Jerrzi Poseidon vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Poseidon and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options worth considering are the Jerrzi Poseidon, a linear switch, and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, a tactile switch. The Poseidon is best known for its smooth key presses, making it ideal for fast typists and gamers looking for a consistent feel with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor stands out for its unique thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to your typing experience. The pronounced tactility of the Viola Tricolor provides satisfying feedback without being overly tactile, striking a perfect balance for users seeking a sharp sensation. 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
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Jerrzi Poseidon and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both offer unique sound profiles due to their different housing materials. While the Poseidon features a POM top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound, the Viola Tricolor uses a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Viola Tricolor produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, while the nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast in sound profiles can significantly impact the typing experience for users, depending on their preference for sound and feel.
In terms of aesthetics, the housing materials of the Poseidon and the Viola Tricolor also play a role. The translucent nature of polycarbonate in the Viola Tricolor's top housing allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard. On the other hand, the opaque POM housing of the Poseidon may not offer the same level of customization when it comes to lighting effects. This can be a deciding factor for users who prioritize the visual aspect of their keyboard setup.
While both the Poseidon and the Viola Tricolor offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, they both ultimately aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. Whether it's the deeper and more muted sound of the POM housing in the Poseidon or the sharper and crisper sound of the polycarbonate housing in the Viola Tricolor, users can expect a high level of quality in terms of sound and feel. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and priorities, whether it be sound profile, aesthetics, or a combination of both.
Weight
The Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly and efficiently. However, the bottom out force for this switch is unknown, so it is unclear how much force is needed to fully press the key. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Since the actuation force for the Viola Tricolor is unknown, it is difficult to compare it to the Poseidon in terms of triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the Poseidon may be better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, while the Viola Tricolor may be more suitable for users who prefer a heavier and more tactile feel.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Viola Tricolor has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Poseidon. Although both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, with the Poseidon being on the shallower end and the Viola Tricolor being slightly deeper. For those seeking a faster response time, the Poseidon may be the preferred choice due to its shorter travel distance. However, if you prefer a bit more depth and feedback when typing, the Viola Tricolor with its longer travel distance may be the better option. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance, so you can expect similar levels of responsiveness from either option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Poseidon has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poseidon for $3.59.
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.
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 Jerrzi Poseidon and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer distinct characteristics. The Poseidon is known for a neutral sound profile, meaning it does not lean towards being particularly loud or quiet. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switches are highlighted for their bassy and low-pitched sound qualities, creating a deeper and richer auditory experience during typing. Depending on personal preference, the Viola Tricolor switches may appeal to those who enjoy a more impactful and resonant sound with each key press.
In terms of feel, the Poseidon switches remain undefined, making it difficult to directly compare to the Viola Tricolor switches. The Viola Tricolor switches, on the other hand, are described as having an accented and invigorating tactile feel. This means that they offer a noticeable level of feedback without being overwhelming, providing a satisfying typing experience that is both responsive and engaging. If the Poseidon switches offer a similar level of tactility and responsiveness, users may expect a comparable typing experience in this regard.
Overall, the Jerrzi Poseidon and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches each bring their own unique qualities to the table. While the Poseidon may offer a more neutral sound and potentially similar feel to the Viola Tricolor switches, the Viola Tricolor stands out for its distinctive bassy sound profile and invigorating tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference, with users needing to consider factors such as sound preference, typing feel, and overall typing experience when making their decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch or the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, you should take into account your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feedback. If you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force or are looking for a switch with a quieter sound profile, the Poseidon may be the better choice for you. However, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force, a thuddy and punchy sound profile, and a balanced tactile feedback with pronounced tactility, the Viola Tricolor may be more suited to your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and what typing experience you value most.
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