Outemu Silver vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silver and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silver, a linear switch, and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, a tactile switch, offer distinct typing experiences. The Silver is best known for its smooth keystrokes with no tactile bump, providing a consistent feel with every press. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switches are designed to offer a thuddy and punchy sound profile, along with a pronounced tactility that provides a satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. While the Silver switch is great for those who prefer a consistent linear feel, the Viola Tricolor switch is perfect for users who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.60 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
The housing materials of the Outemu Silver and the Haimu Viola Tricolor share similarities in their top housing, as both utilize polycarbonate which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful in switches with RGB lighting. However, the bottom housing of the Silver is made of nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor also features a nylon bottom housing that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the Silver.
One major difference between the Silver and the Viola Tricolor is the composition of their bottom housing materials. While the Silver uses nylon for its bottom housing, the Viola Tricolor also incorporates nylon in its bottom housing. This results in both switches producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, but the Viola Tricolor may have a slightly duller and rounder sound due to the absorption properties of nylon. The use of different bottom housing materials in each switch may affect the overall typing experience and sound produced.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Outemu Silver and the Haimu Viola Tricolor plays a significant role in the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing in both switches creates a sharp and crisp sound, while the softer nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. The differences in sound between the two switches may be subtle, but users may notice a variance in the overall typing feel and acoustics based on the combination of housing materials used in each switch.
Weight
The Outemu Silver linear switch offers a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, which does not specify an actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Viola Tricolor is slightly heavier at 63.5 grams compared to the 65 grams required for the Silver switch. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of bottom out force. The Silver switch would be better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch would be more suitable for individuals who prefer a slightly heavier push feel for a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Silver offering a bit more depth compared to the Viola Tricolor. Gamers may lean towards the Silver for its slightly longer travel distance, allowing for a more substantial key press, while those looking for a quicker response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Viola Tricolor. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of key feel 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 Silver 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 Silver switch is often favored for its quiet typing experience, making it a suitable option for those who prefer a more discreet keyboard. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch stands out for its bassy and low-pitched sound profile, adding depth and character to each key press. The Viola Tricolor's thuddy and punchy sound can create a more immersive typing atmosphere compared to the relatively quiet operation of the Silver switch.
Regarding feel, the Outemu Silver switch is noted for its smooth linear action, providing a consistent typing experience without any tactile feedback. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch offers an invigorating and accented tactile sensation, giving users a satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. The Viola Tricolor strikes a balance between a pronounced tactility and a smooth typing experience, making it a versatile option for those who enjoy a tactile response without it being too overwhelming.
Overall, while the Outemu Silver switch may appeal to users looking for a quiet and linear typing experience, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch offers a more dynamic and engaging feel with its tactile feedback. Each switch has its own unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences, so users should consider their typing style and preferences when choosing between the two. Additionally, to fully appreciate the sound and feel of these switches, factors such as keyboard build, keycap material, and typing technique should also be taken into consideration. Ultimately, both switches provide quality performance and can deliver a satisfying typing experience depending on the user's individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, consider the specific qualities of each switch. If you prefer a smooth and consistent typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Silver may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that offers a unique sound profile with a punchy and thuddy sound, along with a pronounced tactility that strikes a perfect balance without being overly tactile, then the Haimu Viola Tricolor could be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a smooth linear feel or a tactile typing experience with a distinct sound profile.
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