Outemu Green vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Outemu Green and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Outemu Green, a clicky switch, and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, a tactile switch. The Green is best known for its clicky sound and feel, giving typists an audible confirmation of each keystroke. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor switches offer a unique thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to typing without being overly tactile. The Viola Tricolor provides a satisfying tactile feedback without overwhelming the user, striking a perfect balance. While the Green switch may be preferred for its clicky feedback, the Viola Tricolor is favored for its rounded tactility and sound profile. 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
65g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Standard
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
The Outemu Green and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance in the sound produced by these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, making it a practical choice for those looking to customize their setup with colorful lighting effects. The similarities in the choice of polycarbonate for the top housing of both switches suggest that users can expect comparable sound and aesthetic outcomes.
On the other hand, the Outemu Green features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches equipped with nylon bottom housings. Similarly, the Haimu Viola Tricolor also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, showcasing the classic switch housing material's ability to influence the sound produced by switches. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches emphasizes the impact of this material on the bottom-out sound and feel while typing.
The division of housing materials between the top and bottom of a switch highlights the different qualities each material brings to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing, whether nylon or polycarbonate, influences the tactile feedback and sound when pressing down on a key, while the top housing primarily affects the sound when releasing the key. By understanding the properties of each material and how they interact within the switch housing, users can customize their typing experience to suit their preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Green clicky switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is evident that the Green switch is heavier in both aspects. The Outemu Green clicky switch has an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a solid and substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has an unknown actuation force, but a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly lighter in comparison. The actuation force of the Viola Tricolor switch is unknown, which makes it difficult to directly compare in this aspect. However, if we consider the bottom out force alone, it can be seen that the Green switch requires more force to fully depress the key compared to the Viola Tricolor switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on individual preference for typing experience, with the Outemu Green switch being more suitable for those who prefer a heavier and more substantial typing feel, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch may be preferred by those who prefer a slightly lighter touch for longer typing sessions.
Travel distance
The Outemu Green clicky switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm. In this case, the Viola Tricolor has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Outemu Green. This means that the Viola Tricolor switch will require slightly less force to actuate compared to the Outemu Green. However, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances and are suitable for typing and gaming. Ultimately, whether you prefer a shorter or longer travel distance will depend on your personal preference for responsiveness and key feel.
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 Green 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Green clicky switch is known for its sharp and clicky noise that is reminiscent of traditional mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is praised for its bassy and low-pitched sound profile, adding a deeper and richer tone to the typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing feel, with the Viola Tricolor providing a more subdued and characterful sound compared to the Green.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Green switch lacks specific descriptors in the provided information. However, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is described as having an accented and invigorating feel. This means that the Viola Tricolor offers a tactile feedback that is prominent without being overwhelming, creating a satisfying typing experience. The invigorating feel of the Viola Tricolor switch adds a sense of responsiveness and engagement to each key press, making it ideal for users who appreciate a moderate to firm actuation force.
Overall, while the Outemu Green clicky switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer different sound and feel profiles, they both aim to provide an enjoyable and engaging typing experience. Whether you prefer the sharp clickiness of the Green or the bassy tactility of the Viola Tricolor, both switches can enhance your typing experience depending on your personal preferences. Additionally, factors such as keyboard build and keycap selection can further impact the overall sound and feel of each switch. Ultimately, trying out both switches hands-on will give you the best sense of which one suits your typing style best.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Green clicky switch or the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a heavier switch with a clicky sound and don't mind the higher bottom out force, the Outemu Green switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a tactile feedback that strikes a perfect balance between tactility and smoothness, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch could be the better option. Remember to consider factors such as sound profile, feel, and typing experience when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best suits your needs.
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