Outemu Red vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Red, a linear switch, and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, a tactile switch, offer distinct typing experiences. The Red switch is best known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, making it ideal for fast-paced typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch stands out for its thuddy and punchy sound profile, offering a satisfying tactile feedback without being overpowering. While the Red switch is great for those who prefer a straightforward typing experience, the Viola Tricolor switch is perfect for users looking for a bit more flair and feedback. 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
46g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.10 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
Both the Outemu Red and the Haimu Viola Tricolor feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for switch manufacturers looking to enhance the aesthetics of their keyboards. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing ensures a consistent and pleasing sound experience for users.
In contrast, both switches utilize nylon bottom housings for a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This choice of material in the bottom housing of the switches contributes to a more muted typing experience, reducing the overall noise generated during key presses. The nylon bottom housing complements the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing, creating a balanced auditory experience for users.
The division of qualities between the top and bottom housings of the switches allows users to experience different aspects of the sound profile at various stages of typing. The impact of the bottom housing is more noticeable during the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a solid foundation for key presses. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, adding a unique touch to the overall typing experience. Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Outemu Red and the Haimu Viola Tricolor offer a harmonious blend of sound characteristics that cater to the preferences of keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The actuation force of the Outemu Red linear switch is 46 grams, whereas the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch does not have a specified actuation force. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Outemu Red is 62 grams, while the Viola Tricolor has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that the Outemu Red is lighter in terms of actuation force, but heavier when it comes to bottom out force compared to the Viola Tricolor. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions, the Outemu Red may be the better choice. However, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier touch may prefer the Haimu Viola Tricolor. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference in terms of typing experience and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Outemu Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8mm. Both switches fall within the more traditional range of travel distances, with the Red being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Viola Tricolor for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Outemu Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Red 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 Red linear switch is known for its quiet operation, lacking the distinctive click or tactile bump found in other switches. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is acclaimed for its bassy and low-pitched sound profile, providing a unique and satisfying auditory experience during typing sessions. The Viola Tricolor's deeper and richer tones add a layer of character to each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing ambiance.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Red switch is often described as smooth and consistent due to its linear nature, lacking the tactile feedback present in other switches. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a pronounced tactility that strikes a perfect balance between being noticeable without being overwhelming. This accented and invigorating feel provides users with a satisfying typing experience without sacrificing comfort or ease of use.
Overall, while the Outemu Red linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles. If you prefer a quiet and consistent typing experience, the Red switch may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a thuddy and punchy sound profile with pronounced tactility, the Viola Tricolor switch would be an excellent choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Red linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, you should consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a linear switch without any specific sound or feel characteristics, the Outemu Red switch may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, along with a thuddy and punchy sound profile and an invigorating and prominent tactile feel, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch would be more suitable for your typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what aspects of typing experience matter most to you.
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