Cherry MX Red vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Red and the Haimu Viola Tricolor offer distinct typing experiences to suit different preferences. The MX Red, known for its slightly heftier feel and deep sound profile, provides a robust and responsive typing experience with a satisfying auditory depth. In comparison, the Viola Tricolor switches are designed to offer a thuddy and punchy sound profile with pronounced tactility, adding character to your typing while striking a balance between feedback and tactility. While the MX Red is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured', the Viola Tricolor is categorized as 'Accented', 'Bassy', 'Invigorating', and 'Low-pitched'. Each switch has its own unique qualities that may appeal to different users based on their preferences. However, 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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer nature and sound-absorbing properties. As a result, both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when it comes to the bottom housing. This similarity ensures that users can expect a consistent level of performance and sound profile when using either switch.
On the other hand, the top housing materials of the two switches differ, with the MX Red featuring a nylon top housing and the Viola Tricolor utilizing polycarbonate. While nylon is known for producing a duller and rounder sound profile, polycarbonate creates a sharper and more resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, adding a visual appeal to the Viola Tricolor switch. This difference in top housing material highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound profile and aesthetic of a switch.
Overall, the contrasting top housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and Haimu Viola Tricolor demonstrate how different housing materials can affect the sound and feel of a switch. While both switches share a similar bottom housing material in nylon, the choice of polycarbonate for the Viola Tricolor's top housing results in a crisper and more resonant sound profile compared to the deeper and fuller sound produced by the nylon top housing of the MX Red. These differences in housing materials allow users to select a switch based on their preferred sound and aesthetic preferences.
Weight
The Cherry MX Red linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch. The MX Red requires 45 grams of force to actuate a keystroke, while the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor requires 63.5 grams of force to bottom out, which is medium-heavy, while the bottom out force for the MX Red is unknown. These differences in force can impact the typing experience for users. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the MX Red for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Viola Tricolor for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Viola Tricolor being slightly shorter. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Viola Tricolor for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the MX Red. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience desired. While the difference in travel distance is minimal, it can have a noticeable impact on the feel and performance of the switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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
When comparing the sound of the Cherry MX Red linear switch to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, both offer a deep, low-pitched tone during key presses. However, the MX Red is known for a thocky sound profile that provides a satisfying auditory experience, while the Viola Tricolor adds a touch of character with a punchy and bassy sound. The choice between the two would come down to personal preference in terms of the specific type of sound you prefer while typing.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cherry MX Red is described as having a textured feel, which can provide some friction when pressed. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor offers an invigorating typing experience with a balance of pronounced feedback and a tactile sensation that is not too overwhelming. The Viola Tricolor provides a medium level of tactility that enhances the typing feel without being too scratchy. Again, the decision on which switch to choose would depend on whether you prefer a slightly textured feel or a more invigorating tactile response.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the MX Red provides a slightly heftier feel and a thocky sound profile, the Viola Tricolor delivers a punchy sound and an invigorating tactile sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on your personal preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a deeper, richer sound and a more textured feel, the MX Red may be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a punchy sound and an invigorating tactile feel without being too scratchy, the Viola Tricolor would be a great choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a smoother, linear typing experience with a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, the MX Red may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile typing experience with a pronounced tactility and a thuddy, punchy sound profile, the Viola Tricolor could be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so choosing between them will depend on your personal preference for typing feel and sound.
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