Outemu Dustproof Blue vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Blue and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Dustproof Blue, a clicky switch, and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, a tactile switch. The Dustproof Blue is best known for its clicky and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switches stand out for their thuddy and punchy sound profile, offering a balanced tactile feedback without being too overwhelming. Both switches have their own unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences, whether you prefer a loud and clicky switch or a more subtle tactile experience. 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
Polycarbonate
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Blue and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, it becomes clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal material if RGB lighting is a feature you desire in your keyboard setup. While the top housings are the same for both switches, the key difference lies in the bottom housings. The Dustproof Blue employs a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Meanwhile, the Viola Tricolor also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a rounder and duller sound.
Despite sharing the same top housing material, the Outemu Dustproof Blue and the Haimu Viola Tricolor differ in their bottom housing materials. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housings, the unique properties of this material impact the overall typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, with nylon contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This means that both switches offer a similar tactile typing experience in terms of sound and feel, thanks to the use of nylon in their bottom housings. However, the differences in sound profile created by the top housings still give each switch a distinct character.
In conclusion, the Outemu Dustproof Blue and the Haimu Viola Tricolor offer a comparable typing experience due to their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches provide a deep and full sound profile, making them ideal choices for those who prefer a softer typing experience. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of both switches results in a sharp and crisp sound profile, especially when combined with RGB lighting. While the differences in top housing material may slightly differentiate the sound profiles of the switches, overall, users can expect similar results in terms of typing sound and feel from either the Dustproof Blue or the Viola Tricolor.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch both fall in the medium-heavy range. The Dustproof Blue has a slightly lighter actuation force at 50 grams compared to the Viola Tricolor, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Viola Tricolor has a slightly lighter bottom out force at 63.5 grams compared to the Dustproof Blue's 65 grams. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces. If you prefer a lighter touch, the Dustproof Blue may be the better option, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance may lean towards the Viola Tricolor.
Travel distance
The Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Dustproof Blue has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Viola Tricolor. The 4 mm travel distance of the Dustproof Blue offers a bit more depth when pressing down on the key, which may suit those who prefer a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Viola Tricolor provides a slightly quicker response time, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for speed. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired 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 Dustproof 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 Dustproof Blue switch is known for its overall lack of specific sound characteristics, making it a more neutral option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, adding a deep and rich tone to each key press. This can enhance the auditory feedback during typing and create a more immersive experience, especially for those who enjoy a more distinct sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Dustproof Blue switch does not have a specific tactile description mentioned, leaving its tactile feel up to personal preference and individual typing experience. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch is noted for its accented and invigorating tactile feedback. This means that the Viola Tricolor offers a satisfying amount of tactility without being overly pronounced, providing a balance between a tactile typing experience and a smooth key press.
Overall, the Outemu Dustproof Blue switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch offer contrasting experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Dustproof Blue provides a neutral sound profile and leaves the tactile feel open to interpretation, the Viola Tricolor offers a distinct bassy sound and an invigorating tactile sensation. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience. If you enjoy a deeper sound profile and a medium amount of tactility, the Viola Tricolor might be the better choice for you. Ultimately, it is important to consider your personal preferences and typing habits when choosing between these two switches to ensure you find the best fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a clicky switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and are not particularly concerned with sound or feel, then the Dustproof Blue may be the right choice for you. However, if you value a tactile switch that offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile along with a pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, then the Viola Tricolor could be the perfect fit for your typing needs. Consider the characteristics of each switch carefully and choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences.
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