Outemu Cream Yellow vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor

Overview

When comparing the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Haimu Viola Tricolor mechanical keyboard switches, we see two tactile switches with distinct characteristics. The Cream Yellow is best known for its smooth typing experience, while the Viola Tricolor stands out for its thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a unique touch to your typing sessions. The Cream Yellow offers a gentle tactility, making it a comfortable option for long typing sessions, while the Viola Tricolor provides a pronounced tactile feedback without being overwhelming. Both switches have their own unique advantages, but ultimately, the best choice will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Cream Yellow Tactile

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$3.10 per 10

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Cream Yellow and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon's softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow features a nylon top housing, whereas the Viola Tricolor boasts a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Viola Tricolor produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer nature that leads to a more clear and resonant sound.

In terms of aesthetics, the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate top housing offers the advantage of translucency, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting to enhance visual appeal. Conversely, the Cream Yellow's nylon top housing may lack the visual impact of RGB lighting but still provides a solid typing experience with its deeper sound profile. While both switches share the same nylon bottom housing characteristics, the top housing material plays a crucial role in defining the sound profile and tactile feel of each switch. Overall, the choice between the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Haimu Viola Tricolor ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, aesthetics, and typing experience.

Weight

The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Cream Yellow requires a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Viola Tricolor has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This makes the Cream Yellow a better option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, as it allows for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor provides a more substantial typing feel with its heavier bottom out force. Both switches fall in the medium to medium-heavy force range, so users can expect similar results in terms of overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 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 Cream Yellow. The Cream Yellow with its shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor with its longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more deliberate key press. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch stands out for its bassy and low-pitched characteristics, offering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. This can enhance the overall typing experience by providing a satisfying auditory feedback that is not overly sharp or distracting. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch does not have any notable sound characteristics mentioned, so it may provide a more neutral or subtle typing sound.

In terms of feel, the Viola Tricolor switch is described as accented and invigorating, offering a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. This can lead to a satisfying typing experience with a responsive and tactile feedback that is not too light or too heavy. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switch does not have any specific feel characteristics mentioned, so it may provide a more standard tactile sensation without any standout features.

Overall, while the Outemu Cream Yellow and Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switches may offer different sound and feel qualities, both switches can still provide a satisfying typing experience for users. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, individuals may prefer one switch over the other. It is important to consider all available information, including sound and feel characteristics, when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch to ensure the best typing experience possible.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, consider the bottom-out force and sound profile as key factors. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force and a neutral sound profile, the Cream Yellow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly heavier bottom-out force and a thuddy, punchy sound profile with balanced tactility, the Viola Tricolor would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Cream Yellow Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn more