Outemu Dustproof Purple vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Purple and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Dustproof Purple, a clicky switch, and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, a tactile switch. The Dustproof Purple is best known for its clicky sound and feel, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor is known for its thuddy and punchy sound profile, offering a pronounced tactility without being too overwhelming. While the Dustproof Purple is categorized as a clicky switch, the Viola Tricolor falls into the tactile category. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that may 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
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Both the Outemu Dustproof Purple and the Haimu Viola Tricolor utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing touch to the switches. However, while they may have the same material for the top housing, they differ in their bottom housing material. The Dustproof Purple features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor also uses nylon for its bottom housing, providing a similar deep and full sound experience for typists.
Despite the similarities in their top housing material, the Outemu Dustproof Purple and the Haimu Viola Tricolor have distinct characteristics when it comes to their bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing on both switches contributes to a more rounded and dull sound, enhancing the typing experience with a softer feel. While the top housing primarily affects the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. This difference in housing materials allows for typists to experience a unique tactile and auditory sensation with each keystroke.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Dustproof Purple and the Haimu Viola Tricolor may come down to personal preference in sound and feel. Both switches offer a combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials, resulting in a balance of sharp, high-pitched sounds from the top housing and deeper, fuller sounds from the bottom housing. Whether you prefer a crisper sound profile with the Dustproof Purple or a softer, rounder sound with the Viola Tricolor, each switch provides a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Dustproof Purple requiring 65 grams and the Viola Tricolor requiring 63.5 grams. This makes both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of force required. The Dustproof Purple would be preferred by those who prefer a lighter actuation force for longer typing or gaming sessions, while the Viola Tricolor would be favored by those who prefer a slightly heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky 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 average range for travel distance, with the Dustproof Purple being slightly longer than the Viola Tricolor. Gamers may prefer the Viola Tricolor for its slightly faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more hearty feel when typing may lean towards the Dustproof Purple. Overall, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal and both will provide a similar 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 Purple 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 Purple clicky switch does not have a specific reputation or descriptor, making it harder to predict the exact sound profile it will provide. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is known for its bassy and low-pitched sound characteristics. This means that the Viola Tricolor switch will likely produce a deeper and richer sound during key presses compared to the Dustproof Purple switch.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dustproof Purple has no specific indication of its tactile feel. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch is described as having an accented and invigorating feel. This means that the Viola Tricolor switch will offer a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, providing a satisfying feedback without being too intense. Additionally, the invigorating feel of the Viola Tricolor switch suggests a snappy and reactive typing experience that enhances the overall tactile sensation.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch lacks specific descriptors for its sound and feel qualities, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is known for its bassy and low-pitched sound profile, as well as its accented and invigorating tactile feel. If you enjoy a deeper and richer sound with a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming, the Viola Tricolor switch would be a great choice for you. Remember that individual preferences may vary, so it's important to test out different switches to find the one that best suits your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
Therefore, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch or the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, you should take into account the slight difference in bottom out force, with the Dustproof Purple being slightly heavier at 65 grams compared to the Viola Tricolor at 63.5 grams. If you value a sharp and punchy typing experience with a clicky sound profile, the Dustproof Purple may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thuddy and balanced tactile response with a distinctive sound that is not overly loud, the Viola Tricolor would be a great option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel, sound profile, and overall typing experience.
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