Gateron Melodic vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Gateron Melodic and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Gateron Melodic is a clicky switch that has been reinvigorated by Gateron with advancements such as smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems. This switch offers a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback, described as 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Crunchy'. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor is a tactile switch designed to provide a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding character to typing. It offers pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, categorized as 'Accented', 'Bassy', 'Invigorating', and 'Low-pitched'. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles, but 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
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate gives these switches a translucent appearance. The nylon bottom housing on both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite the similar materials used in the top and bottom housing of both switches, the impact of each material varies in terms of sound and feel when typing.
While both the Melodic and Viola Tricolor switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, the differences become more apparent in the bottom housing material. The Melodic features a nylon bottom housing that enhances the typing experience with a deep and full sound profile, contrasting with the Viola Tricolor's nylon bottom housing that offers a similar sound quality. The impact of the bottom housing material on the bottom-out sound and feel is significant, as the material's softness and sound absorption play a key role in the overall typing experience for both switches. Understanding how each material affects the sound profile and typing feel can help in choosing the switch that best suits individual preferences.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches like the Gateron Melodic and Haimu Viola Tricolor plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharp and crisp sound, the differences lie in the nylon bottom housing's impact on the sound profile and feel. Whether opting for the deeper and fuller sound of the Melodic's nylon bottom housing or the rounder sound of the Viola Tricolor's nylon bottom housing, users can expect a unique typing experience based on the combination of materials used in each switch's housing. Ultimately, the selection between these switches depends on personal preference for sound profile, typing feel, and aesthetic appeal.
Weight
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch both have an actuation force of None grams, making them equally light in terms of initial keystroke activation. However, the Melodic switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium, while the Viola Tricolor switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier at a medium-heavy level. When considering weight, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Melodic for longer typing or gaming 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 would depend on individual preferences for key press feel and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Melodic offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a balance between depth and responsiveness, making it a popular choice among typists. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor's slightly shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. Both switches offer quality performance, but the Melodic may feel more substantial while the Viola Tricolor may feel more immediate in action. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance in a keyboard switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Gateron Melodic switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, with a higher-pitched and clean sound profile that immerses users in their typing. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Both switches add a unique character to the typing experience, with the Melodic delivering a classic clicky sound while the Viola Tricolor strikes a balance between sharp sensation and satisfying feedback.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Melodic switch is described as buttery and invigorating, providing users with a smooth and fluid keystroke experience along with pronounced feedback and reactive feel. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch offers an accented and invigorating feel, providing a medium amount of tactility that is not overpowering yet still noticeable during typing. Both switches aim to enhance the overall typing sensation, with the Melodic ensuring a seamless and effortless typing feel, while the Viola Tricolor strikes a balance between tactile feedback and smooth key presses.
Overall, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Melodic provides a resonant, crunchy sound and a buttery, invigorating feel, the Viola Tricolor offers a bassy, low-pitched sound and an accented, invigorating feel. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between the classic clicky experience of the Melodic or the balanced tactile feedback of the Viola Tricolor to enhance their typing journey. When considering these aspects, it is important to also take into account the keyboard and keycap choices, as they can further impact the overall typing experience with these switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, consider your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a resonant or crunchy sound profile, the Melodic switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and appreciate a bassy or low-pitched sound profile with a balance of tactility, the Viola Tricolor switch could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to your individual typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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