Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, it's important to consider your individual preferences and typing style. Two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Ink Black V2 is a classic linear switch that is well-loved by the community for its smooth downstroke and rich clack. Its low-pitched, bassy, chirpy, mild, and polished characteristics make it a great choice for those who enjoy a sleek and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor is a tactile switch that offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to your typing. It strikes a perfect balance between pronounced tactility and not being overly tactile, providing a satisfying feedback without overwhelming the user. With its accented, bassy, invigorating, and low-pitched attributes, the Viola Tricolor offers a sharp sensation that enhances the typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Haimu Viola Tricolor differ in terms of the materials used. The Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend top housing, while the Viola Tricolor utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Black V2 is described as providing a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, which is often characterized as clacky. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Viola Tricolor creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate housing of the Viola Tricolor is useful for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In summary, while both switches have different top housing materials, they offer distinct sound profiles.

Moving to the bottom housing, the Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend, while the Viola Tricolor utilizes a nylon bottom housing. The INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Black V2 offers a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, described as clacky. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of the Viola Tricolor elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, while the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Black V2 creates a higher-pitched sound, the nylon bottom housing of the Viola Tricolor produces a more substantial and resonant sound.

When considering the overall impact of the housing materials, it's important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. In contrast, the top housing affects the sound when the key is released. Therefore, while the Ink Black V2 and the Viola Tricolor may have different housing materials for the top and bottom, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the two ends of the switch. This division results in a unique combination of sound profiles for each switch, allowing users to choose between a clacky and pointed sound from the Ink Black V2 or a sharper and crisper sound from the Viola Tricolor.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Ink Black V2 has an actuation force of 60 grams, meaning a moderate amount of force is needed to trigger a keystroke. Conversely, the actuation force of the Viola Tricolor switch is unknown, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. When it comes to bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Black V2 requires 70 grams, providing a slightly heavier feel when pressing the key all the way down. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is also medium-heavy but slightly lighter than the Ink Black V2.

Considering the weight of a switch is important for various reasons. Some users prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, making the Gateron Ink Black V2 a suitable choice due to its relatively lighter actuation force. This is particularly beneficial for those using the keyboard at work or engaging in longer gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who appreciate a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces. In this case, the Gateron Ink Black V2's slightly higher bottom out force may be appealing.

While the actuation forces of these switches differ, it's important to note that the Viola Tricolor's value remains unknown. Thus, for individuals seeking a similar experience to the Gateron Ink Black V2's 60-gram actuation force, the Viola Tricolor may still provide comparable results. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for either lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is evident that the Viola Tricolor has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Ink Black V2's 4 mm. This slight difference may not be significant to some, but for those who prioritize faster response times, the Viola Tricolor may be a better choice with its shorter travel distance. Gamers, in particular, often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker reactions. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial key press and find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt may opt for the Ink Black V2 with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the desired feel when pressing the keys.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches share similar characteristics. Both switches are described as having a "bassy" sound profile, which means they offer a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, both switches are also described as being "low-pitched," meaning they feature a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches have different qualities. The Ink Black V2 is described as having a "mild" feel, offering a gentle typing experience without any extreme characteristics. It falls into a safe middle-ground zone that most users would find approachable. Additionally, the Ink Black V2 is also described as being "polished," meaning it has a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor is described as being "accented," which is a term frequently used to describe a medium tactile switch. It provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The Viola Tricolor switch is also described as being "invigorating," offering pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, making typing on it a highly immersive sensation.

In conclusion, while both the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches share similarities in their bassy and low-pitched sound profiles, they differ in terms of feel. The Ink Black V2 offers a mild and polished typing experience, whereas the Viola Tricolor provides an accented and invigorating feel. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between a smoother and more refined typing experience with the Ink Black V2 or a more pronounced tactile feedback with the Viola Tricolor. Regardless of the choice, the overall typing experience will be satisfying and enjoyable.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are looking for a classic linear switch with a smooth downstroke and a rich clack, the Gateron Ink Black V2 would be an excellent choice. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, it provides a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch that offers a pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, the Haimu Viola Tricolor is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it strikes a perfect balance in terms of feedback.

In terms of sound, both switches offer a bassy and low-pitched tone, adding depth and richness to your typing experience. However, the Ink Black V2 has a unique chirpy sound that sets it apart from the Viola Tricolor.

When it comes to feel, the Ink Black V2 offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a safe middle-ground zone that will be approachable to most typists. The Viola Tricolor, on the other hand, provides an accented and invigorating feel, with prominent feedback, moderate actuation force, and a snappy, reactive sensation.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Haimu Viola Tricolor comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a linear switch with a smooth and rich clack, go for the Ink Black V2. If you appreciate a tactile switch with a thuddy sound profile and a balance of feedback, choose the Viola Tricolor. No matter which switch you choose, both offer excellent options for a satisfying typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn more