Gateron Smoothie vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We're thrilled to introduce the Gateron Smoothie, an all-POM switch that shatters the price barrier without compromising on quality, offering a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch. The Smoothie is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Subdued', and 'Silky'. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches are designed to deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds a touch of character to your typing experience. These switches offer a pronounced tactility, providing a satisfying feedback without crossing into the realm of being overly tactile. Categorized as 'Accented', 'Bassy', 'Invigorating', and 'Low-pitched', the Viola Tricolor strikes a perfect balance, offering a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. The decision between the Gateron Smoothie's smooth and soft feel or the Haimu Viola Tricolor's more tactile and punchy feedback will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
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
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 Gateron Smoothie and Haimu Viola Tricolor both offer unique sound profiles through their housing materials, with the Smoothie featuring POM top and bottom housings while the Viola Tricolor utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The POM top and bottom housing of the Smoothie creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Viola Tricolor produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Viola Tricolor elicits a deeper and fuller sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie, which is also on the deeper side.
Aesthetically, the Viola Tricolor stands out with its polycarbonate top housing that allows for RGB lighting to shine through, providing a visually appealing experience. The translucency of polycarbonate enhances the overall look of the switch, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy customizable lighting effects. In contrast, the Smoothie's POM housing may lack the visual appeal of RGB lighting, but it still offers a pleasing sound profile that is unique in its own right with its deeper and more muted tones.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Smoothie and Haimu Viola Tricolor comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic preference. While the Smoothie's POM housing offers a more muted sound, the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate and nylon housing provides a sharper and fuller sound experience. Additionally, the option for RGB lighting with the Viola Tricolor may be a deciding factor for those looking to add a visually striking element to their keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience, with slight differences in sound characteristics and aesthetics.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is evident that the Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Viola Tricolor's unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Viola Tricolor is heavier at 63.5 grams while the Smoothie's bottom out force is unknown. The weight of the switches plays a significant role in user preference. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Smoothie for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the Viola Tricolor for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch. The Smoothie offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor provides a bit more depth and tactility with its longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more traditional typing experience. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their respective travel distances, so the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron 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 Smoothie 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Smoothie offers a thocky, low-pitched, and subdued sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor produces a bassy and low-pitched sound, adding a touch of character to each keystroke without being overwhelming. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Smoothie leaning towards a more mellow and subtle sound, while the Viola Tricolor delivers a punchier and richer tone.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Smoothie is often described as buttery, creamy, and silky, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience that feels seamless and uniform. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor provides an accented and invigorating tactile feedback, striking a balance between a noticeable tactile bump and a smooth keystroke. While the Smoothie focuses on delivering a silky sensation, the Viola Tricolor aims to provide a prominent amount of tactility without sacrificing the typing comfort.
Overall, both the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch bring their own unique qualities to the table. The Smoothie excels in delivering a thocky and smooth typing experience with a lightweight touch, while the Viola Tricolor offers a punchy and tactile feel with a balanced amount of feedback. Whether you prefer a more subdued and smooth sound with a buttery feel or a bassy sound with pronounced tactility, both switches provide excellent options for users looking to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing sensation.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, consider your typing preferences. If you value a smooth and lightweight touch with a thocky sound profile, the Smoothie may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a thuddy, punchy sound profile, the Viola Tricolor could be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to personal preference and the kind of typing experience you are looking to achieve. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your overall typing experience depending on what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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