Outemu Cold Plum vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cold Plum and the Haimu Viola Tricolor offer unique typing experiences for enthusiasts. The Cold Plum is a linear switch best known for its thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, delivering a satisfying typing feel with its fully nylon construction. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor is a tactile switch designed to provide a thuddy and punchy sound profile while offering a pronounced tactility without being overly tactile. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
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 Cold Plum and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, it is evident that they both use nylon for the bottom housing. This means that typing on switches from both keyboards will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the relatively softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. However, the Viola Tricolor stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The clear nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, offering a visually appealing experience.
While both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, the key difference lies in their top housing materials. The Cold Plum utilizes nylon for its top housing, resulting in a rounder and duller sound profile when compared to the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate top housing. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile, offering a unique typing experience. This contrast highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the sound and feel of a switch, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, the Outemu Cold Plum and the Haimu Viola Tricolor showcase how the choice of housing materials can influence the overall typing experience. While both switches share the use of nylon for the bottom housing, the incorporation of polycarbonate in the Viola Tricolor's top housing sets it apart with a sharper and crisper sound profile. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound profile or a more resonant and clear one, these switches offer distinct options to suit varying preferences in keyboard aesthetics and performance.
Weight
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Cold Plum at 70 grams and the Viola Tricolor at 63.5 grams, both falling into the medium-heavy category. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Cold Plum may be more comfortable for longer typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor offers a slightly stronger push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Cold Plum offers a quicker response time for gamers looking for speed, while the Viola Tricolor provides a deeper key press for those who prefer a more robust feel. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, with 4.0mm being the traditional standard. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
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 Cold Plum 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 Cold Plum offers a thocky sound profile due to its fully nylon construction, providing a smooth keystroke and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches are known for their bassy and low-pitched sound, adding a touch of character to each key press without being too intrusive. Depending on personal preference and setup, both switches can deliver a unique and enjoyable auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Cold Plum switch's tactile qualities are not explicitly described, but its smooth keystroke suggests a linear switch without tactile feedback. On the contrary, the Viola Tricolor offers a balanced tactility that is not overwhelming, providing a satisfying feedback without being too aggressive. Described as accented and invigorating, these switches offer a medium level of tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience without fatiguing the fingers.
Overall, while the Outemu Cold Plum and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer different sound profiles and tactile sensations, both can provide a satisfying typing experience tailored to individual preferences. Whether you prefer a thocky linear switch or a punchy tactile switch, experimenting with both types can help you determine the best fit for your mechanical keyboard setup. Remember that factors such as keycap material and keyboard case design can also influence the overall sound and feel of the switches, so don't be afraid to explore different combinations to find your ideal typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, you should consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a smooth keystroke with a satisfying thocky sound, the Cold Plum may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a balance of sharp tactility without being overly tactile, the Viola Tricolor could be the better choice. Ultimately, the Cold Plum is best suited for those who prioritize a distinct typing feel with a medium-heavy bottom out force, while the Viola Tricolor is ideal for enthusiasts seeking a touch of character in their typing experience with a similar bottom out force. Both switches have their unique qualities, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
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