Gateron Smoothie Silver vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are key differences to consider. The Smoothie Silver is renowned for its lightning-fast actuation and unparalleled smoothness, providing a thocky sound and feather-light touch that many find appealing. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor offers a unique typing experience with its thuddy and punchy sound profile, along with a pronounced tactility that provides satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Haimu Viola Tricolor differ significantly in terms of sound profile and material. The Smoothie Silver features a POM top housing that creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Viola Tricolor utilizes a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing provides a similar deep and pleasing sound, while the Viola Tricolor uses a nylon bottom housing for a fuller and rounder sound profile. Overall, the housing materials of the two switches result in distinct auditory experiences for users.
In addition to sound profile, the housing materials of the Smoothie Silver and Viola Tricolor also differ in terms of aesthetics and functionality. The Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting as it allows light to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing lacks translucency, resulting in a more traditional and opaque appearance. This difference in material also affects the overall feel of the switch, with the softer nylon bottom housing of the Viola Tricolor providing a different typing experience compared to the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver.
Despite their differences, both the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Haimu Viola Tricolor offer unique and pleasing sound profiles due to their respective housing materials. While the Smoothie Silver's POM top and bottom housings create a deeper and more muted sound, the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings deliver a sharper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, aesthetics, and typing feel, as each housing material offers a distinct typing experience for users.
Weight
The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the bottom out force for the Smoothie Silver is not specified. Both switches offer different experiences based on their force requirements. The Smoothie Silver's lighter actuation force may be more appealing to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Viola Tricolor's heavier bottom out force may provide a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie Silver 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 Smoothie Silver has a shorter travel distance compared to the Viola Tricolor. The shorter travel distance of the Smoothie Silver may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Viola Tricolor may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 Smoothie Silver linear switch is best known for its thocky sound with unparalleled smoothness, providing a satisfying auditory experience for typists. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to typing, striking a perfect balance between the tactile feedback and sound output. Both switches provide unique sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Smoothie Silver leaning towards a lighter and smoother sound, while the Viola Tricolor offers a deeper and richer tone with an accentuated tactile response.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its feather-light touch and short travel distance, allowing for lightning-fast actuation without the tactile bump. Conversely, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a pronounced tactile feedback that is described as invigorating and accented, providing a more tactile typing experience without being overly tactile or scratchy. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of key feel, with the Smoothie Silver focusing on a smooth linear feel and the Viola Tricolor offering a tactile sensation that enhances the typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch provide distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Smoothie Silver excels in smoothness and feather-light touch with a thocky sound profile, the Viola Tricolor offers a more tactile typing experience with a punchy sound that adds character to each keystroke. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style, but both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience with their unique qualities. Whether you opt for the smoothness of the Smoothie Silver or the tactility of the Viola Tricolor, you can expect a satisfying typing experience that meets your specific preferences and needs.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, consider the specific qualities that each switch offers. If you prefer a lightning-fast actuation with a thocky sound and feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a switch with a pronounced tactility that strikes a balance between feedback and smoothness, the Viola Tricolor could be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. Make sure to test out both switches if possible to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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