Gateron Luciola vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The world of mechanical keyboards is a vast and diverse one, with countless options available to suit the preferences and needs of each individual. Two popular choices among enthusiasts are the Gateron Luciola, a linear switch, and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, a tactile switch. Both switches offer unique features that can enhance your typing experience, but in different ways. The Luciola switches are eye-catching with their glowing properties, and they provide a medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a distinctive sound profile akin to a hollow “can of spray paint being shaken.” On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switches add a touch of character to your typing experience with their thuddy and punchy sound profile. They offer a pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, striking a perfect balance that provides a satisfying feedback. However, let's go beyond these generalities and delve deeper into the specific characteristics of each switch, so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Haimu Viola Tricolor differ significantly. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This gives it a satisfying clacky feel when typing. Conversely, the Viola Tricolor utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate makes the Viola Tricolor's top housing particularly useful for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as the translucency of the material enhances the visual effects.
In terms of bottom housing, the Luciola also incorporates the proprietary INK blend, which contributes to its pointed and higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor utilizes a nylon bottom housing. This classic switch housing material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Luciola. Nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in sound profile makes the Viola Tricolor ideal for those seeking a deeper and more resonant typing experience.
When comparing the top and bottom housings of these switches, it is clear that each contributes to a distinct sound and feel. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, as it determines the overall depth and resonance of the switch. In contrast, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite the variations in housing materials, both the Luciola and the Viola Tricolor provide satisfying typing experiences, albeit with different sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are both similarities and differences to consider. The Luciola has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which can be considered medium in terms of weight. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is unavailable, but it has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Luciola may be the better choice as it has a lower actuation and bottom out force. This allows for longer typing sessions without strain or fatigue. However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial and forceful keystroke, the Viola Tricolor with its heavier bottom out force may provide a more satisfying typing experience.
It is important to note that while the actuation force of the Viola Tricolor is unknown, it is likely to be within a similar range to the Luciola, as both switches fall into the medium weight category. Therefore, individuals seeking a lighter or heavier typing experience can still achieve similar results with these switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and typing habits.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, we can see that the Luciola has a slightly shorter distance of 3.6 mm, while the Viola Tricolor has a slightly longer distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, both switches fall within the range commonly found in keyboards. However, with the increasing popularity of shorter travel distances for faster response times, the Luciola may be preferred by gamers who prioritize quick reactions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper, more pronounced keystroke may favor the Viola Tricolor's slightly longer travel distance. It is important to consider personal preferences and typing style when choosing between these switches to ensure an optimal typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Luciola linear switch offers a hollow “can of spray paint being shaken” sound profile that is both unique and satisfying. It produces a clacky and chirpy sound, with a touch of high-pitched resonance. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch provides a thuddy and punchy sound profile with a deeper, bassy tone. It is also described as low-pitched. Both switches have distinct sounds that enhance the typing experience, but the Luciola leans towards a brighter and more resonant sound, while the Viola Tricolor offers a deeper and more mellow tone.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is known for its smooth and bouncy typing feel. It is considered snappy, buttery, and polished, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, on the other hand, offers pronounced tactility without being overwhelming. It is described as accented and invigorating, offering a medium amount of tactility and a snappy feel. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, but the Luciola offers a smoother and more refined feel, while the Viola Tricolor provides a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Considering the available information, it is clear that the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch differ in sound and feel. The Luciola offers a clacky, chirpy, and high-pitched sound profile, accompanied by a smooth and bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor provides a thuddy, punchy, and low-pitched sound profile, along with an accented and invigorating tactile feel. If you prefer a brighter, snappier sound with a smooth typing experience, the Luciola would be a great option. However, if you prefer a deeper, bassier sound with a pronounced tactile feedback, the Viola Tricolor would suit your preferences. It is important to note that other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps can also influence the sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a visually appealing feature, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is a great choice. These switches not only provide a smooth and bouncy typing experience, but they also glow in the dark, adding a unique touch to your keyboard setup. The Luciola switches have a medium heft and produce a clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched sound when pressed. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and a distinctive tactile feedback, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is the way to go. These switches offer a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to your typing. The Viola Tricolor switches strike the perfect balance between tactility and comfort, providing a sharp sensation without being overly tactile. They are described as bassy or low-pitched in terms of sound. Overall, both switches have their unique features and advantages, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for.
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