Outemu Silent White vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor

Overview

When navigating the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two notable options to consider are the Outemu Silent White and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Silent White switch, renowned for its smooth, linear action, is perfect for users seeking a quiet typing experience without the clicky sounds that often accompany traditional switches. This makes it an excellent choice for those in shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions, where noise can be a concern. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor boasts a distinctive tactile profile, delivering a satisfying thuddy and punchy feedback that enhances the typing experience. With its pronounced tactility, the Viola Tricolor strikes a remarkable balance, providing an invigorating sensation that engages typists without being excessively harsh. While both switches have their unique advantages—one prioritizing silence and smoothness and the other offering tactile enjoyment—each caters to different user preferences and environments. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Silent White Linear

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$3.10 per 10

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Silent White and the Haimu Viola Tricolor share an identical housing configuration when it comes to their top and bottom materials. Both switches employ a polycarbonate top housing that is designed to enhance sound clarity, producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper audio profile. The choice of polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, contributes significantly to the resonance and crispness of the sound produced, making it ideal for users who value auditory feedback in their typing experience. Aesthetically, both switches benefit from this material due to its translucency, allowing RGB lighting to shine through and create visually appealing effects during use.

On the other hand, both switches incorporate nylon for their bottom housing, which plays a key role in shaping the typing experience. Unlike the rigid characteristics of polycarbonate, nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs sound more effectively, producing a deeper and fuller auditory profile. This material helps create a more muted but pleasant bottom-out sound when a key is pressed down, making the overall typing experience feel rounder and more cohesive. Thus, while the top housings of both switches excel in high frequencies, the bottom housings work to balance out that sound profile, contributing to a more nuanced auditory experience.

Given that the top and bottom housings of both the Outemu Silent White and Haimu Viola Tricolor are made from the same materials, users can expect a relatively similar sound and feel when typing. The crisp highs contributed by the polycarbonate top will be complemented by the deeper lows from the nylon bottom, leading to a well-rounded audio performance in both cases. Therefore, whether utilizing the Silent White or the Viola Tricolor, users can anticipate consistent sound quality and typing characteristics, making the choice between these two switches largely subjective and dependent on individual preferences regarding aesthetic design and brand loyalty.

Weight

The Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch present interesting contrasts in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent White has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch that allows for comfortable typing over extended periods, ideal for both work and gaming. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor has an actuation force that is unknown but a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which qualifies it as medium-heavy. This suggests that while it may provide a more substantial feel when typing, it could potentially lead to fatigue during long sessions. Consequently, the Silent White is the lighter switch, making it more suitable for users who prefer a gentler touch, while the Viola Tricolor would appeal to those who appreciate a heavier and potentially more tactile typing experience.

Travel distance

The Outemu Silent White linear switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Comparing the two, the Silent White offers a shorter travel distance, which can enhance responsiveness and is often favored by gamers looking for quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more tangible typing experience that some users prefer for its hearty depth and feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences; those seeking speed may lean towards the Silent White, while those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke might opt for the Viola Tricolor.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Outemu Silent White linear switch has not been specifically characterized, leaving a gap in its auditory profile. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch is well-regarded for its thuddy and punchy sound, which contributes a unique character to the typing experience. The Viola Tricolor's sound can be described as bassy and low-pitched, giving it a deeper resonance during key presses. This richness in sound can elevate the overall ambiance of your typing environment, making each keystroke feel more substantial, especially when paired with the right keyboard and keycaps.

When examining the feel, the Silent White switch lacks a defined characterization, thus leaving its tactile feedback undiscussed. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor has a notable tactile quality that strikes a balance between being pronounced yet not overwhelming. It offers an accented feel, providing a medium level of tactility that is both satisfying and easy to manage. The invigorating sensation further enhances the typing experience, with a moderate to firm actuation force that feels snappy and encourages a reactive interaction with the keyboard. This combination offers a lively typing sensation that engages the user effectively without being overly fatiguing.

In conclusion, while the Outemu Silent White switch does not present a clearly defined sound or feel profile as of now, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch provides a rich auditory experience and an engaging tactile feedback that many users find pleasurable. If you're looking for a switch that promotes an impactful typing experience, the Viola Tricolor's sound and feel provide a compelling option. However, for those interested in the Silent White, its linear nature generally means a smoother experience, though specific qualities would need further exploration to fully appreciate its offerings.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you seek a quieter typing experience suitable for shared spaces or late-night sessions, the Silent White is your best bet; its medium actuation force of 60 grams allows for smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes without drawing attention to your typing volume. However, if you enjoy a more enriched tactile experience, the Viola Tricolor comes into play with its medium-heavy 63.5 grams actuation force and a noticeably punchy feedback that adds character to each key press. Its accentuated tactile feel and bassy sound profile make it highly gratifying for those who appreciate auditory and physical sensations during typing. Therefore, if you prioritize silence and subtlety, go with the Silent White, but if you prefer a dynamic and invigorating typing experience, the Viola Tricolor should be your choice. Understanding these differences will enable you to select the switch that aligns best with your needs and enhances your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Silent White Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn more