Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that offer unique tactile sensations and feedback, and two popular choices in this realm are the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Cherry MX Purple is celebrated for its refined tactile experience, featuring a medium-strength bump designed in collaboration with keyboard expert Glarses, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a responsive feel with understated feedback. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor is known for its satisfying thuddy and punchy sound profile, delivering a pronounced tactile sensation that energizes the typing experience without becoming overly distracting. While both switches excel in providing tactile feedback, they cater to different preferences—one prioritizing a more subtle touch and the other a more invigorating auditory presence. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal 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
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches, one of the most notable differences lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Cherry MX Purple RGB employs a nylon top housing, which is a classic material revered for its sound-dampening properties. This characteristic results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that many typists appreciate, as the nylon absorbs sound waves and creates a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor incorporates a polycarbonate top housing that is known for its rigidity and clarity. This material's stiffer nature facilitates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, ultimately providing a more resonant auditory feedback. Thus, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a warmer sound, the Haimu Viola Tricolor excels in delivering a crispness that can be particularly appealing to those seeking a more pronounced key response.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, share a commonality that balances their overall sound profiles. Both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, which again plays a significant role in the auditory experience. Since nylon is softer, it absorbs sound effectively, contributing to the deeper and fuller sound profile that both switches exhibit from the bottom out. This similarity means that when users type on either switch, they will experience a consistent sound characteristic from the bottom housing, transforming the perceived auditory feedback during keystrokes. As a result, while the top housing introduces distinct sound profiles, the nylon bottom in both switches ensures that typists enjoy consistency in the deeper tones.
Ultimately, the interplay between the different materials used in the top and bottom housings of the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Haimu Viola Tricolor creates a unique typing experience for users. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a rounder and more muted sound, while the Cherry's nylon top softens the impact of sound generated from key releases. Conversely, the Haimu's polycarbonate top adds a crispness to the sound, vibrating off the nylon bottom’s depth. Thus, the contrasting materials lead to a nuanced auditory experience, where the MX Purple RGB leans toward warmth, and the Viola Tricolor emphasizes clarity, yet both share a foundational consistency in sound due to the shared nylon bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an actuation force of 45 grams, which provides a moderate typing experience ideal for extended typing sessions. However, its bottom out force is not specified, making it difficult to determine how it feels when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor features a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel when bottoming out, though its actuation force remains unspecified. Notably, when considering these metrics, the Cherry MX Purple RGB can be classified as the lighter switch given its known actuation force, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor has a heavier bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing or gaming sessions, the Cherry MX may be more suitable, while the Haimu Viola could be favored by users seeking a more substantial tactile experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is evident that the MX Purple RGB has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Viola Tricolor measures slightly less at 3.8 mm. This makes the Cherry MX Purple RGB the longer option, providing a more traditional key press experience that some users may find satisfying due to its greater depth. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers and those who prefer quicker, more responsive keystrokes. Ultimately, if responsiveness is a priority for you, the Viola Tricolor could be the better choice, while those who appreciate a more substantial tactile feedback may gravitate toward the MX Purple RGB.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 Purple RGB switches produce a refined and balanced auditory experience, although specific details about their acoustic profile were not provided. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches are characterized by a thuddy and punchy sound profile that resonates more with a bass-heavy, low-pitched tone. This deeper sound creates a tactile reverberation that adds character to each keystroke, setting them apart from the MX Purple RGB. The overall sound experience will also depend on the keyboard’s construction and the choice of keycaps used, so there may be a level of customization available regardless of the switch chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB provides a medium-strength tactile experience with a distinct bump, crafted for those who appreciate a moderate tactile feedback without being overwhelming. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer a more invigorating sensation with their pronounced tactility and invigorating feedback. They are not overly tactile, striking an ideal balance that makes each press satisfying without feeling too pronounced. Both switches, while differing slightly in their tactile feedback, are designed to enhance the typing experience with a comfortable and responsive feel.
Overall, both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches present unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cherry MX Purple offers a refined tactile experience with subtle auditory cues, while the Viola Tricolor excels in sound and invigorating tactile feedback. Although they may appeal to different taste profiles, both switches can certainly provide a satisfying typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts. Selecting between them will largely depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, so trying both switches in various setups could help determine the ideal choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you seek a refined tactile experience with a medium-strength bump that balances feedback and comfort, the Cherry MX Purple RGB may be your ideal choice. This switch is particularly suited for gamers and typists who appreciate a shorter actuation and a more modern responsiveness, making it great for fast-paced scenarios and extended typing sessions where comfort is paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback that offers a satisfying bump—as well as a deeper, richer sound profile—the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch is likely more aligned with your preferences. Its heavier bottom-out force and thuddy sound add character to your typing experience, which can be invigorating for those who enjoy a more engaging and immersive feel. In summary, your decision should reflect your priorities: whether you lean towards a sleek, smooth typing experience or a robust, resonant tactile sensation.
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