Cherry MX Orange vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, two options that often come up in discussions are the Cherry MX Orange and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Cherry MX Orange, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and is a modern reissue of the original MX Orange made by Cherry's Japanese partner Hirose, designed to meet the demands of avid typists and gamers alike. Its linearity makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer uninterrupted key presses, making it particularly appealing for gaming scenarios where speed and precision are paramount. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor is a tactile switch renowned for its distinctive thuddy and punchy sound profile, which adds personality to the typing experience. It boasts a pronounced tactility that strikes a balance between satisfying feedback and ease of use, without overwhelming the typist. While the MX Orange caters to those seeking a smooth, linear feel, the Viola Tricolor offers a unique auditory and tactile stimulation that can enhance the overall enjoyment of typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Orange and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, notable distinctions can be observed in their top housing compositions. The Cherry MX Orange features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a sound profile characterized by depth and fullness. This is attributed to nylon's inherent softness, allowing it to absorb sound, resulting in a muted acoustic quality that contrasts with harsher plastics. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing. This stiffer plastic not only enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound but also contributes to a higher-pitched and crisper auditory experience. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate offers a translucent quality that makes it ideal for RGB lighting applications, allowing for a more vibrant lighting effect compared to the opaque nature of nylon.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, leading to similarities in the tactile experience and overall sound profile while bottoming out. The nylon's softer plastic composition in both cases absorbs sound effectively, yielding a deeper and fuller sound that is consistent across both switches when engaged. This shared characteristic in the bottom housing means that, when pressed down, both switches will evoke a similar auditory sensation despite the distinct acoustic qualities brought on by their tops. This consistency makes any typing experience feel somewhat similar at the point of actuation, even if the sound produced during release will vary significantly due to the differing top housing materials.
Ultimately, the combination of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches results in a degree of comparative overlap in sound characteristics when the keys are fully pressed down. However, the different materials used in the top housing lead to significantly contrasting sound profiles upon key release, contributing to varying user experiences. In practice, when comparing the two, one could expect to find a fullness and richness in the Cherry MX Orange while experiencing a sharper and more resonant auditory effect with the Haimu Viola Tricolor, showcasing how material choice can influence not just the functionality, but also the acoustic character of keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Orange has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the actuation force for the Viola Tricolor is unknown. However, the Haimu Viola Tricolor has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is classified as medium-heavy. Since the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Orange is not available, we can't directly compare that aspect. Nevertheless, it can be inferred that the Haimu Viola Tricolor might provide a more pronounced tactile feedback when fully pressed down due to its higher bottom out force. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cherry MX Orange would be the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial key press might gravitate towards the Haimu Viola. Ultimately, if both switches had comparably available forces, one could expect different user experiences based on preference for actuation and bottom out feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, the two show a slight difference in measurement. The Cherry MX Orange has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor measures at 3.8 mm, thus categorizing it as the shorter switch. The 0.2 mm difference in travel distance may influence the tactile experience during typing or gaming; gamers often gravitate towards the shorter travel distance for quicker response times, whereas others may appreciate the deeper travel distance of the MX Orange for a more profound typing feel. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding responsiveness versus depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 Cherry MX Orange switch has not been explicitly described, leaving its acoustic qualities somewhat open to interpretation. However, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch is characterized by a distinctively bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and richer auditory experience during key presses. This low-pitched tone can add a layer of warmth to the typing experience, creating a more engaging environment. Sound is also influenced by the keyboard design and keycap materials, so the context of use can potentially parlay both switches into similarly pleasant, albeit different, auditory experiences.
When examining the feel, the Cherry MX Orange switch’s specific tactile characteristics are not provided, which limits a direct comparison. However, the Haimu Viola Tricolor is described as offering an accented tactile experience, providing a satisfying feedback loop that isn’t too overwhelming. The invigorating nature of the Viola Tricolor switch delivers a balance between prominent tactility and smoothness, making it exciting and precise during typing. If the MX Orange offers any tactile feedback, it may mirror this invigorating and medium tactile feel, allowing for an engaging typing sensation.
In conclusion, while specific descriptions for sound and feel regarding the Cherry MX Orange switch were not provided, the information surrounding the Haimu Viola Tricolor paint a picture of a switch that delivers a rich sound and a satisfying tactile response. Depending on the attributes of the MX Orange, it could potentially offer similar outcomes, making either a strong choice for those exploring mechanical options. Whether you prefer the deeper auditory experience of the Viola Tricolor or a more understated sound from the MX Orange, it’s essential to test both options to discover which aligns better with your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch ultimately hinges on your specific preferences and intended usage. If you're looking for a smooth, silent typing experience with no tactile bumps, the MX Orange is an excellent option. This switch is ideal for those who prioritize quick actuation and seamless keystrokes, making it suitable for fast-paced gaming sessions or tasks that require frequent keystrokes without distraction. On the other hand, if you enjoy a pronounced tactile feel and a rich sound profile, the Haimu Viola Tricolor is likely the better choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force and invigorating feedback provide satisfying tactile responses while typing, making it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a mixture of responsiveness and character in their key presses. The deep, bassy sound that accompanies each keystroke adds an enjoyable auditory element, perfect for those who love the sensation of typing. Ultimately, your decision should reflect how you want your keyboard to feel and sound during use, ensuring that your switch selection enhances your overall experience.
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