Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, both of which offer a tactile typing experience. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) stands out for its sharp and premium tactile feel. With a unique blend of PBT top and bottom housing, these switches provide a rare and exceptional typing experience. They feature a strong downstroke bump and an even sharper and stronger upstroke bump, creating a hypertactile sensation. The Moyu Blacks also offer a satisfyingly sharp, short, snappy, and punchy sound with a medium-heavy feel and an accentuated bottom-out. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switches are designed to deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to your typing experience. They strike a perfect balance between pronounced tactility and not being overly tactile. These switches offer a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. Both switches have their unique attributes, however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PBT
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Haimu Viola Tricolor differ in terms of the top and bottom housing. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) features a PBT top housing, while the Viola Tricolor utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. PBT offers a neutral sound profile, neither particularly crisp nor dull. On the other hand, polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. Furthermore, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Viola Tricolor also differ. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) features a PBT bottom housing, which offers a neutral sound profile without being too crisp or dull. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While the top and bottom housings of the two switches exhibit different qualities, both materials enhance the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the sound profiles may differ between the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, both switches deliver satisfying and unique experiences based on their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. The Moyu Black has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is unavailable. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy range for bottom out force, with the Moyu Black having a bottom out force of 67 grams and the Viola Tricolor at 63.5 grams.
Considering weight, some users may prefer a lighter switch like the Moyu Black, as it allows for longer typing sessions and is suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. However, for those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, a switch with a heavier force is recommended. In this case, the Viola Tricolor may be a better choice with its slightly heavier bottom out force.
While the actuation force for the Viola Tricolor is unknown, it is worth noting that both switches have comparable bottom out forces within the medium-heavy range. Therefore, if the actuation force of the Viola Tricolor is similar to the Moyu Black, users can expect similar results in terms of key activation and the tactile feedback provided. However, without the specific actuation force measurement for the Viola Tricolor, it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. Overall, whether one is lighter or heavier than the other, the choice between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Moyu Black falls into the category of a more traditional travel distance, while the Viola Tricolor is on the shallower end. Gamers, who often prioritize fast response times, tend to prefer shorter travel distances. In this case, the Viola Tricolor would be the preferred choice due to its slightly shorter travel distance. However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial feel and deeper key press, the Moyu Black with its slightly longer travel distance would be a better option. Ultimately, the decision depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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
The sound produced by the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches is described as resonant, resulting in a higher-pitched sound profile that provides an immersive auditory experience. The sound is clean, sharp, and satisfyingly sharp, with a short, snappy, and punchy sound on the downstroke. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switches offer a bassy sound profile with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It also has a low-pitched sound, which is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, both the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and Viola Tricolor switches are described as accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. These switches offer a tactile feedback that can be felt distinctly with each and every keypress. The Moyu Black switches are known for their sharp tactile bump, which is strong, crisp, and prominent. This creates a high feedback intensity and a distinct tactile sensation. Similarly, the Viola Tricolor switches also offer a pronounced tactile feedback, along with a moderate to firm actuation force. They have an invigorating feel, which is snappy, reactive, and creates an immersive typing sensation.
Overall, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer different characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Moyu Black switches provide a sharp, short, snappy, and punchy sound with a strong downstroke tactile bump and an even sharper and stronger upstroke bump. They have a medium-heavy feel and an abrupt and accentuated bottom-out, offering a distinctive and impactful typing experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switches deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile, striking a balance between being tactile without overwhelming the user. They have a pronounced tactility and an invigorating feel, providing a satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. Depending on personal preferences, both switches can offer an enjoyable and premium typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a unique and premium typing experience, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) would be a great choice. These switches offer a sharp tactile feel with a strong downstroke and an even sharper upstroke bump, creating a hypertactile sensation. The Moyu Blacks have a medium-heavy feel and produce a satisfyingly sharp and punchy sound when typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that strikes a perfect balance between tactility and smoothness, the Haimu Viola Tricolor would be a suitable option. These switches offer a pronounced tactility without overwhelming the user and provide a thuddy and punchy sound profile. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a resonant and high-pitched sound with an accented and sharp tactile feel, or a bassy and low-pitched sound with an accented and invigorating tactile feel, both Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches have their own unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience.
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