Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Haimu Viola Tricolor stand out with distinct characteristics catering to different preferences. The Sea Salt Smoothie, a linear switch crafted from medium-weight all-POM materials, is celebrated for its smoothness and "thocky" sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a quieter and more fluid typing experience. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer a tactile sensation that’s both pronounced and satisfying, delivering a thuddy sound profile that adds character to every keystroke. This blend of tactility and auditory feedback makes it ideal for typists who enjoy a bit more engagement during their typing experience. Ultimately, the Sea Salt Smoothie is perfect for users seeking a seamless and understated feel, while the Viola Tricolor appeals to those who thrive on tactile nuances. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, it becomes evident that they are constructed from fundamentally different plastics, which significantly affects their acoustic properties. The Sea Salt Smoothie features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, known for creating a deeper and more muted sound profile due to its density and rigidity. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and more resonant sound, often favored for its clarity. This stark difference in material not only defines the keys' sound but also reflects the aesthetic intentions behind their designs. The polycarbonate's translucency allows for light to filter through, enhancing any RGB lighting effects, while the POM's opaque nature does not provide the same visual allure.
The bottom housings of these switches further emphasize their contrasting sound profiles, as they are made from different materials as well. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie employs a POM bottom housing, which continues to promote that deeper, more muted sound characteristic of the overall switch. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which contributes to a fuller and more rounded sound. Nylon’s softer composition allows it to absorb sound more effectively than the POM, resulting in a more subdued acoustical experience. In essence, while both switches evoke a pleasing sound, the nature of their housing materials informs how those sounds will manifest during typing.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings of these switches leads to distinct auditory experiences. While the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM components lend it a muted, deeper tone throughout, the Viola Tricolor’s mixed materials generate a clearer, more resonant sound profile as you type. When considering usage, one could approximate a balance by opting for switch types that incorporate both POM and polycarbonate to achieve a hybrid sound, utilizing the qualities of each material effectively. Regardless of individual preference, understanding how these materials interact is pivotal for keyboard enthusiasts looking to customize their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, we observe notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sea Salt Smoothie has an actuation force of 48 grams, providing a lighter touch, which can benefit users who engage in long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor's bottom out force is measured at 63.5 grams, classified as medium-heavy; however, its actuation force remains unknown. This suggests that the Viola Tricolor likely offers a more substantial resistance in typing, catering to those who prefer a firmer push feel. Consequently, if the actuation force of the Haimu switch is also medium or high, it would complement the heavier bottom out force, whereas the Gateron switch leans towards a lighter experience. Overall, the Sea Salt Smoothie is the lighter option, while the Viola Tricolor appeals to users seeking a heavier key feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is evident that they differ slightly. The Sea Salt Smoothie has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it the shorter of the two, while the Viola Tricolor features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is the longer option. This distinction may influence your typing experience; if you prefer a more responsive feel, the slightly shorter travel distance of the Sea Salt Smoothie might be more appealing, especially for gaming scenarios where rapid key presses are beneficial. On the other hand, the additional millimeter in the Viola Tricolor could provide a more pronounced tactile feedback, appealing to those who enjoy a deeper keypress. In summary, while both switches offer relatively similar travel distances, the Sea Salt Smoothie is geared toward quicker responses, while the Viola Tricolor caters to those who appreciate a richer typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch produces a thocky sound profile that many users find appealing for its balanced and satisfying auditory feedback. This makes it well-suited for various environments, from office setups to casual gaming. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch delivers a distinctively thuddy and punchy sound that adds character to the typing experience. Its lower frequency sound, characterized as both bassy and low-pitched, creates a richer auditory sensation that some users may prefer for its depth and warmth. However, it's essential to remember that the overall sound experience can vary significantly depending on the keyboard construction and keycap material used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch is renowned for its exceptional smoothness, which provides a fluid typing experience without any scratchiness or resistance. This quality makes it highly enjoyable for long typing sessions, as you can glide from key to key effortlessly. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch offers a medium tactile sensation, described as accented and invigorating. It provides pronounced feedback without being overly tactile, ensuring an immersive typing experience without overwhelming the user. The moderate to firm actuation force further enhances the responsive nature of this switch.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches provide unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences. While the Sea Salt Smoothie excels with its smooth, thocky sound and fluid feel, the Viola Tricolor stands out with its rich, punchy sound and invigorating tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a fluid typing experience or a more pronounced tactile sensation, both of which can yield satisfying results based on your individual preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch really depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke and a quieter typing experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie is an excellent option. Its all-POM construction ensures exceptional smoothness, making it ideal for those who enjoy long hours of typing without the distraction of a pronounced tactile feedback. This switch can be particularly appealing if you favor a gentle, thocky sound profile that aligns well with a more subdued typing ambiance. On the other hand, if you seek a more engaging and dynamic typing experience, the Viola Tricolor is worth considering. With its medium-heavy actuation force and pronounced tactility, this switch offers a satisfying response that can invigorate your typing sessions. Its bassy and low-pitched sound adds a unique character, making it suitable for users who appreciate a more tactile feedback while communicating distinctly with each keystroke. Ultimately, both switches bring their own strengths to the table, so consider how you interact with your keyboard and choose the one that best complements your typing habits.
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