Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options worth considering are the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Silent Ink Black switch is ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience, making it well-suited for environments where noise reduction is important. With a cushion-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, this switch offers a smooth and muted typing experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch is known for delivering a distinct thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to your typing. It strikes a perfect balance with its pronounced tactility, providing satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. With such contrasting qualities, these switches cater to different preferences. 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
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Haimu Viola Tricolor differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which emits a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound without being overly sharp. This creates a satisfying clacky sound. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Aesthetically, the Viola Tricolor's clear housing allows for RGB lighting, making it a preferred choice for those seeking illuminated switches.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Silent Ink Black and the Viola Tricolor offer distinct qualities. The Silent Ink Black employs the same proprietary INK blend as its top housing, resulting in a thin and higher-pitched sound profile. This clacky sound carries over to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Consequently, typing on the Viola Tricolor elicits a duller and rounder sound, which can be preferred by those seeking a quieter typing experience.
While the two switches differ in their housing materials, it is important to note that the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that despite the differences in material composition, if the top and bottom housings remain the same for a given switch, the overall sound profile may be similar. However, the use of polycarbonate in the Viola Tricolor's top housing and nylon in its bottom housing will result in distinct and contrasting sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Silent Ink Black requires 60 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is unknown. Both switches fall under the medium to heavy category, suggesting a relatively substantial push feel is needed for typing on these switches.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Silent Ink Black requires 70 grams of force to fully bottom out, which again falls into the medium-heavy range. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a slightly lighter force is needed to fully press the switch. This could potentially result in a slightly lighter typing experience when using the Viola Tricolor switch.
Considering weight, there are individuals who prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for longer periods, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. Alternatively, some users may prefer a heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. In this regard, the Silent Ink Black can be considered the heavier option due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces, while the Viola Tricolor offers a potentially lighter typing experience with its slightly lower bottom out force.
Overall, while the actuation force for the Viola Tricolor remains unavailable, the Silent Ink Black is generally heavier in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. However, both switches can provide a medium to heavy typing experience, offering users the option to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is evident that the Silent Ink Black has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm compared to the Viola Tricolor's 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Silent Ink Black being closer to the average. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you are seeking a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the shorter travel distance of the Viola Tricolor may be preferred. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper key press and a more substantial feel may opt for the Silent Ink Black with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is known for its muted profile. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, making it ideal for environments that require minimal noise. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. This results in a deeper and richer tone during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The Viola Tricolor strikes a balance between a punchy sound and a satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch provides a silky and polished typing experience. The switch is exceptionally smooth, offering minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It has a refined finish, resulting in a sleek and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch offers an accented and invigorating feel. It provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. This creates a medium tactile sensation that is satisfying and immersive.
Taking into account the available information, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch excels in providing a quiet and cushiony typing experience. It offers minimal audio feedback and a smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch stands out with its thuddy and punchy sound profile, along with a pronounced tactility that strikes the perfect balance. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Silent Ink Black switch would be a great choice. If you enjoy a more distinctive sound and tactile feedback, the Viola Tricolor switch would suit your needs. Remember to consider factors such as personal preference, keyboard, and keycap choices to further fine-tune your typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you're seeking a quieter typing experience and prioritize a cushioned bottom-out feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams, it strikes a balance between smoothness and resistance. The Silent Ink Black is well-suited for environments where noise reduction is essential. On the other hand, if you value a more distinctive typing experience with a touch of character, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch would be a great fit. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, it offers a pronounced tactility without overwhelming the user. The Viola Tricolor delivers a thuddy and punchy sound profile, making each keystroke more engaging. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your preferences for sound and feel, whether you prioritize a quieter and smoother experience or a more tactile and immersive one.
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