Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Haimu Viola Tricolor mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note their distinct characteristics. The Keygeek Raw stands out for its unique material blend, combining Nylon and UMPE in the top housing and UMPE with a touch of Silicon in the bottom, creating a creamy yet lightweight switch. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile with pronounced tactility, providing a satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. While the Keygeek Raw is more textured and mild, the Viola Tricolor is accented and invigorating. Depending on your preferences, you may lean towards the Keygeek Raw for its subtle feel or the Viola Tricolor for its sharper sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Keygeek Raw and Haimu Viola Tricolor both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Keygeek Raw utilizes a Nylon & UPE blend for its top housing, while the Viola Tricolor opts for a polycarbonate top housing. The Nylon & UPE blend in the Keygeek Raw results in a softer and more muted sound profile compared to the sharper and crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing of the Viola Tricolor. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate in the Viola Tricolor allows for RGB lighting to shine through, providing a visually appealing element to the switch.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Keygeek Raw features a UMPE & Si blend, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor incorporates a nylon bottom housing. The UMPE & Si blend in the Keygeek Raw offers a unique feel and sound when pressed, while the nylon bottom housing of the Viola Tricolor provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the impact and clarity of the UMPE & Si blend.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Keygeek Raw and Haimu Viola Tricolor differ in composition and sound profiles, both switches are designed to enhance the user's typing experience. The unique qualities of each housing material add depth and character to the sound produced by the switches, showcasing the importance of housing materials in custom mechanical keyboards. Whether you prefer the softer, muted sound of the Keygeek Raw or the sharper, crisper sound of the Haimu Viola Tricolor, both switches offer a premium typing experience with their distinct housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is evident that the Keygeek Raw has a lighter actuation force of None grams compared to the Viola Tricolor's None grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Keygeek Raw requires 57.5 grams, which is lighter than the Viola Tricolor's 63.5 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range in terms of bottom out force, but the Viola Tricolor is slightly heavier. The weight of a switch is crucial as it can affect typing comfort and endurance. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Keygeek Raw for extended typing sessions, while others may appreciate the heavier bottom out force of the Viola Tricolor for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Keygeek Raw offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Viola Tricolor, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer a quicker response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more significant keypress depth. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, offering a balance between responsiveness and keypress feeling. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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
In terms of sound, the Keygeek Raw linear switch is considered to have a neutral profile, making it suitable for a wide range of uses without being too loud or distracting. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is known for its bassy and low-pitched sound, adding a touch of depth and richness to the typing experience. Depending on your preferences and setup, the sound of these switches can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Keygeek Raw linear switch provides a textured typing experience that is mild and subtle, offering a gentle resistance and sound that is not overly resonant. In comparison, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is characterized as accented and invigorating, providing a tactile feedback that is prominent without being overwhelming. These differences in feel cater to varying preferences among keyboard enthusiasts, with the Keygeek Raw leaning towards a smoother experience and the Haimu Viola Tricolor delivering a more pronounced tactile sensation.
Considering the available information, it is clear that the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Keygeek Raw provides a neutral sound profile and a textured, mild feel, the Haimu Viola Tricolor delivers a bassy sound and an accented, invigorating tactile experience. Both switches have their own unique strengths that cater to different preferences, so ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience that you are seeking.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch or the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it's important to consider your preferences in terms of bottom out force, material blend, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and a creamy yet lightweight switch material blend, the Keygeek Raw might be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a thuddy and punchy sound profile with a balance of tactility that is not overwhelming, the Haimu Viola Tricolor could be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing style and preferences.
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