Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Ink Box Black is a linear switch that is best known for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel. Its sound signature, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, falls into the clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished categories. 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 experience. It strikes a perfect balance with its pronounced tactility, providing satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. Categorized as accented, bassy, invigorating, and low-pitched, the Viola Tricolor offers a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Haimu Viola Tricolor differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which is known for its pointed and high-pitched yet not overly sharp sound. This creates a satisfying and clacky typing experience. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the transparency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects. Thus, while both switches offer a pleasing sound, the Ink Box Black provides a slightly softer and more rounded tone, while the Viola Tricolor offers a sharper and more resonant sound.

The bottom housing materials of the Ink Box Black and Viola Tricolor also differ, further influencing the overall sound profile. The Ink Box Black features the same proprietary INK blend as its top housing, maintaining its pointed and high-pitched sound profile. However, the Viola Tricolor employs a nylon bottom housing, known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, typing on the Viola Tricolor with its nylon bottom housing would produce a more muted and well-rounded sound compared to the crisper and clackier sound of the Ink Box Black.

Overall, the housing materials of the Ink Box Black and Viola Tricolor contribute to distinct sound characteristics. The Ink Box Black, with its proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, exhibits a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. Meanwhile, the Viola Tricolor combines a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and resonant sound, with a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound. While both switches offer satisfying typing experiences with their unique sound profiles, the choice between the two depends on personal preference for either a crisper and clackier sound (Ink Box Black) or a slightly muted and well-rounded sound (Viola Tricolor).

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. The actuation force of the Ink Box Black is 60 grams, while the actuation force of the Viola Tricolor is unavailable. However, the bottom out force of the Ink Box Black is 70 grams, slightly heavier than the Viola Tricolor's 63.5 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Ink Box Black may be the better option, as its actuation force is slightly lower. This can be advantageous for extended typing sessions or for individuals who value a lighter key press. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel and prefer a stronger push, the Viola Tricolor's bottom out force is slightly heavier, providing a bit more resistance.

It is important to note that without knowledge of the Viola Tricolor's exact actuation force, it is difficult to draw a direct comparison. However, based on the available information, it can be inferred that the Ink Box Black requires a slightly lighter initial press compared to the Viola Tricolor. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, but the Ink Box Black leans towards the lighter side while the Viola Tricolor falls closer to the heavier side. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on the individual's personal preference for typing experience and desired level of resistance.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch have different travel distances. The Ink Box Black has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Viola Tricolor has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Compared to the traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm, both switches have a shorter travel distance. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Black at 3.6 mm. This shorter distance allows for quicker actuation and key presses, which can be advantageous in gaming. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper and more substantial key press experience may lean towards the Viola Tricolor with its slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying tactile feedback and a sense of depth. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing/gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Ink Black and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel.

In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black switches are best known for their clacky and high-pitched sound profile. When pressed, these switches produce a crisp, bright, and percussive sound that can be compared to the sound of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches have a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. These switches offer a deeper, richer tone during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. If you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the Gateron Ink Box Blacks would be a better option. If you enjoy a deeper and more bass-heavy sound, the Viola Tricolor switches would be more suitable. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black switches are described as silky and polished. These switches offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The smooth and refined finish of the switches, either due to the materials used or factory lubrication, results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches are characterized as accented and invigorating. These switches provide a moderate to firm actuation force and offer pronounced feedback without being overwhelming or too subtle. The invigorating feel of the switches creates an immersive typing sensation. If you prefer a smoother and refined typing experience, the Gateron Ink Box Blacks would be a good choice. If you enjoy a switch with a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Viola Tricolor switches would be more suitable.

Taking all the available information into consideration, the Gateron Ink Box Black and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Black switches provide a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, along with a silky and polished feel. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switches offer a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, along with an accented and invigorating feel. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, you can choose between the two switches. However, it is important to keep in mind that the sound and feel of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Ultimately, both switches provide unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.

Conclusion

Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is important to consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a smoother and more refined typing experience, the Ink Box Black would be a great choice with its silky and polished feel. Additionally, if you appreciate a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Ink Box Black would be suitable for you. On the other hand, if you desire a switch with a touch of character and a pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, the Viola Tricolor is the way to go. It offers an accented feel with a moderate to firm actuation force, creating an invigorating and immersive typing sensation. Furthermore, if you prefer a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, the Viola Tricolor would cater to your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for feel and sound, so consider what elements are most important to you when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn more