Outemu Blue Jade vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue Jade, a clicky switch, and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, a tactile switch, stand out for their unique qualities. The blue jade is known for its clicky feedback, providing a satisfying auditory experience for typists. On the other hand, the viola tricolor offers a tactile sensation without being too overpowering, striking a perfect balance between tactility and comfort. While the Blue Jade is categorized as a clicky switch, the Viola Tricolor is labeled as accented, bassy, invigorating, and low-pitched. Both switches have their advantages, with the Blue Jade excelling in clicky feedback and the Viola Tricolor offering a more subdued tactile experience. However, let's delve a bit deeper beyond generalizations so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, it is clear that they both use nylon for their bottom housing. This means that typing on switches from both keyboards will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon which absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound overall, providing a satisfying typing experience for users of both switches.
However, where the two switches differ is in their top housing material. The Blue Jade features a nylon top housing, while the Viola Tricolor utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing. The use of polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Blue Jade's nylon top housing. Additionally, the Viola Tricolor's translucent polycarbonate housing is especially useful for RGB lighting effects, making it a visually appealing option for those looking to customize their keyboard setup.
When considering the impact of different housing materials on sound and feel, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom housing of a switch. The bottom housing has more of an 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. Users may prefer the deeper and fuller sound produced by nylon bottom housings, or they may opt for the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate top housings, depending on their personal preference for sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is evident that the Blue Jade requires a slightly higher actuation force at 50 grams compared to the Viola Tricolor which has an unknown actuation force. Both switches have a similar bottom out force with the Blue Jade at 65 grams and the Viola Tricolor at 63.5 grams, making them both medium-heavy switches. This means that while the Blue Jade provides a consistent typing experience with a defined actuation force, the Viola Tricolor offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a gentler keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Blue Jade being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Viola Tricolor for quicker response times, while those who enjoy a deeper key press may lean towards the Blue Jade. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying key press experience, but the slight difference in travel distance could be a determining factor for individual preferences.
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 Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Blue Jade switch is known for its loud and clicky sound profile, offering a satisfying auditory experience with each key press. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch provides a unique thuddy and punchy sound that adds character to the typing experience. The Viola Tricolor's bassy and low-pitched sound characteristics create a rich and deep tone during typing, enhancing the overall typing sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Blue Jade switch lacks specific descriptors, leaving its tactile feel relatively unknown. On the contrary, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch offers an accented and invigorating tactile experience. These switches are designed to provide a pronounced tactile feedback without being overly tactile, striking a balance that enhances the typing sensation without being overwhelming or too subtle. The Viola Tricolor's tactile feel aims to be medium-tactile, snappy, and reactive, creating an immersive typing experience for users.
Overall, while the Outemu Blue Jade and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer distinct sound and tactile qualities, it is important to note that individual preferences may vary. Those seeking a loud and clicky typing experience may prefer the Blue Jade, while others looking for a unique and punchy sound with a balanced tactile feel may lean towards the Viola Tricolor. Both switches offer their own appeal, and selecting the right one ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a satisfying clicky sound with medium-heavy bottom out force and are not specifically looking for a unique sound profile, the Blue Jade may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile, pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, and a balance between sharp sensation and user comfort, the Viola Tricolor could be the switch for you. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and it's important to prioritize what features are most important to you in your mechanical keyboard switch selection.
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