Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent 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, two popular options are the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Cherry MX Silent Red is a linear switch that offers a slightly heftier feel compared to the MX Red, but with the key feature of operating silently. This makes it perfect for noise-sensitive environments while still providing a satisfying typing experience with its muted, thocky, low-pitched, and textured characteristics. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor is a tactile switch that delivers a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to your typing. With pronounced tactility and a balanced sensation, it offers an invigorating experience without being overly tactile, categorized as accented, bassy, invigorating, and low-pitched. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing needs. 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
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 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
The Cherry MX Silent Red and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both feature top housing made of different materials, with the MX Silent Red using nylon and the Viola Tricolor using polycarbonate. The nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Viola Tricolor creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer nature, offering a more clear and resonant sound. However, both materials have their advantages when it comes to aesthetics, with polycarbonate being especially useful if RGB lighting is desired due to its translucency.
On the other hand, both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing material. This choice provides a similar effect in terms of sound profile, with both switches offering a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housing. Despite differences in their top housing materials, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that users will experience a consistent deep and full sound profile when using either the Cherry MX Silent Red or the Haimu Viola Tricolor.
Overall, the choice of housing material plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of a switch. The differences between the nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red and the polycarbonate top housing of the Viola Tricolor demonstrate how a softer plastic like nylon can create a different sound compared to a stiffer material like polycarbonate. Additionally, the split between top and bottom housing allows users to feel the impact of each material when pressing down on a key or releasing it. These factors should be considered when choosing between switches with different housing materials to ensure the desired sound and feel for the typing experience.
Weight
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Viola Tricolor is heavier at 63.5 grams, while the MX Silent Red's bottom out force is unavailable. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the MX Silent Red due to its lower actuation force, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, as it requires a heavier force to bottom out. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to all users, but for those who prefer a more responsive feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, those who enjoy a bit more depth and feedback when typing may lean towards the Haimu Viola Tricolor. Overall, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of how much travel distance is desirable for the individual user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 Silent Red switch provides a muted and thocky sound profile, delivering a softer and quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. The low-pitched tones of the MX Silent Red make it an excellent choice for those seeking a more subtle and refined auditory experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, adding a touch of character and depth to each key press. The Viola Tricolor's sound is described as thuddy and punchy, creating a unique typing atmosphere that some users may find more engaging.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is known for its slightly textured feel, providing a subtle friction that adds a level of tactility without being overly scratchy. This texture can enhance the typing experience for users who appreciate a bit of feedback while maintaining a smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch offers an accented and invigorating tactile sensation, striking a balance between medium tactility and a snappy, reactive feel. The Viola Tricolor switch provides a pronounced amount of feedback without overwhelming the user, creating an immersive typing sensation that is both engaging and comfortable.
Overall, while the Cherry MX Silent Red and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer different sound and feel profiles, both switches excel in providing a satisfying typing experience. The MX Silent Red is ideal for those seeking a quieter and more refined auditory experience, with a textured feel that adds a subtle level of tactility. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch provides a unique sound profile with a bassy tone and a punchy feel that is both invigorating and balanced in its tactility. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, with both options offering a high-quality typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, consider your environment and personal preference for sound and feel. If you are in a noise-sensitive environment and prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the satisfying feel of a linear switch, the MX Silent Red is a great choice with its muted and thocky sound profile. On the other hand, if you enjoy a touch of character in your typing with a punchier sound and pronounced tactile feedback, the Viola Tricolor is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing needs to enhance your overall typing experience.
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