Huano Sakura vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing style, two notable contenders are the Huano Sakura and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Sakura switch, known for its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, excels in providing a comfortable typing experience, especially during extended sessions where minimal fatigue is a priority. This linear switch is perfect for users who favor smooth keystrokes and a quieter atmosphere. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor offers a more dynamic experience with its pronounced tactility and thuddy, punchy sound profile. This tactile switch adds a distinctive character to each keystroke, giving users satisfying feedback without overwhelming sensation, making it ideal for those who appreciate a tactile response in their typing. While both switches cater to different preferences and needs—weight and acoustic considerations versus feedback and sound intensity—understanding the finer details of each will ensure you make an informed decision. 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
35g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Sakura and the Haimu Viola Tricolor exhibit both complementary and contrasting characteristics that influence the overall sound profile and performance of each switch. The Sakura's top housing is crafted from POK, a polyketone material known for its smoothness, durability, and resistance to wear and impact. With a coefficient of friction slightly higher than that of LY, the POK material contributes to a smooth, clacky typing experience. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is recognized for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffer composition. This difference in top housing materials results in distinct auditory experiences: the Sakura is likely to provide a more muted, rounded sound while the Viola Tricolor offers a crisper sound profile, particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups due to the translucency of polycarbonate.
Both the Sakura and Viola Tricolor employ nylon for their bottom housings, which serves to unify the two switches in terms of their acoustic properties. As a classic material for switch housings, nylon is softer than both POK and polycarbonate, allowing it to absorb sound and create a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that both switches maintain a rich sound profile when typing, as the inherent qualities of nylon dominate the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. Consequently, users can expect a consistent, rounded sound characteristic across both models, attributable to the nylon base.
Ultimately, the differentiation between the two switches lies in their top housings, which provide varying tones and textures in each typing experience. The Sakura’s smooth and durable POK top contrasts with the crisper and resonant qualities of the polycarbonate top in the Viola Tricolor. However, since both switches share the same nylon bottom, they exhibit comparable fundamental acoustic properties, ensuring they remain harmonious in sound output despite their varying top materials. This combination of different top and identical bottom materials allows for an engaging exploration of tactile feedback and auditory response among typists looking for a tailored switch experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Sakura boasts a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for extended typing sessions or gaming, as its lighter touch reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams and an unspecified actuation force, indicating a heavier and more substantial feedback that appeals to users seeking a firmer typing experience. Consequently, while the Sakura is the lighter option, promoting prolonged use without strain, the Viola attracts those who prefer a more robust tactile sensation. Thus, typists or gamers looking for a softer feel should gravitate towards the Sakura, whereas those desiring a stronger push should consider the Haimu Viola Tricolor.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is clear that they differ slightly. The Sakura features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Viola Tricolor has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that if you opt for the Sakura switch, you'll experience a more responsive feel due to its shorter distance, making it potentially more appealing for fast-paced gaming. On the other hand, the longer 3.8 mm travel distance of the Viola Tricolor may provide a more substantial tactile feedback, which can be favorable for users who enjoy a pronounced feel while typing. Thus, if you prioritize rapid response times, the Sakura would be the better choice, while those who appreciate a deeper keystroke may lean towards the Viola.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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 quality, the Huano Sakura linear switch showcases medium acoustics, making it relatively subdued and conducive for extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user or creating excessive noise. This moderate level of sound contributes to a focused work environment. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch presents a more dynamic auditory profile characterized as bassy and low-pitched. The deeper tones emit a richer sound during key presses, enhancing the overall typing experience with more character and depth. While the Sakura emphasizes a quieter typing experience, the Viola Tricolor provides a punchy thud, appealing to those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback with every keystroke.
In terms of tactile feel, the Sakura switch is often praised for its feather-light touch, which allows for a seamless typing experience that reduces finger fatigue over time. This makes it an excellent choice for users who spend long hours typing, prioritizing smoothness and comfort. Conversely, the Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a distinctly accented feel, providing satisfying feedback that strikes a perfect balance between being pronounced and not overwhelmingly tactile. This medium tactility means that users can enjoy significant feedback without the sensation bordering on excessive, making it suitable for both casual and intensive typing tasks.
In summary, the Huano Sakura and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches cater to different user preferences through their unique auditory and tactile qualities. While the Sakura focuses on a feather-light touch and medium acoustics great for prolonged use, the Viola Tricolor delivers a more pronounced, bassy sound experience paired with a satisfying tactile feedback. Depending on individual priorities—whether it's a quieter typing experience or one enriched with sound and tactile recognition—both switches can provide enjoyable typing experiences, albeit with contrasting characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you find yourself engaged in long typing sessions and prefer a switch that minimizes finger fatigue, the Sakura’s feather-light touch and medium acoustics make it an excellent choice; it allows for a smooth and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced feedback with a bit of character in your typing experience, the Viola Tricolor’s medium-heavy bottom-out force and pronounced tactility provide that satisfying ‘thud’ while still being comfortably manageable. The deep and rich bassy sound of the Viola adds an engaging auditory element, perfect for those who appreciate a lower pitch without being overly assertive. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a smooth, fast keystroke for extensive typing or a responsive, tactile experience that enriches your interaction with each key press.
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