Gateron Type L vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Gateron Type L and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Type L and the Haimu Viola Tricolor offer unique experiences for users. The Type L from Gateron, featured in Sillyworks' "Project Rehash," is a linear switch that provides a light and feathery typing experience, requiring only 45g to bottom out. It produces a sound signature on the deeper end of the spectrum, giving it a subdued and neutral feel. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor from Haimu is a tactile switch that offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding character to your typing. It strikes a perfect balance of tactility, providing satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. While the Type L is easy to press and smooth, the Viola Tricolor is invigorating and bassy. 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
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Overall, the Gateron Type L and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both use nylon materials for the bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. This characteristic makes typing on these switches produce a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. However, the Type L utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, while the Viola Tricolor incorporates polycarbonate for the top housing. This leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for the Viola Tricolor, as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a more clear and resonant sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the Haimu Viola Tricolor stands out with its clear polycarbonate top housing, allowing for RGB lighting effects to shine through. This feature adds a visually appealing aspect to the switch, making it ideal for users who prioritize customizable lighting options. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L's nylon top housing may not offer the same level of visual appeal as the Viola Tricolor, but it still provides a classic and reliable housing material for a smooth typing experience. Both switches excel in different areas, with the Viola Tricolor focusing on aesthetics and the Type L prioritizing sound profile and feel.
Overall, while the Gateron Type L and the Haimu Viola Tricolor may differ in their top housing material, both switches offer similar sound profiles and typing experiences due to their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing. The Type L's nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Despite these differences, users can expect a satisfying typing experience from either switch, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when letting go of a key. Ultimately, choosing between the Type L and the Viola Tricolor will come down to personal preferences regarding sound profile, aesthetics, and RGB lighting options.
Weight
The Gateron Type L linear switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a smooth and light typing experience. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, with no specified actuation force. This makes the Viola Tricolor switch more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel during typing. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Type L switch more comfortable for extended periods of typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Type L linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is evident that the Type L has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Viola Tricolor's 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Type L being closer to the standard 4 mm and the Viola Tricolor being slightly shorter at 3.8 mm. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be significantly noticeable to the average user, but for those seeking a faster response time, the Viola Tricolor may be preferred due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Type L with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer similar experiences with minor variations in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Type L comes in at $4.70 per 10 switches.
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 Type L offers a more subdued and neutral profile, emitting a dampened sound during key presses that is not overpowering. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor boasts a bassy and low-pitched sound that adds depth and richness to the typing experience without being too loud. Depending on personal preferences, the Type L may suit those looking for a more subtle sound, while the Viola Tricolor appeals to individuals seeking a punchier and more characterful typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Type L provides a feathery and easy-to-press sensation, requiring minimal force to activate the keys and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor offers an accented and invigorating tactile feedback, providing a moderate to firm actuation force and a snappy feel that enhances the overall typing sensation. Both switches cater to different tactile preferences, with the Type L focusing on a light and effortless typing experience, while the Viola Tricolor delivers a more pronounced and tactile feedback for a more engaging typing feel.
Overall, the Gateron Type L and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer distinct qualities that cater to varying preferences in sound and feel. The Type L provides a neutral and subdued sound with a feathery and easy-to-press feel, making it suitable for a wide range of users. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor offers a bassy and accented sound profile with an invigorating tactile feedback, appealing to those looking for a punchier and more tactile typing experience. Depending on individual preferences and typing style, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience with its unique characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Type L linear switch or the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light and feathery typing experience with a neutral and subdued sound profile, the Type L may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force with an accented and invigorating tactile feedback that adds character to your typing, the Viola Tricolor could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing needs.
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