Outemu Lime (V3) vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Lime and the Haimu Viola Tricolor are two popular options that cater to tactile enthusiasts. The Lime switches stand out for their unique qualities, being lightweight, approachably tactile, and silenced. If you're someone who craves a feather-light typing experience with a subtle touch of tactility, the Lime switches are an excellent choice. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switches are renowned for their thuddy and punchy sound profile, which adds a dash of character to your typing. With a pronounced yet well-balanced tactility, these switches provide satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. Both switches offer their distinctive advantages, allowing users to customize their typing experience to their preferences. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the switch that best suits your needs.

By the numbers

Outemu Lime (V3) Tactile

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$3.40 per 10

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Outemu Lime and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Lime features a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition. This creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor has a polycarbonate top housing, which is a stiffer plastic leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate material is especially useful for switches with clear housings, as it allows for better RGB lighting effects.

Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Lime and the Viola Tricolor switches utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material shares similar qualities, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material's softer plastic absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound when typing on both switches. Therefore, in terms of bottom-out sound and feel, the two switches will provide similar results due to their shared nylon housing material.

It is important to note that when the top and bottom housings of a switch differ, their respective qualities will affect different aspects of the typing experience. Pressing down on the switch will primarily reveal the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Lime and Viola Tricolor switches differ in their top housing materials, they will still provide comparable results in terms of bottom-out sound and feel due to their shared nylon bottom housing.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Lime features a light actuation force of 35 grams, meaning it requires a relatively gentle touch to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare. However, its bottom out force is 63.5 grams, indicating a medium-heavy switch.

This divergence in force requirements has implications for typing experiences. The Lime's lighter actuation force makes it suitable for those who prefer a lighter feel, enhancing comfort during long typing sessions or extended gaming periods. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor's higher bottom out force provides a more substantial typing experience, ideal for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel.

While the Lime's actuation force is lighter than the Viola Tricolor's bottom out force, it is worth noting that both switches offer a different tactile experience. The Lime switch provides a tactile bump when actuated, delivering feedback to the typist during each keystroke. Similarly, the Viola Tricolor is also a tactile switch, ensuring a noticeable tactile sensation when pressed.

Ultimately, when considering the actuation force and bottom out force, individual preferences will play a significant role in the choice between these switches. Those who prioritize a lighter typing experience may opt for the Lime, while individuals seeking a more substantial keystroke may prefer the Viola Tricolor.

Travel distance

The Outemu Lime tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Comparing the two, it is evident that the Viola Tricolor has a slightly longer travel distance than the Lime. In terms of preferences, shorter travel distances are preferred by gamers for faster response times, making the Lime a better choice for them. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing keys might find the longer travel distance of the Viola Tricolor more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Lime switch is best described as neutral and muted. A neutral switch has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes. The muted characteristic of the Lime switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch is known for its bassy and low-pitched sound profile. Bassy switches offer a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The Viola Tricolor strikes a balance between providing a satisfying feedback without being overly tactile, offering a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can add character and enjoyability to typing experiences, but the Lime switch leans towards a more neutral and muted sound, while the Viola Tricolor has a thuddy and punchy sound.

In terms of feel, the Lime switch provides a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience. The mild characteristic of the Lime switch offers a gentle typing experience with qualities that stand in a safe, middle-ground zone. The feathery attribute makes the switch exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and providing comfort for extended typing sessions. The subtle nature of the Lime switch means it has a gentle resistance that is not heavy but maintains a light typing feel. Additionally, the switch has a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch is described as accented and invigorating. Accented switches provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. They offer a medium level of tactility, giving a satisfying feedback without crossing the line. The invigorating characteristic of the Viola Tricolor switch ensures a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. Both switches offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences, but the Lime switch focuses on a gentle and polished feel, while the Viola Tricolor provides a medium level of tactility and invigorating feedback.

In conclusion, the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch differ in their subjective qualities of sound and feel. The Lime switch is known for its neutral and muted sound, providing a softer and quieter typing experience. It offers a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished feel, creating a gentle and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch has a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, adding a touch of character to the typing experience. It offers an accented feel with a medium level of tactility and an invigorating feedback. Both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences, but they each offer an enjoyable typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, consider the characteristics that would best suit your typing preferences. The Lime switches are lightweight, subtly tactile, and silenced, making them ideal for those who prefer a feather-light typing experience with just a touch of tactility. These switches also produce a muted sound, making them suitable for quiet environments. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switches offer a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding character to your typing experience. They provide a pronounced tactility without being overwhelming, striking a perfect balance. The Viola Tricolor switches are also described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback and a snappy feel. Therefore, if you are looking for a lightweight and subtly tactile experience with a muted sound, the Lime switches would be the better choice. However, if you prefer a more immersive typing sensation with a thuddy sound profile, the Viola Tricolor switches would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Lime (V3) Tactile

$3.40 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn more