Outemu Peach (V3) vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Outemu Peach (V3) and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out: the Outemu Peach and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Outemu Peach is a linear switch, known for its lightweight and silent operation. Ideal for linear lovers who seek a feathery typing experience, these switches are categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor is a tactile switch that offers a unique thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding character to your typing. These switches strike a perfect balance between tactile feedback and being overly tactile, categorized as 'Accented', 'Bassy', 'Invigorating', and 'Low-pitched'. Both switches have their own strengths, catering to different preferences. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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
The housing materials of the Outemu Outemu Peach and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches differ in terms of their top housing. The Outemu Peach features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of nylon. This material absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, which leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, if RGB lighting is a consideration, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly useful in the top housing for showcasing the lighting effects.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Outemu Peach and the Viola Tricolor switches share the same nylon material. This commonality implies that typing on switches with nylon bottom housing will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In essence, users can expect a similar sound experience when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel, as both switches feature the classic switch housing material nylon in their bottom housing.
Although the top and bottom housings differ between the Outemu Peach and the Viola Tricolor switches, both contribute unique qualities to the overall sound profile. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be more prominent. The nylon material used in the bottom housing, known for its softness and sound-absorption capabilities, plays a significant role in creating a deeper and fuller sound. Conversely, the top housing's impact becomes more apparent when releasing a key. The polycarbonate top housing of the Viola Tricolor generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Outemu Peach results in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect variations in the sound profiles of these switches depending on whether they are pressing down or releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Peach linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it becomes evident that there are notable differences between the two. The Outemu Peach offers a relatively light actuation force of 40 grams, allowing for a quick and effortless keystroke initiation. In contrast, the actuation force of the Viola Tricolor remains unknown and therefore cannot be directly compared.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Outemu Peach requires 50 grams to fully press the key, providing a consistent and gentle typing experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, offering a more substantial and robust feel with each press.
Considering weight as an important factor, those who prefer a lightweight switch for extended typing sessions or gaming sessions may find the Outemu Peach to be an ideal choice. The light actuation force and bottom out force of this switch allow for comfortable and sustained usage without causing fatigue.
However, individuals seeking a more forceful typing experience may gravitate towards the Viola Tricolor. With its medium-heavy bottom out force, this switch provides a satisfying tactile feedback and a greater push feel, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial keystroke.
In summary, the Outemu Peach offers a lighter actuation and bottom out force, providing a comfortable and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor's exact actuation force remains unknown, but its heavier bottom out force delivers a more forceful keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Outemu Peach linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. These two switches differ in their travel distances, with the Outemu Peach being the shorter option. While a 4.0 mm travel distance is traditionally considered the norm, and a 3.0 mm travel distance is shallower, shorter travel distances have become more popular in recent times, especially among gamers who value faster response times. Opting for the Outemu Peach with its shorter travel distance would be ideal for those seeking a keyboard with more responsiveness. However, individuals who prefer a greater sense of depth may find the longer travel distance of the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these 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 Peach (V3) comes in at $3.40 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 Peach and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer different profiles. The Outemu Peach is known for being neutral and muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. This is achieved through its lightweight construction and silenced design. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switches deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile. They offer a lower frequency range, resulting in a deeper and richer sound resembling bass tones. The Viola Tricolor strikes a balance between being bassy and low-pitched, providing a satisfying and characterful typing experience. It's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Peach and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches also have distinct qualities. The Outemu Peach offers a mild and subtle typing experience. It has a gentle resistance and a light typing feel, making it approachable to most users. The switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish which contributes to a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switches provide an accented and invigorating feel. They offer a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. These switches have moderate to firm actuation force, creating a snappy and reactive typing sensation that is immersive.
Considering the available information, the Outemu Peach and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Outemu Peach is perfect for linear lovers seeking a lightweight and silenced typing experience. It provides a neutral sound profile and a mild, subtle feel that stands in a safe middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switches deliver a thuddy and punchy sound, with a balanced and satisfying level of tactility. They have a snappy and invigorating feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. It's important to note that individual preferences may vary, and the choice between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience. However, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a pleasant typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are a fan of lightweight and silenced switches, the Outemu Peach linear switch would be the perfect choice for you. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches provide a feathery light typing experience. They are ideal for linear switch enthusiasts who prefer a gentle and subtle typing feel. These switches also offer a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise commonly associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, if you desire a switch with a touch of character and pronounced tactility, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches provide a medium-heavy typing experience. They offer a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding depth and richness to each key press. The Viola Tricolor strikes a perfect balance, offering a satisfying feedback without overwhelming the user. Overall, both switches have their own unique qualities, so choose the one that aligns with your typing preferences and desired sound profile to enhance your overall typing experience.
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