Gateron Glory Red vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two noteworthy options are the Gateron Glory Red, a linear switch, and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, a tactile switch. The Glory Red is celebrated for its lighter actuation force, smooth keystrokes, and pleasant travel distance, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a fluid and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor stands out with its distinctive thuddy sound profile and pronounced tactility, delivering sharp, satisfying feedback without being overly pronounced. This balance offers typists a unique auditory and tactile experience that can make each keystroke feel more engaging. Whether you're looking for a seamless, distraction-free typing experience with the Glory Red or the character and responsiveness of the Viola Tricolor, each switch caters to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
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
POK
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
The Gateron Glory Red and Haimu Viola Tricolor represent two distinct approaches to switch housing materials, showcasing how the choice of plastics can significantly influence the overall typing experience. The Glory Red utilizes a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This characteristic allows the switch to absorb more sound, resulting in a muted and rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiff nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, providing a more pronounced acoustic performance. When compared, the fundamental difference in materials leads to notably different sound profiles, emphasizing how each housing affects the auditory feedback during typing.
On the other hand, both switches incorporate nylon for their bottom housings. This shared choice creates a sense of consistency in the sound profile when bottoming out keys since both switches will elicit that characteristic deeper and fuller sound associated with nylon. This similar bottom housing material means that, despite their differing top housings, the Gateron Glory Red and Haimu Viola Tricolor will have a comparable acoustic foundation regarding the bottom-out sound. This creates an interesting dynamic where the auditory experience can vary based on which mechanical aspect of the switch is being engaged—either the bottom housing for bottoming out or the top housing for release.
Ultimately, the interplay between top and bottom housing materials enhances our understanding of how various plastics contribute to the overall typing experience. With the Gateron Glory Red and Haimu Viola Tricolor featuring nylon in their bottom housings, users can expect a consistent and deep sound on key presses. However, the experience diverges with the top housing, where the Glory Red's nylon offers a muted response, while the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate provides a crisp and resonant soundtrack when releasing keys. This divergence underscores the importance of housing materials in mechanical switches, demonstrating how different combinations can cater to varying auditory preferences while still maintaining certain core attributes.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Glory Red features an actuation force of 45 grams, which positions it as a lighter option, suitable for users who prefer less resistance during typing or gaming. However, the bottom out force for the Gateron Glory Red is unknown, leaving a gap in understanding its overall resistance when pressed fully down. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor has an actuation force that is also unknown but does have a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorized as medium-heavy. This indicates that the Viola Tricolor will provide a more substantial typing experience, making it more appealing to those who favor a stronger push feel. Therefore, while the Gateron Glory Red is lighter regarding its confirmed actuation force, the Haimu Viola Tricolor offers a heavier bottom out force, making it more suitable for those who prefer a firmer keystroke response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, the Glory Red has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Viola Tricolor has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that users who choose the Gateron switch may experience a more responsive feel due to its shorter distance, which can be particularly beneficial for gaming where quick actions are crucial. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial and deeper typing experience, providing feedback that is often described as heartier. Ultimately, if you're looking for quicker response times, the Glory Red would be the preferable choice, while the Viola Tricolor could be favored for those who appreciate a tactile depth in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch is notably more subtle and less pronounced than that of the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch. While the Glory Red's sound characteristics are not described specifically, linear switches typically produce a quieter and smoother keypress, which contributes to a more understated typing experience. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor boasts a thuddy and punchy sound, characterized by a bassy and low-pitched tone that enriches each keystroke with a deeper resonance. This vibrant sound profile, reminiscent of deeper bass tones, can significantly enhance the overall auditory experience when typing.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Glory Red offers a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, delivering an enjoyable and straightforward typing experience conducive to fast and fluid typing without any tactile interruption. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor provides an invigorating experience, combining a medium level of tactility with pronounced feedback that is neither overly aggressive nor too subtle. This switch is designed to deliver an engaging sensation, with a moderate to firm actuation force that results in a snappy and reactive response, making each keystroke feel more dynamic and connected to the act of typing.
In summary, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch offers a quieter and smoother typing experience, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch provides a more pronounced auditory and tactile feedback due to its thuddy sound and invigorating feel. Choosing between these switches will largely depend on personal preference: whether you prefer the unobtrusive nature of a linear switch or the character and feedback of a tactile switch. Regardless, both options cater to different typing styles and environments, allowing users to select a switch that best suits their individual preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the experience you wish to achieve. If you prioritize a smooth and effortless keystroke with a lighter bottom-out force, the Glory Red switches may be your ideal choice. They offer a pleasing travel distance and make for an enjoyable typing experience, particularly for those who value speed and fluidity in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a more engaging typing experience with a tactile sensation, the Viola Tricolor is likely the better fit for you. With a medium-heavy actuation force and a satisfying thuddy sound profile, these switches provide pronounced feedback that balances between the tactile and the auditory, creating a characterful typing experience that feels both invigorating and enjoyable. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what feels best for your typing style—whether you seek the pure linearity of the Glory Red or the gratifying tactility of the Viola Tricolor.
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