Haimu Neo White vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Neo White and the Haimu Viola Tricolor offer unique typing experiences for users. The Neo White is a linear switch that stands out with its medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, providing a distinctive typing feel. The rare use of a Ly stem contributes to a remarkably smooth actuation, making each keystroke smooth and satisfying. Categorized as 'Mild' and 'Neutral', the Neo White switch is a great option for those who prefer a consistent and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor is a tactile switch designed to deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding character to typing. With pronounced tactility, it offers satisfying feedback without being overly tactile, striking a perfect balance. Categorized as 'Accented', 'Bassy', 'Invigorating', and 'Low-pitched', the Viola Tricolor switch is ideal for users who enjoy a sharp sensation while typing. However, let's dive deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Haimu Neo White and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. Both switches will likely exhibit similar sound characteristics and aesthetic appeal due to the shared polycarbonate top housing.
However, the key point of differentiation between the Neo White and the Viola Tricolor lies in their bottom housing material. The Neo White utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor also features a nylon bottom housing, offering similar sound qualities to the Neo White. This shared bottom housing material ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience with their deep and full sound profiles.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the housing materials of the switches play a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of each keystroke. The split between the top and bottom housings means that each material brings its own unique qualities to the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Neo White and Viola Tricolor results in switches that offer a balance of sharpness, clarity, depth, and fullness in their sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is clear that the Neo White is lighter in terms of bottom out force at 58 grams, while the Viola Tricolor is slightly heavier at 63.5 grams. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, but they fall within the medium to medium-heavy range based on the bottom out force. While the Neo White may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Viola Tricolor offers a slightly more substantial push feel for those seeking a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for users looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. The Neo White with its 3.6 mm travel distance is slightly shorter than the Viola Tricolor with a 3.8 mm travel distance. This means that the Neo White may provide a slightly faster response due to the shorter distance it needs to travel when compared to the Viola Tricolor. However, both switches offer similar benefits in terms of responsiveness and are suitable for users who prefer a shorter travel distance in their switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 per 10 switches.
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 Haimu Neo White linear switch provides a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound that adds a touch of richness and depth to each key press. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Viola Tricolor providing a more distinctive and characterful sound compared to the more neutral Neo White.
Moving on to feel, the Haimu Neo White linear switch offers a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable to most users. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch provides an accented and invigorating tactile feedback that strikes a perfect balance between being tactile without being overwhelming. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, with the Viola Tricolor providing a more pronounced feedback compared to the milder feel of the Neo White.
Overall, both the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. While the Neo White provides a more neutral sound and mild feel, the Viola Tricolor offers a bassy sound profile and an invigorating tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and typing feel, with both switches providing a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience overall.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a smooth and consistent actuation with a medium weight and reduced travel distance, the Neo White switch would be ideal for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback with a punchy sound profile and pronounced tactility without being overwhelming, the Viola Tricolor switch may be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the typing feel and sound profile that best suits your preferences and typing style.
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