Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal Brown and Haimu Viola Tricolor are both tactile switches worth considering. The Crystal Brown is best known for its smooth key feel and moderate actuation force, while the Viola Tricolor is renowned for its thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to typing. The Viola Tricolor offers a pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, striking a perfect balance between sharp sensation and user comfort. The Crystal Brown and Viola Tricolor both have their unique qualities that appeal to different preferences. However, let’s dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$3.10 per 10

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Crystal Brown and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant lighting effects. In terms of aesthetics, both switches offer a clear housing that showcases the inner components. However, despite their similarities in material, the switches may differ in the specific design and construction of the polycarbonate housing, leading to subtle variations in sound and feel.

While the top housing of both switches is made of polycarbonate, the bottom housing diverges with the Crystal Brown featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Viola Tricolor also using nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This difference in bottom housing material may impact the overall sound experience of the switches, with the Crystal Brown offering a potentially duller and rounder sound compared to the Viola Tricolor. However, both switches maintain the classic quality associated with nylon housing materials, providing a tactile typing experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Haimu Viola Tricolor will likely come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. The split in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switches allows for a more nuanced typing experience, with each housing material contributing to the overall sound and feel of the switch. Whether you prioritize a sharper, crisper sound profile with a polycarbonate top housing or a deeper, fuller sound with a nylon bottom housing, both switches offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences and styles.

Weight

The actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch differ in weight. The Crystal Brown has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, although its actuation force is not specified. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer typing sessions, the Crystal Brown may be the better choice. On the contrary, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may lean towards the Viola Tricolor due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.

Travel distance

The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the standard range of travel distances, with the Crystal Brown being the longer of the two. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Viola Tricolor, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the Crystal Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch is often favored for its quiet operation, making it a popular choice for office environments or shared spaces where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch offers a unique and distinctive bassy sound profile, adding character and depth to each key press. The Viola Tricolor switches deliver a satisfying thuddy and punchy sound that can enhance the overall typing experience, providing a pleasant auditory feedback.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch is known for its smooth and consistent tactile feedback, offering a reliable typing experience without being too overwhelming in terms of tactility. On the contrary, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch is designed to provide an invigorating typing sensation with a balanced level of tactility that is neither too light nor too heavy. These switches feature a pronounced tactile bump that adds a level of responsiveness and engagement to each key press, making typing on them a fulfilling experience.

In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal Brown and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Crystal Brown switch excels in providing a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Viola Tricolor switch stands out for its unique bassy sound profile and invigorating tactile feedback. Choosing between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve. Whether you prefer a quieter and more subtle typing experience with the Crystal Brown switch or a bolder and more engaging typing experience with the Viola Tricolor switch, both options offer high-quality performance that will enhance your overall typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch or the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, the decision ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in terms of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and are looking for a switch with a medium-light feel, the Crystal Brown may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force and enjoy a switch with a medium-heavy feel, as well as a unique thuddy and punchy sound profile, the Viola Tricolor would be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer their own set of characteristics and benefits, so it's important to consider what aspects align best with your typing style and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn more