Cherry Nixie vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Cherry Nixie and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Cherry Nixie is a linear switch, known for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, making it a favorite among enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor is a tactile switch, designed to provide a thuddy and punchy sound profile without being overly tactile, striking a perfect balance for users. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences - the Cherry Nixie for a smooth and textured typing experience, and the Haimu Viola Tricolor for a satisfying tactility. 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
63.5g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Cherry Nixie and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both use nylon for their bottom housing, giving them a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Nixie utilizes a nylon top housing while the Viola Tricolor uses polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in top housing materials will impact the overall sound and feel of the switches.
While both switches share a nylon bottom housing for a similar sound profile, the difference in top housing materials between the Cherry Nixie and the Haimu Viola Tricolor is significant. The Nixie's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, while the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and clearer sound. Additionally, the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate top housing allows for the use of RGB lighting due to its translucency, providing a visual appeal that the Nixie may not have.
The distinction in housing materials between the Cherry Nixie and the Haimu Viola Tricolor results in varying sound profiles and aesthetics. While the bottom housings of both switches offer a similar deep and full sound due to their nylon material, the top housings play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound experience. The nylon top housing of the Nixie provides a softer and more absorbent sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Viola Tricolor delivers a clearer and more resonant sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound and appearance.
Weight
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, which has a force that is currently unknown. However, the Viola Tricolor has a lighter bottom out force of 63.5 grams whereas the Nixie requires 80 grams of force to bottom out. In terms of weight, the Nixie switch is heavier overall, making it more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor offers a lighter bottom out force, which may be more comfortable for longer typing or gaming sessions. Both switches provide different experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences in typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Viola Tricolor has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Nixie. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Nixie being on the higher end of the spectrum. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Viola Tricolor due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Nixie. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key travel depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 it comes to sound, both the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer a low-pitched and bass-heavy experience, with the Nixie being described as thocky, while the Viola Tricolor is noted for its bassy profile. The Nixie produces a deep, satisfying thud, while the Viola Tricolor adds a touch of character with its punchy sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
Regarding feel, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is known for its textured typing experience, which can provide a unique tactile feedback for users who appreciate a bit of friction when pressing keys. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback and a medium level of tactility that strikes a balance between being too subtle or overwhelming. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Nixie leaning towards a textured feel while the Viola Tricolor offers an accented tactility without being scratchy.
In conclusion, both the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Nixie excels in its thocky sound and textured feel, appealing to users who enjoy a heavier typing experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor stands out for its punchy sound profile and balanced tactility, offering a satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. Ultimately, whether you choose the Nixie or the Viola Tricolor, you can expect a quality typing experience that meets your individual preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a heavy bottom out force with a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, along with a textured feel, then the Cherry Nixie switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, along with an accented and invigorating tactile feel, then the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch would be more suitable for your typing style. Consider your preferences for force, sound, and feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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