Outemu Cream Blue vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the outemu cream blue clicky switch to the haimu viola tricolor tactile switch, it's important to note the distinct characteristics of each. The cream blue is best known for its clicky sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory experience for those who enjoy the sound of typing. On the other hand, the viola tricolor is renowned for its thuddy and punchy sound profile, offering a unique touch of character to typing. While the cream blue is categorized as 'clicky', the viola tricolor falls into the categories of 'accented', 'bassy', 'invigorating', and 'low-pitched'. If you prefer a pronounced tactile feedback without it being too overwhelming, the viola tricolor may be the ideal choice for you. 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
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
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Blue and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for its softness and sound-absorbing qualities, allowing for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This results in a duller and rounder sound, creating a more satisfying typing experience for users of both switches. However, the Cream Blue uses nylon for its top housing as well, while the Viola Tricolor features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in top housing material leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile for the Viola Tricolor, especially when combined with RGB lighting due to polycarbonate's translucency.
On the other hand, the Cream Blue's nylon top and bottom housing materials provide a consistent typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile overall. The Viola Tricolor, with its nylon bottom housing complementing the polycarbonate top housing, offers a unique blend of softness and stiffness that balances the sound profile between bottom and top housings. While both switches may have a similar impact on the bottom-out sound and feel due to their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing, the differing top housing materials play a significant role in shaping the sound when pressing and releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between the Cream Blue and Viola Tricolor housing materials comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience.
In conclusion, the use of different housing materials in the Outemu Cream Blue and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches results in distinct sound profiles and typing experiences for users. While both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Cream Blue's nylon top housing offers a duller and rounder sound, whereas the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate top housing imparts a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in top housing material allows the Viola Tricolor to excel in creating a clear and resonant sound profile, particularly when combined with RGB lighting. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetic considerations.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is evident that the Cream Blue is lighter in terms of actuation force at 50 grams compared to the Viola Tricolor with an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force with the Cream Blue at 65 grams and the Viola Tricolor at 63.5 grams, both falling under the medium-heavy category. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Cream Blue for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience may choose the Viola Tricolor for its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preferences for typing feel and typing duration.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch is 4mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Cream Blue being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the Cream Blue for its slightly longer travel distance, which can provide a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor's shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for a faster response time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Cream Blue 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 Cream Blue clicky switch is known for providing a bright and crisp noise with each key press, making it popular among those who enjoy a more traditional clicky sound. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a unique thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding character to the typing experience without being overly loud. If you prefer a bassy and low-pitched sound, the Viola Tricolor may be more to your liking, while the Cream Blue offers a classic clicky sound.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Cream Blue switch is known for None. The Haimu Viola Tricolor switch, however, is recognized for its accented and invigorating tactile feedback. These switches strike a balance between providing a satisfying amount of tactility without being too overwhelming or subtle, creating an immersive typing sensation for users. If you enjoy a medium tactile switch with a prominent amount of feedback and a firm actuation force, the Viola Tricolor may be the ideal choice for you.
Overall, the Outemu Cream Blue and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cream Blue provides a traditional clicky sound and a tactile experience that is yet to be defined, the Viola Tricolor offers a unique thuddy and punchy sound profile with accented and invigorating tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feedback. If you enjoy a slightly heavier bottom out force and a sharp, clicky sound, opt for the Cream Blue. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a thuddy and punchy sound profile with a touch of bass, and a satisfying yet not overwhelming tactile sensation, the Viola Tricolor is the way to go. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your individual typing style and the overall typing experience you are looking for.
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