Bsun Olive vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Olive and the Haimu Viola Tricolor are two popular options to consider. The Bsun Olive switches are known for their resonant and deep sound, thanks to their all-POM housings. These medium-weight switches provide pronounced tactile feedback and a sharp bottom-out, offering a satisfying typing experience that is both invigorating and snappy. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to your typing. With a perfect balance of tactility, these switches provide a sharp sensation without being overly tactile, creating a bassy and low-pitched 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
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
One key difference between the Bsun Olive and the Haimu Viola Tricolor is their choice of housing materials. The Olive features POM housing both at the top and the bottom, creating a sound profile that is deep and relatively muted. In comparison, the Viola Tricolor utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing and nylon for its bottom housing. This results in a switch that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound when pressed due to the polycarbonate top housing, while the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The contrasting properties of these materials provide distinct auditory experiences for users of both switches.
While the Olive and the Viola Tricolor both aim to create pleasing sound profiles, their housing materials lead to different outcomes. The POM housing of the Olive brings a unique sound that is on the deeper side and muted, providing a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Viola Tricolor offers a sharper and crisper sound, which can be further enhanced when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Viola Tricolor absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder typing experience compared to the Olive. These contrasting characteristics cater to different preferences for sound and feel in mechanical keyboards.
In terms of functionality, the housing materials of the Olive and the Viola Tricolor play a significant role in determining the overall typing experience. The split use of materials in the Viola Tricolor allows for a balance between the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, with the bottom housing contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, providing a sharper and crisper auditory feedback. In contrast, the Olive's consistent use of POM housing throughout results in a more uniform sound profile that is deep and pleasing, catering to those who prefer a more muted typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Weight
The Bsun Olive tactile switch has a slightly lighter actuation force compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, with 45 grams versus an unknown amount. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Olive at 65 grams and the Viola Tricolor at 63.5 grams, both falling into the medium-heavy category. In terms of weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Olive switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Viola Tricolor. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium-heavy typing experience, providing a balance between actuation and bottom out forces for a satisfying typing or gaming session.
Travel distance
The Bsun Olive tactile 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 Viola Tricolor has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Olive. Typically, a shorter travel distance results in faster response times, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for some users. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, so you can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 Bsun Olive tactile switch is best known for its resonant, deep sound profile that is set apart by its medium-weight and pronounced tactile feedback. The Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, on the other hand, offers a thuddy and punchy sound that adds character to typing without being overly tactile. While the Olive switches provide a sharp bottom-out sound, the Viola Tricolor strikes a balance between a sharp sensation and a satisfying feedback, creating a unique auditory experience for users. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the Olive leaning towards a deeper and more resonant tone compared to the Viola Tricolor's punchy sound.
When it comes to feel, both the Bsun Olive and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switches are described as accented and invigorating, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The Olive switch is also characterized as sharp and snappy, offering a high feedback intensity and a reactive feel during typing. Similarly, the Viola Tricolor switch delivers pronounced feedback with a moderate to firm actuation force, creating an immersive typing sensation for users. Both switches offer a tactile experience that enhances typing performance and provides a satisfying feel to users, making them ideal choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
In conclusion, the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch each have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Olive switch excels in delivering a deep and resonant sound with a sharp bottom-out, while the Viola Tricolor switch offers a punchy sound profile with a balance between tactile feedback and sharp sensation. Both switches provide an invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback and a satisfying tactility, making them popular choices among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can expect a similar level of quality and performance from either switch when incorporated into their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Olive tactile switch or the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, you should take into account your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel. If you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force, a resonant and deep sound profile, and a sharp tactile feedback, the Bsun Olive switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lower bottom out force, a thuddy and punchy sound profile, and a balanced tactile feedback that is not overly pronounced, then the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you aim to achieve.
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