Haimu Viola Tricolor vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two notable contenders are the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the Gateron Weightlessness, both of which embody unique tactile experiences. The Viola Tricolor is celebrated for its distinct thuddy and punchy sound profile, delivering an invigorating and satisfying typing experience with its pronounced tactility—striking an ideal balance that avoids overwhelming the user. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a bassy, low-pitched feedback while typing, adding character to their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a more subtle to moderate tactile feel, providing a balanced sound profile that complements its characteristics, making it a great choice for users looking for a less pronounced but still engaging typing experience. Depending on your preference for acoustic feedback and tactile sensation, each switch has its strengths that cater to different typing styles and environments. 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
50g
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
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Haimu Viola Tricolor and the Gateron Weightlessness demonstrate distinct characteristics in their housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles. The Viola Tricolor features a polycarbonate top housing, which lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. This effect is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, allowing for a clearer resonance that enhances sound clarity. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for those utilizing RGB lighting, as it permits light to pass through effectively, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard. In contrast, the Weightlessness employs a nylon top housing, which creates a softer, more subdued sound profile. Nylon's inherent softness absorbs sound better than polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, it is noteworthy that both the Viola Tricolor and the Weightlessness utilize nylon. This similarity means that both switches will elicit a deeper, fuller sound profile during key presses, as nylon absorbs more sound due to its softer composition. Consequently, while the Gateron Weightlessness presents a unified nylon construction throughout its housing, the Viola Tricolor's nylon bottom housing provides a sound quality that complements the sharper sound created by its polycarbonate top. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Viola Tricolor may result in a blend of distinct sound profiles, where the clearer, higher-pitched tones from the top housing contrast with the deeper sounds produced by the bottom housing.
In terms of overall typing experience, the differing top housing materials will lead to a differentiated tactile feedback and sound. With the Viola Tricolor, the polycarbonate top housing's rigidity results in a more pronounced acoustic finish when keys are released, emphasizing the high-end frequencies of the typing experience. Conversely, the nylon top of the Weightlessness will mute those higher frequencies, producing a more consistent sound profile that leans towards a full-bodied, mellow tone. Hence, while both switches involve nylon in their bottom housings, the variance in the top housing materials ensures that users will experience unique auditory and tactile characteristics, catering to diverse preferences in keyboard feel and sound.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch to the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Viola Tricolor features an unknown actuation force but has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel when pressed to the limit. In contrast, the Weightlessness has a defined actuation force of 50 grams, making it the lighter option for those who prefer less resistance while typing. However, its bottom out force is not specified, leaving a gap in the comparison. For typists who enjoy a lighter touch and prolonged typing sessions, the Gateron Weightlessness would likely provide a more comfortable experience, while individuals looking for a heavier, more substantial keystroke might lean towards the Viola Tricolor with its medium-heavy bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the Viola Tricolor has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Weightlessness features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference indicates that the Viola Tricolor provides a deeper key press experience, which may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile feedback and a traditional feel. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness, with its shorter travel distance, may be more suitable for gamers seeking quicker response times and a more responsive keystroke. Therefore, if you prioritize a hearty depth in your typing experience, the Viola Tricolor would be the better choice, whereas if you prefer the snappiness of a shorter key travel, the Weightlessness would be more appropriate.
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 Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch produces a rich and deep audio experience, characterized by its bassy and low-pitched qualities. This sound profile lends a distinct thud to each keypress, enhancing the auditory feedback of typing and contributing a layer of depth that many users find satisfying. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness does not have a described sound profile, which suggests it is either quieter or more neutral compared to the more pronounced sound of the Viola Tricolor. As sound can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap material, the Viola's louder and deeper tones are likely to stand out more prominently in a typical setting.
In terms of feel, the Viola Tricolor excels with its accented and invigorating tactile feedback. The switch is designed to provide substantial, yet manageable tactility, striking a balance that promotes a responsive typing experience without feeling overly harsh. Users can expect a snappy actuation that enhances the sensation of each keystroke, which can make typing feel more engaging. The Weightlessness switches, however, do not have defined tactile descriptors available, suggesting that they may offer either a more muted tactile experience or a balance that doesn't lean heavily in either direction. This difference in tactility could cater to users who prefer less pronounced feedback while typing.
Combining all of this information, it's clear that the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch provides a distinctive auditory and tactile experience, favoring those who enjoy pronounced feedback and a deeper sound. In contrast, while the Gateron Weightlessness lacks specific descriptors, it may appeal to users who prioritize a subtler typing experience. For those who prefer a more immersive and character-filled feedback, the Viola may be the more suitable choice. Regardless of preference, both switches will cater to different typing styles, ensuring that newcomers can find a switch that resonates with their individual needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and desired experience. If you enjoy a more pronounced tactile sensation and a bassy sound profile that adds depth to your keystrokes, the Viola Tricolor is an excellent option. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams offers a satisfying feedback without being overwhelming, making it great for both typing and gaming contexts where tactile response is key. Conversely, if you prefer a subtler tactile experience with a balanced sound profile that does not intrude on your workflow, the Gateron Weightlessness might be the better choice, particularly for long typing sessions where fatigue can be a concern. This switch provides a more moderate tactile feel, allowing for smoother transitions while still maintaining some engagement. Ultimately, consider what aspects matter most to you—whether it’s the satisfying thudding response of the Viola Tricolor or the understated yet pleasant performance of the Weightlessness—as you make your decision.
Mentioned in this article
