Cherry MX Brown vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Brown and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The MX Brown switches are best known for their subtlety, offering a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switches are designed to deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds a touch of character to your typing experience. These switches offer a pronounced tactility, providing satisfying feedback without crossing into the realm of being overly tactile. While these general characteristics can give you a sense of what to expect from each switch, 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
55g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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
The housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches differ in terms of their material composition. The MX Brown features a nylon top housing, while the Viola Tricolor utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. This distinction results in distinct sound profiles. Typing on switches with a nylon top housing, like the MX Brown, produces a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's softness, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Viola Tricolor generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness leads to a more clear and resonant sound. However, both switches use nylon as the material for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile.
Another point of comparison between the Cherry MX Brown and the Haimu Viola Tricolor lies in the impact of the housing materials on the overall switch experience. When pressing down on either switch, the characteristics of the bottom housing come into play, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. As both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, they will provide a similar tactile experience, eliciting a deep and full sound profile. On the other hand, the top housing, whether it be nylon or polycarbonate, plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. The nylon top housing of the MX Brown creates a dull and round sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Viola Tricolor produces a clear and resonant sound, especially beneficial when paired with RGB lighting.
In summary, the housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown and the Haimu Viola Tricolor differ in their composition, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The MX Brown's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate top housing generates a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches, however, utilize nylon for their bottom housing, leading to a similar tactile experience and deep sound. The impact of the housing materials can be felt differently, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences, both switches provide unique characteristics that cater to varying preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, some notable differences emerge. The MX Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is unknown. However, the MX Brown's actuation force can be considered medium-light. In terms of bottom out force, the MX Brown requires 55 grams of force, whereas the Viola Tricolor demands a heavier 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy.
Weight is an important factor to consider as it can greatly impact typing experiences. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the MX Brown more suitable, as its lower actuation force allows for longer typing periods without fatigue. This lighter weight is beneficial for activities such as bringing a keyboard to work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. Alternatively, some individuals may prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. For them, the Viola Tricolor's heavier bottom out force would provide a more satisfying typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Brown and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The MX Brown offers a medium-light actuation force and a lighter bottom out force, while the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is unknown, but it features a heavier bottom out force. Choosing between them depends on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The MX Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Viola Tricolor has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of the traditional range, the MX Brown falls on the longer end, while the Viola Tricolor is slightly shorter. This may be a significant factor for gamers who prioritize faster response times, as the shorter travel distance of the Viola Tricolor may provide a quicker and more responsive keystroke. However, those who prefer a deeper, more substantial keystroke may find that the longer travel distance of the MX Brown offers a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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, both the Cherry MX Brown and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches fall under the bassy and low-pitched category. This means that they both offer a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Overall, both switches provide a pleasing sound experience while typing.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Brown switches are described as textured or scratchy. This means that they have noticeable friction when pressed, offering a slightly textured sensation. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches are described as accented switches, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. They are also described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. This creates an immersive typing sensation for users. While the MX Brown switches offer a smoother typing experience, the Viola Tricolor switches provide a satisfying level of tactility without being too overwhelming.
Based on the information provided, the Cherry MX Brown switches offer a subtle and light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. They have a bassy and low-pitched sound profile and a textured feel when pressed. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches provide a thuddy and punchy sound profile with pronounced tactility. They are accented switches that offer a medium level of tactility and an invigorating typing sensation. Both switches have their unique qualities and can provide a satisfying typing experience. Depending on the user's preference for sound and feel, they can choose between the subtle and gentle experience of the MX Brown switches or the punchy and invigorating sensation of the Viola Tricolor switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that offers a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is a great choice. These switches have a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and are known for their subtlety. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that delivers a thuddy and punchy sound profile without being overly tactile, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch would be the better option. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches strike a perfect balance between sharp sensation and user-friendly feedback. Both switches are described as having a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. However, MX Brown switches are described as textured, potentially offering noticeable friction when pressed, whereas Viola Tricolor switches are described as accented, providing a medium tactile feel without being scratchy. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for typing experience and feel.
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