched one, you can choose between the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Viola Tricolor respectively. In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow delivers a polished and creamy typing experience, thanks to its smooth and refined finish. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor provides an accented and invigorating feel, offering a prominent yet balanced amount of tactility. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preference for sound profile and typing feel.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow Linear

$3.10

$2.78 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn more