HMX Hibiscus vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, as seen in the HMX Hibiscus and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The HMX Hibiscus, a linear switch, is celebrated for its ultra-light actuation force and smooth typing experience, ensuring that each keystroke feels fluid and effortless. Its unique sound signature—described as clacky, poppy, and crispy—adds an extra layer of enjoyment to typing, making it ideal for users who appreciate a bit of auditory excitement alongside their keystrokes. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor offers a tactile experience, characterized by its thuddy sound profile and pronounced feedback. This switch strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, appealing to typists who enjoy a physical sensation beneath their fingers without excessive harshness. While the Hibiscus beckons those looking for a light and airy feel, the Viola Tricolor caters to those who favor nuanced tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Hibiscus Linear

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Hibiscus and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, a distinct contrast emerges in their top housing composition. The Hibiscus features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely attributed to the softness of nylon, which absorbs sound waves more effectively than stiffer materials. As a result, users can expect a more subdued auditory experience while typing, with a rounder, more mellow tone. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor employs a polycarbonate top housing that generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, making it particularly appealing for users who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic response. Moreover, polycarbonate's translucency allows for greater diffusion of RGB lighting, enhancing the visual aesthetics of the switch.

Looking at the bottom housing of both switches, there is an interesting alignment in materials, as both the Hibiscus and the Viola Tricolor utilize nylon for this component. The nylon bottom housing contributes similarly to the typing experience by delivering that deeper, fuller sound profile. Despite the different top housing materials, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent auditory experience at the bottom-out phase of key presses. This cohesion in bottom housing material implies that when one types on either switch, the foundational properties delivered by the nylon will evoke a similar tactile and sonic feedback that resonates with users who favor this softer, sound-dampening material.

Overall, the combination of differing top housing compositions and similar bottom housing materials illustrates how these switches offer unique yet somewhat aligned experiences. While the Hibiscus provides a more mellow auditory characteristic due to its nylon top, the Viola Tricolor's crisper sound from a polycarbonate top creates a stark contrast. However, the shared nylon bottom housing guarantees that both switches maintain an element of harmony in their overall typing experience, ensuring users receive a rich sound profile upon bottoming out regardless of the switch's top housing material. This nuanced interplay of different materials showcases how housing characteristics can influence the overall switch performance while also bridging a connection between the two designs.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Hibiscus features a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions, ideal for users who prioritize comfort during extensive work or gaming periods. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor, with an unknown actuation force, has a significantly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This implies that while the Hibiscus allows for a lighter and more effortless keystroke, appealing to those who favor a softer typing experience, the Viola Tricolor provides a firmer resistance, ideal for individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel. Therefore, for users seeking a lighter switch, the Hibiscus is the preferable option, whereas those desiring more heft should consider the Viola Tricolor.

Travel distance

The HMX Hibiscus linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Hibiscus the shorter of the two, appealing to those who prioritize quick response times, particularly gamers who favor a more responsive feel. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor with its greater travel distance may offer a more traditional typing experience, which some users might find more satisfying or comfortable due to the added depth. While both switches cater to different preferences, they illustrate the trend in keyboard design, with the Hibiscus reflecting a movement towards shorter distances for speed, and the Viola Tricolor embodying the more classic approach with a bit more travel for those who enjoy a fuller keystroke experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the HMX Hibiscus switch is characterized by its clacking nature, producing a sharp, bright, and percussive sound that makes each keystroke feel lively and crisp. Users can expect a satisfying auditory experience that complements the smoothness of the switch itself. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor offers a deeper, bassier sound, producing a thuddy and punchy acoustic signature during key presses. This richness in sound provides a more mellow typing experience, with lower frequency tones that can add a unique depth to the overall experience. Despite both switches delivering a distinctive auditory feel, the Hibiscus leans towards a higher-pitched, snappy quality while the Viola Tricolor embraces a more resonant and subdued sound.

When it comes to the tactile feel, the HMX Hibiscus switches are known for their impressive bouncy and feathery characteristics. This means users will experience a lively, spring-like sensation that provides excellent feedback without causing fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. The light actuation force enhances comfort, making it ideal for extensive use. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor features an accented tactile sensation, striking a balance between noticeable feedback and comfort. While it delivers a satisfying level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor overly subdued, the Viola's medium tactile feedback gives users a more defined sensation on each press. Users may find that while both switches are enjoyable to type on, they cater to slightly different preferences in terms of tactile complexity.

In summary, the HMX Hibiscus and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches provide unique sensory experiences through their contrasting sound and feel characteristics. The Hibiscus excites with a crisp and lively sound profile, featuring a bouncy and light touch that accommodates extensive use. Meanwhile, the Viola Tricolor enhances typing with a deeper, thuddier sound and a pronounced yet balanced tactile response. Each switch caters to different user preferences, so whether you prioritize smoothness and bright sounds or depth and tactile feedback, both options are likely to provide satisfying results suited to your typing style.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize smoothness and a whisper-light feel, particularly for tasks requiring quick key presses or extensive typing, the Hibiscus is an excellent choice. Its low bottom-out force and clacky sound signature provide an enjoyable, almost playful typing experience that can keep you engaged, whether you're gaming or working on long documents. On the other hand, if you seek a more responsive feedback with a pronounced tactile experience, the Viola Tricolor should be your go-to. Its medium-heavy force, coupled with a thuddy sound profile, gives you satisfying resistance and feedback, which can enhance typing precision and make the experience feel more rewarding, especially for tasks demanding attention to detail. Ultimately, consider your typing style and what aspects matter most to you; whether it's the airy lightness of the Hibiscus or the engaging tactility of the Viola Tricolor, both switches offer distinct advantages tailored to different preferences.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Hibiscus Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn more