Haimu Viola Tricolor vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the Jerrzi Violet both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Viola Tricolor is praised for its thuddy and punchy sound profile, striking a balance between pronounced tactility and a satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet stands out for its gentle tactile feel, smooth actuation, and pleasingly poppy tactility, accompanied by a neutral sound signature for a balanced typing experience. Each switch has its own appeal, with the Viola Tricolor being described as accented, bassy, invigorating, and low-pitched, while the Violet is categorized as stepped and neutral. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Haimu Viola Tricolor and Jerrzi Violet switches are quite similar. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate material is translucent, making it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. The only difference between the two switches in terms of top housing material is the color, as the Viola Tricolor features a clear polycarbonate housing while the Jerrzi Violet may have a different color variation.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both switches use nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite their similarities in bottom housing material, the Viola Tricolor and the Jerrzi Violet may have slight variations in sound due to differences in other components such as springs or keycaps. However, the overall feel of typing on switches using nylon bottom housing is likely to be consistent between the two switches.
In summary, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor and Jerrzi Violet switches differ in terms of their top housing color, they both leverage the benefits of polycarbonate for a sharper sound profile and nylon for a deeper sound profile. These housing materials play a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switches, with the top and bottom housings each contributing to different aspects of the typing experience. Ultimately, both switches are likely to deliver a satisfying typing experience with nuanced differences in sound and feel based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In comparison, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has an actuation force of 45 grams. The Viola Tricolor's actuation force is not specified, while the Violet's bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, the Viola Tricolor is heavier than the Violet. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Violet may be more suitable, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions. Alternatively, those seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Viola Tricolor. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is slightly longer at 3.8 mm compared to the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch at 3.7 mm. While the difference may seem minimal, it can have an impact on the feel and responsiveness of the switch. The Viola Tricolor may provide a slightly more substantial key press due to its longer travel distance, which could be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper and more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Violet switch offers a slightly quicker key press, which can be beneficial for gamers or those looking for a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing experience desired.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is known for its bassy and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. This adds a touch of depth and richness to the typing experience, creating a unique auditory feedback for the user. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound signature, offering a balanced and moderate sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The choice of sound between the two switches ultimately depends on the user's preference for a deeper, more pronounced sound (Viola Tricolor) or a neutral and pleasant sound (Violet).
Moving on to feel, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is praised for its accented and invigorating tactile feedback, providing a noticeable amount of tactility without being overwhelming. This creates a satisfying typing sensation characterized by a snappy and reactive feel, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch is described as having a stepped tactile feel, offering a more subtle and mild tactility compared to the Viola Tricolor. The stepped nature of the Violet switch allows for a distinct pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation, providing a different typing experience for users who prefer a gentler tactile response.
Taking all the available information into account, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch stands out for its bassy sound profile and invigorating tactile feel, offering a unique and vibrant typing experience for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch provides a neutral sound signature and a stepped tactile feel, catering to users who prefer a more balanced and subtle typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound and feel, with both switches offering distinct qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, consider the specific qualities you value in a switch. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a thuddy and punchy sound profile, along with a perfect balance of tactility, the Viola Tricolor may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a switch with a smooth actuation, pleasingly poppy tactility, and a neutral sound signature, the Violet switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a sharper, accented tactile feel or a more stepped, gentle tactile experience. Consider how these factors align with your typing style and preferences to make an informed decision on which switch would best enhance your typing experience.
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