Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Haimu Viola Tricolor present two distinct options for users to choose from. The MX Speed Silver is a linear switch renowned for its lightning-fast response time, making it ideal for gamers looking to gain a competitive edge with its low spring resistance and instantaneous triggering. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor offers a tactile typing experience with a satisfying feedback that strikes a balance between tactility and smoothness. While the Speed Silver excels in quick actions, the Viola Tricolor provides a more tactile and immersive typing experience. 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
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 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 Speed Silver and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, we can see that they both use nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housing. Both switches will likely provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, as they share this common housing material.
However, where they differ is in their top housing material. The MX Speed Silver features a top housing made of nylon, while the Viola Tricolor uses polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to nylon. This difference in top housing material will impact the overall sound and feel of typing on the switches. Additionally, the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visual element to the typing experience that the MX Speed Silver may not offer.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference. If you prefer a deeper and fuller sound profile with a softer plastic feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver with its nylon top and bottom housing may be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile with a stiffer plastic feel and the added bonus of RGB lighting, the Haimu Viola Tricolor with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing could be more appealing to you. Both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, providing a different typing experience for users to enjoy.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences for users. The MX Speed Silver is lighter with an actuation force of 30 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly. However, the bottom out force is unknown, so it is uncertain how much pressure is needed to press the key all the way down. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier push feel. The actuation force for the Viola Tricolor is unknown, but given the higher bottom out force, it can be assumed to be on the heavier side as well. Overall, the MX Speed Silver is lighter in terms of actuation force, while the Viola Tricolor is heavier with its bottom out force, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Speed Silver has a shorter travel distance compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The shorter travel distance of the MX Speed Silver can be advantageous for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Viola Tricolor may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for users who prefer a deeper keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and rich auditory experience with each key press. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch produces a bassy and low-pitched sound that adds a touch of character to the typing experience without being overpowering. Both switches offer a satisfying sound profile, with the Viola Tricolor leaning more towards a punchier tone compared to the deeper thocky sound of the MX Speed Silver.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is described as having a textured sensation, possibly providing a slight degree of friction during key presses. Contrastingly, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch is known for its medium tactile feel that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, offering a prominent amount of tactility without being scratchy. The Viola Tricolor switch also provides an invigorating experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel, enhancing the typing sensation.
Overall, if you prefer a switch with rapid response and low spring resistance that triggers instantly for gaming purposes, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch is the ideal choice. However, if you enjoy a switch with a pronounced tactile feel that strikes a perfect balance between tactility and smoothness for a satisfying typing experience, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch would be more suitable. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can achieve a personalized typing or gaming experience based on their individual needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you are a gamer who values speed and instant response, the MX Speed Silver may be the better choice for you with its linear action and low spring resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with pronounced tactility and a satisfying feedback without being overly tactile, the Viola Tricolor could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing needs. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style.
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