Outemu Milk Blue vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Milk Blue and the Haimu Viola Tricolor offer distinct characteristics for different preferences. The Milk Blue is best known for its clicky feedback, making it ideal for those who enjoy an audible typing experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor stands out for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying sensation without being overly pronounced. The Viola Tricolor is designed to deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a unique touch to your typing sessions. While the Milk Blue falls into the clicky switch category, the Viola Tricolor is categorized as accented, bassy, invigorating, and low-pitched. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on personal preference 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Both the Outemu Milk Blue and the Haimu Viola Tricolor feature polycarbonate top housings, which provide a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. The similarities in top housing material suggest that users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetics from both switches.
On the other hand, the Milk Blue utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Viola Tricolor also incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon. The shared use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches indicates that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Blue and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, it is evident that the top and bottom housings play distinct roles in shaping the overall sound profile and typing experience of the switches. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for sharp and clear sound, the differences in their nylon bottom housings impact the depth and fullness of the sound produced. Ultimately, users can expect a nuanced typing experience depending on the combination of housing materials used in each switch.
Weight
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, whose actuation force is unknown. However, the Viola Tricolor switch has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the bottom out force for the Milk Blue is unavailable. In terms of weight, the Milk Blue switch would be preferred by those looking for a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch would appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing feel due to its heavier bottom out force. Both switches address different preferences, with the Milk Blue providing a lighter touch and the Viola Tricolor offering a heavier feel for typing.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk 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. This means that the Milk Blue has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Viola Tricolor. In practical terms, this means that the Milk Blue switch will have a slightly deeper key press feel than the Viola Tricolor. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Viola Tricolor, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Milk Blue. However, both switches fall within a similar range of travel distance and are likely to provide a similar typing experience overall.
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 Milk 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 Milk Blue clicky switch is known for its crisp and clicky sound with each key press, providing a satisfying auditory experience for users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to the typing experience without being overly loud or distracting. While the Milk Blue focuses on a classic clicky sound, the Viola Tricolor brings a deeper and richer bass-heavy tone to the table, giving users a different auditory sensation depending on their preference.
In terms of feel, the Milk Blue switch's tactile experience is not specified, but the Viola Tricolor switch offers an accented and invigorating tactile feedback. The Viola Tricolor strikes a balance between providing a moderate to firm actuation force and a snappy, reactive feel without being too overpowering in terms of tactility. This creates an immersive typing sensation that is satisfying for users who prefer a tactile switch without it being overly pronounced or subtle.
Overall, while the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer different sound and feel profiles, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience for users. Whether you prefer the classic clicky sound of the Milk Blue or the deeper, punchier sound of the Viola Tricolor, both options cater to different preferences in terms of sound and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch or the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a clicky switch with a light actuation force and are looking for a switch that is best known for its clicky sound profile, then the Milk Blue may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and are seeking a switch that offers a satisfying feedback without being overly tactile, then the Viola Tricolor could be the better option. Consider how you value sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch to determine which switch aligns best with your typing preferences.
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