Everglide Sunset Yellow vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches plays a vital role in determining the overall feel and typing experience. Two popular options in the market are the Everglide Sunset Yellow, a linear switch, and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, a tactile switch. The Sunset Yellow switches are best known for their Creamsicle-colored design and mesmerizing sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. With a medium-weight and a distinct gliding feel, typing becomes an indulgent experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switches are designed to deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to each keystroke. With a pronounced tactility that strikes a perfect balance, these switches offer a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$3.09 per 10

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

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Housing materials

The Everglide Sunset Yellow and the Haimu Viola Tricolor have distinct differences in their housing materials that result in contrasting sound profiles. The Sunset Yellow features a POM top housing, which creates a more muted and deeper sound. In comparison, the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate, a stiff plastic, enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. While both housings provide unique sound profiles, the Viola Tricolor offers a more vibrant and defined sound due to its polycarbonate top housing.

Similarly, the bottom housings of the Sunset Yellow and the Viola Tricolor contribute to different sound profiles. The Sunset Yellow's POM bottom housing adds to the deeper and more muted sound, while the Viola Tricolor's nylon bottom housing elicits a fuller and rounder sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, creating a duller tone. Therefore, the Viola Tricolor offers a switch experience with a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its nylon bottom housing, while the Sunset Yellow presents a more muted sound due to its POM bottom housing.

When it comes to the overall typing experience, the distinction between the top and bottom housing becomes evident. Pressing down on the switch, you are likely to feel the impact and characteristics of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. With the Sunset Yellow, the deeper and muted sound of the POM bottom housing will be more pronounced. Conversely, the Viola Tricolor will provide a deeper and fuller sound sensation due to its nylon bottom housing. On the other hand, the top housing will have a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key, allowing the differences in the top housing materials, POM and polycarbonate, to shine through. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles that enhance the overall typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are some distinct differences. The Sunset Yellow has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, which falls within the medium-light range. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sunset Yellow switch would be a suitable choice, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue. This lighter actuation force is especially ideal for individuals bringing their keyboard to work or engaging in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its higher bottom out force. This heavier force can give users a satisfying push feel and a sense of solidity while typing.

It is important to note that if the actuation forces of both switches happened to be the same, users can expect similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes. However, the difference lies in the bottom out force, where the Viola Tricolor switch is heavier than the Sunset Yellow. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference – whether one prefers a lighter or heavier feel while typing.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is evident that there is a difference in their respective distances. The Sunset Yellow has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, whereas the Viola Tricolor has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly prevalent in recent times, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. Choosing the Sunset Yellow with its shorter travel distance would be ideal for those seeking a more responsive keystroke. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper key feel may find the longer travel distance of the Viola Tricolor more suitable. In either case, it is important to consider personal preferences and desired typing experience when selecting between the two switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch share some similar qualities. They both offer a bassy sound profile, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses. However, the Sunset Yellow switch is also described as thocky, meaning it produces a satisfying deep "thud" or soft "knock" when pressed and released. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor is described as having a low-pitched sound, which gives it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Sunset Yellow linear switch offers a creamy and frictionless typing experience. With its unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method, it provides a distinct gliding feel that is smooth and buttery. Typing on these switches feels like effortlessly melting into each keystroke. Additionally, the Sunset Yellow switch is described as polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor tactile switch is described as accented, offering a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. This creates a medium tactile experience that adds a touch of invigoration to typing. The Viola Tricolor switch provides pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel for an immersive typing sensation.

Considering the available information, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Sunset Yellow provides a captivating and indulgent sound profile with its bassy and thocky qualities. It also offers a creamy, frictionless, and polished feel that allows for effortless gliding during typing. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor delivers a thuddy and punchy sound profile with its bassy and low-pitched attributes. It offers an accented feel that strikes a perfect balance between pronounced tactile feedback and a satisfying typing experience. Both switches provide unique and enjoyable qualities, allowing users to have a personalized typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are a few factors to consider. The Sunset Yellow switches offer a captivating sound profile that is rich, bassy, and indulgent, reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. They have a medium-light bottom out force of 51 grams and a distinct gliding feel due to the unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method. These switches are suitable for a wide range of users due to their medium weight and provide a highly responsive typing experience with their short travel and long-pole stem.

On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switches are designed to deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to your typing experience. They offer a pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, striking a perfect balance. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches provide a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. They offer pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an invigorating and immersive typing sensation.

In terms of sound, both switches offer a deep and rich bassy sound profile, adding depth and richness to key presses. Additionally, the Viola Tricolor switches have a low-pitched tone, giving a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches.

When it comes to feel, the Sunset Yellow switches offer a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience. They have a smooth and buttery feel, allowing for effortless gliding across the keys. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switches are accented, offering a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming, providing a satisfying feedback.

Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Sunset Yellow and the Haimu Viola Tricolor will depend on your personal preferences. If you prefer a linear switch with a captivating sound and a distinct gliding feel, the Sunset Yellow switches could be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a tactile switch with a thuddy and punchy sound, pronounced tactility, and an invigorating typing sensation, the Viola Tricolor switches might be more suitable. Consider the sound profile, bottom out force, and feel that align with your preferences to make an informed decision.

Mentioned in this article

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.09 per 10

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Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn more