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Outemu Milk Tea vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor

An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Tea and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When comparing the Outemu Milk Tea and the Haimu Viola Tricolor mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to note their distinct characteristics. The Milk Tea switch is best known for its unique design, while the Viola Tricolor is recognized for delivering a thuddy and punchy sound profile that enhances the typing experience. The Milk Tea switch falls under a specific category, whereas the Viola Tricolor is categorized as 'Accented', 'Bassy', 'Invigorating', and 'Low-pitched'. While the Milk Tea switch offers a different typing experience, the Viola Tricolor strikes a perfect balance between pronounced tactility and user comfort. 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

45g

Actuation force

N/A

Bottom-out force

N/A

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

Ly

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel

Spring

Dual-staged gold-plated spring

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Tea and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, it is clear that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This classic switch housing material is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature which absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that users can expect a similar sound profile when typing on both the Milk Tea and the Viola Tricolor switches.

However, the top housing materials of these two switches differ significantly. While the Milk Tea features a Ly top housing which is described as offering resonant clacks and a bright sound signature, the Viola Tricolor utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the Viola Tricolor allows for a translucent appearance, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. This contrast in top housing materials results in distinct sound profiles and aesthetic features for the two switches.

When considering how the qualities of the housing materials are distributed throughout the switches, it is important to note that the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. With the Milk Tea and Viola Tricolor utilizing different materials for their top and bottom housings, users can expect a combination of deep and fuller sound from the nylon bottom housing, along with either resonant and bright tones from the Ly top housing of the Milk Tea or crisper and sharper sounds from the polycarbonate top housing of the Viola Tricolor.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it becomes evident that they offer different weight options. The Milk Tea has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Viola Tricolor, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Viola Tricolor has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the bottom out force of the Milk Tea is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Milk Tea due to its lower actuation force. In contrast, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may find the heavier bottom out force of the Viola Tricolor appealing. Overall, the weight variances between the two switches cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their desired typing experience.

Travel distance

In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, we can see that the Milk Tea has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Viola Tricolor's 3.8 mm. While both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Milk Tea being slightly on the longer side and the Viola Tricolor being slightly shorter, both are relatively similar in their feel and functionality. Gamers looking for faster response times may lean towards the Viola Tricolor with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may prefer the Outemu Milk Tea with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.

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 Tea 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 Tea switch does not have a specific description available, so it is difficult to compare directly with the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch. The Viola Tricolor, known for its bassy and low-pitched sound characteristics, offers a unique auditory experience that adds depth and richness to each key press. Depending on personal preference and the keyboard setup, users may find the Viola Tricolor's sound profile more appealing due to its distinct tonal qualities.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Milk Tea also lacks a defined description in this aspect. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor is highlighted by an accented and invigorating tactile experience. These qualities indicate that the Viola Tricolor provides a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming, yet still offers a satisfying amount of feedback during typing. The invigorating nature of the switch contributes to a responsive and engaging feel, enhancing the overall typing sensation for users who appreciate a noticeable tactile response.

In conclusion, the Outemu Milk Tea and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer contrasting subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Milk Tea lacks specific descriptions for these aspects, the Viola Tricolor stands out for its thuddy and punchy sound profile, as well as its accented and invigorating tactile feedback. When choosing between the two switches, users should consider their preferences for sound characteristics and typing feel to determine which switch aligns best with their typing style and overall keyboard experience. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities, and users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either option.

Conclusion

To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch or the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, your decision should be based on personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and are looking for a tactile switch that offers a unique typing experience, the Milk Tea could be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a sharp and punchy sound profile with just the right amount of tactility, the Viola Tricolor may be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer their own distinct characteristics and it ultimately comes down to what feels best for you. Consider trying both switches to see which one enhances your typing experience the most.

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