Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Gateron Ink Yellow is a linear switch that offers a typing experience between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. With a shorter travel distance, this switch provides a pleasant smoothness and clackiness. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor is a tactile switch known for its thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to your typing experience. It offers pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, striking a perfect balance between sharp sensation and user satisfaction. While these general pointers give an overview, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best switch decision for your individual needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Haimu Viola Tricolor differ in terms of their properties and the resulting sound profiles. The Ink Yellow features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which is described as having a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. It is clacky but not overly sharp. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate material adds stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. While both housings offer a higher-pitched sound, the Ink Yellow has a slightly less sharp profile compared to the Viola Tricolor.

Moving to the bottom housing, the Ink Yellow and the Viola Tricolor use different materials. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend bottom housing contributes to its pointed and high-pitched sound profile. Similarly, the Viola Tricolor employs a nylon bottom housing, which enhances the sound produced by the switch. However, the nylon material absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Thus, typing on the Viola Tricolor with its nylon bottom housing will result in a slightly duller and rounder sound compared to the Ink Yellow's bottom housing.

In terms of overall switch design, the qualities brought by the top and bottom housings of a switch are divided. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down a key. In contrast, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key. While the specific materials differ between the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, the general impact of the housing materials on the resulting sound profiles follows these principles. Similar results can be expected in terms of distinctive sound characteristics between the two switches, though with variations due to the differing housing materials used.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. The Ink Yellow has an actuation force of 60 grams, whereas the actuation force of the Viola Tricolor is unknown. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Ink Yellow being slightly heavier at 67 grams compared to the Viola Tricolor's 63.5 grams.

Weight is an important consideration when choosing a switch, as it can greatly impact the typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Ink Yellow may be the better option, as its actuation and bottom out forces are relatively light. This can allow for smoother and faster typing over longer periods of time, making it suitable for work or prolonged gaming sessions.

On the other hand, some individuals may prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. In this case, the Viola Tricolor could be a suitable choice. While the specific actuation force of the Viola Tricolor is unknown, its bottom out force of 63.5 grams indicates a medium-heavy switch, providing a more tactile and solid typing feedback.

In summary, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch. However, despite the differences in weight, both switches offer a medium-heavy typing experience, ensuring that users get similar results in terms of overall force required for keystrokes.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is evident that the Viola Tricolor has a slightly longer travel distance at 3.8 mm compared to the Ink Yellow's 3.5 mm. These differences may seem minimal, but they can have an impact on the overall typing experience. The Ink Yellow falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it a favorable choice for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor provides a more substantial depth, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired sensation when pressing down on the keys.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. Additionally, the Ink Yellow switch produces a clacky sound, which is sharp, crisp, and percussive when pressed.

On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch delivers a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to your typing experience. It falls into the bassy category, offering a deeper and richer sound with a lower frequency range. The Viola Tricolor switch has a low-pitched tone, providing a more mellow and bass-heavy sound compared to higher-pitched switches.

Moving on to feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch offers a mild and approachable typing experience. It falls into the category of mild switches, providing a more gentle typing sensation. The Ink Yellow switch is also described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch falls into the category of accented switches. These switches offer a medium level of tactility, providing a prominent amount of feedback without being overwhelming or subtle. The Viola Tricolor switch is also described as invigorating, offering a snappy and reactive feel with a moderate to firm actuation force, creating an immersive typing sensation.

Considering all the available information, it is clear that the Gateron Ink Yellow and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Yellow switch is known for its clacky sound and mild, polished feel, providing a pleasant and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch offers a thuddy and punchy sound and falls into the accented category for its tactile feel, striking a balance between tactility and smoothness. Based on personal preferences, one can choose between a more neutral and clacky experience with the Ink Yellow switch or a bassy and invigorating experience with the Viola Tricolor switch.

Conclusion

Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience, sound profile, and feel.

If you are looking for a typing experience that is between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, with a shorter travel and a pleasant smoothness, the Gateron Ink Yellow is the switch for you. It provides a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams and a clacky sound profile, giving you a crisp and percussive sound when typing.

On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, along with a thuddy and punchy sound profile, the Haimu Viola Tricolor is the switch to consider. It has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams and offers a balance between sharp sensation and user comfort. The Viola Tricolor delivers a bassy and low-pitched sound, adding a touch of character to your typing experience.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow provides a mild and polished experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. It stands in a safe middle-ground zone, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor offers an accented and invigorating feel, providing pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive typing sensation.

Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a shorter travel and clacky sound (Gateron Ink Yellow) or a pronounced tactility and thuddy sound (Haimu Viola Tricolor). Consider your personal preferences and typing style to make an informed decision and find the switch that best suits your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn more