HMX SU vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX SU and the Haimu Viola Tricolor offer two distinct experiences, catering to different typing preferences. The HMX SU, a linear switch, is renowned for its smooth keystrokes and relatively deep sound profile, thanks to its full PA12 housing and T5 stem. This makes it an ideal choice for those who prioritize quiet and uninterrupted performance, perfect for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor, a tactile switch, delivers a thuddy and punchy sound profile, providing a satisfying feedback that strikes a comfortable balance between responsive tactility and ease of use. This switch caters to typists who enjoy a pronounced sensation, enhancing the overall typing experience without overwhelming the fingers. While the SU excels in a silent and consistent feel, the Viola Tricolor adds an invigorating touch with its tactile response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX SU Linear

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX SU and the Haimu Viola Tricolor utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly affects their sound profiles during use. The HMX SU employs a nylon top housing, known for its softer texture that absorbs sound more efficiently. This results in a deeper and fuller sound, creating a more muted acoustic response when typing. Conversely, the Haimu Viola Tricolor features a polycarbonate top housing, which is notably stiffer and contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This distinction highlights the crucial influence that the material used in the top housing can have on the auditory experience, providing a clear contrast between the two switches.

When it comes to the bottom housing, both the HMX SU and the Haimu Viola Tricolor share nylon as their material choice. This commonality means that both switches are likely to exhibit a similar performance in terms of sound characteristics originating from the bottom housing. The nylon's softer properties ensure that both switches will deliver a deeper, rounder sound profile when the keys bottom out. As a result, regardless of the differing top housing materials, the impact of nylon in the bottom housing creates a cohesive auditory experience that emphasizes depth and fullness in both switches.

In summary, while the top housings of the HMX SU and the Haimu Viola Tricolor differ fundamentally—nylon providing a warm, muted sound versus polycarbonate's crisp, clear resonance—the bottom housing is rooted in the same nylon material, thus bridging a connection in sound quality. This duality suggests that the overall typing experience will evoke distinct auditory sensations based on the top housing, while the bottom housing will maintain a level of consistency in delivering deeper sound characteristics. Each switch, therefore, brings a unique blend of sound profiles, inline with the specific materials utilized.

Weight

When comparing the HMX SU linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there's a notable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX SU features a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor lacks a specified actuation force but has a considerably heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This suggests that while the actuation force remains unknown, the switch will require significantly more force to fully depress. Consequently, the Viola Tricolor is overall the heavier of the two switches, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who favor a stronger push feel. Therefore, depending on personal preferences, users may opt for the lighter HMX SU for ease and comfort or the heavier Haimu Viola for a more robust tactile feedback.

Travel distance

The HMX SU linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that users of the SU switch will experience a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance, which aligns well with the preferences of gamers who favor quicker keypress responses. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor's 3.8 mm travel distance provides a deeper, more pronounced keypress that some users may find more satisfying, especially those who appreciate a hearty tactile experience. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the HMX SU switch would be the better choice, whereas if you prefer a more substantial feel, the longer travel distance of the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch would be preferable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX SU linear switch produces a subtle and relatively deep sound profile that leans towards a low-pitched tone. This gives the switch a smooth and soft auditory experience, ideal for users who prefer a less intrusive sound while typing. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is known for its thuddy and punchy sound profile, which adds personality to each keystroke. With a bassy resonance, the Viola Tricolor delivers a richer, deeper auditory experience that's often characterized by its low frequency tones. Both switches can achieve satisfying sound profiles; however, the SU provides a softer ambiance, while the Viola brings a more dynamic, character-filled sound.

Regarding the feel, the HMX SU linear switch is designed for smooth key presses, which allows for a fluid typing experience with no tactile bumps to interrupt the motion. Conversely, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch offers a pronounced tactile feel that creates a medium tactile feedback — recognizable yet not overwhelming. The prominent actuation of the Viola, paired with its invigorating response, provides a snappy sensation that enhances typing immersion. These differences in feel cater to varied user preferences: the SU is perfect for those who prioritize an uninterrupted keystroke, while the Viola appeals to those who enjoy tactile feedback during typing.

In conclusion, both the HMX SU linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch excel in their respective sound and feel characteristics, catering to distinct user preferences. The SU's subtle and soft auditory experience, along with its smooth feel, contrasts sharply with the Viola’s rich, punchy sound and its invigorating tactile feedback. Choosing the right switch between these two ultimately depends on whether you desire a quieter, smoother type or a more vibrant, tactile experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX SU linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you prefer a lighter touch for long typing sessions or fast-paced gaming, the SU switch might be the better choice for you, as its 50 grams of bottom-out force and subtle sound profile provide a smooth, distraction-free experience. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile sensation and a deeper, richer sound while typing, the Viola Tricolor is likely to suit you better. With its medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams, accentuated feedback, and thuddy sound signature, it creates an engaging typing experience that can enhance your productivity and enjoyment. In the end, consider what aspects are most important to you—whether it's the ease and quietness of linear switches or the satisfying punch of a tactile switch—so you can select the switch that aligns perfectly with your personal style and typing habits.

Mentioned in this article

HMX SU Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn more