Gateron Mars vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between different types, each offering unique characteristics. The Gateron Mars, a linear switch, is celebrated for its innovative design, featuring a POK stem and a blend of Nylon and POM in its housing. This combination results in a smooth and consistent keystroke, making it particularly appealing for gamers and typists who prioritize speed and fluidity in their typing experience. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor is a tactile switch that stands out due to its pronounced tactile feedback and thuddy sound profile, providing a satisfying clicking sensation with every keystroke. Its tonal characteristics—described as accented, bassy, and low-pitched—add a distinct auditory dimension, enhancing the overall typing experience for those who appreciate a textured feel. While the Mars caters to those who prefer a seamless touch, the Viola Tricolor entices with its engaging feedback and sound. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mars and the Haimu Viola Tricolor utilize distinct materials for their top housings, which significantly influence their respective auditory profiles. The Gateron Mars features a nylon top housing, noted for absorbing sound and producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor incorporates a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This difference is rooted in the fundamental characteristics of the materials: nylon, being softer, dampens sound, while polycarbonate, with its rigidity, enhances brightness and clarity. Consequently, users seeking a soundscape that conveys richness may prefer the Mars, while those looking for a more pronounced and resonant feedback might gravitate towards the Viola Tricolor.
Examining the bottom housings of both switches reveals some commonality. The Mars uses a POM (Polyoxymethylene) bottom housing that contributes a unique and pleasant sound profile, characterized by its deeper and more muted tones. In parallel, the Viola Tricolor has a nylon bottom housing, which also promotes a fuller sound experience. Here, both switches share similarities, as nylon is recognized as a classic housing material that yields a deeper sound. Thus, despite the differences in top housing materials, both switches can provide comparably rich sound profiles on bottoming out, attributed to the common virtues of nylon in the Viola and the unique acoustic signature of POM in the Mars.
Integrating the effects of the top and bottom housings, it's clear that the overall sound experience for each switch stems from a blend of material properties. When pressed, the Gateron Mars delivers a satisfying and muted bottom-out sound due to its POM bottom housing, while the nylon top allows for a subtle rounded resonance. Conversely, the Haimu Viola Tricolor's nylon bottom further enhances the deep tones, while its polycarbonate top adds a flicker of brightness during release. This interplay suggests that while both switches can offer a deep and full auditory experience through their respective bottom housings, the unique characteristics of their top housings lead to distinct sonic responses when the keys are released. Ultimately, enthusiasts can appreciate how these materials come together, as their contrasting attributes contribute to the intricate dynamics of sound in each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, we find notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Mars has an actuation force of 45 grams, which suggests a lighter feel that could be preferable for long typing sessions or extensive gaming, as it requires less effort to register each keystroke. However, the bottom out force for the Mars is unknown, making it difficult to fully assess its performance in that regard. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor features a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel that many users might appreciate for its substantial typing experience. The actuation force for the Viola Tricolor is unknown, but if it also aligns with its bottom out force being medium-heavy, it would certainly offer a more resistance-based typing experience compared to the Gateron Mars. Ultimately, the Gateron Mars is lighter, making it more suitable for users who favor ease of typing, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor might appeal more to those who prefer a heftier touch with a clearly defined bottoming action.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, the differences are quite notable. The Gateron Mars has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor measures slightly longer at 3.8 mm. This makes the Mars the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times due to its more immediate actuation. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor, with its 3.8 mm distance, would provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper typing experience. Thus, the choice between these two switches ultimately hinges on personal preference for responsiveness versus tactile depth in a keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 Mars linear switch lacks specific characterization, making it difficult to provide a precise auditory profile. However, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is notable for its thuddy and punchy sound, which lends a distinctive character to each keypress. Its bassy and low-pitched qualities create a deeper and richer auditory experience, resembling the depth found in bass tones. This sound can enhance the typing experience, making it feel more dynamic and engaging, although the Mars switch's sound could also be influenced by the choice of the keyboard it is paired with, leading to a broader range of auditory experiences.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mars switch is again unspecified, but the Viola Tricolor switch offers a well-balanced tactile feedback. It is designed to be accented, meaning it provides a prominent yet comfortable level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor too subtle. This creates a satisfying sensation during use, allowing typists to enjoy the feedback of their presses without feeling fatigued or distracted. While the Mars switch's tactile qualities remain unknown, it’s possible that a smoother linear experience may still result in a different but pleasant tactile sensation.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Mars switch's specific qualities in sound and feel remain ambiguous, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch stands out with its rich sound profile and balanced tactile feedback. If you prefer a more pronounced typing experience with engaging auditory cues, the Viola Tricolor is a strong choice. However, the Mars may still offer a more straightforward linear experience. With careful pairing to the right board and keycaps, both switches can deliver an overall satisfying typing experience, albeit in different ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch should be based on your personal preferences and typing style. If you’re drawn to a smooth and uninterrupted keypress with minimal resistance, the Gateron Mars is an excellent choice. Its unique design promises a fluid experience, perfect for those who appreciate the simplicity of linear switches, whether for fast-paced gaming or extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience without being overly pronounced, the Viola Tricolor is ideal. Its medium-heavy actuation force provides satisfying feedback that is both pronounced and refined, suitable for those who appreciate a bit of character in their keystrokes. Additionally, the deep, rich sound profile of the Viola Tricolor can significantly enhance the auditory aspect of your typing. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether you prefer the seamlessness of linear switches or the engaging tactile feel of a well-balanced tactile switch.
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