Haimu Viola Tricolor vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch. The Viola Tricolor is designed to provide a thuddy and punchy sound profile, offering a satisfying tactility without being overly tactile. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch boasts a unique design with a PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. While the Viola Tricolor is categorized as 'Accented', 'Bassy', 'Invigorating', and 'Low-pitched', the Xinhai is described as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', and 'Creamy'. Each switch has its own characteristics and advantages, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Haimu Viola Tricolor and the HMX Xinhai both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. The Xinhai also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, the Viola Tricolor and the Xinhai differ in their choice of bottom housing material. This results in a split of qualities between the top and bottom of the switch when pressed. The bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing material affects the sound produced when a key is released, showcasing the importance of both housing materials in the overall performance of the switch. Despite these differences, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches ensures a consistent sharp and crisp sound profile, highlighting the importance of material selection in switch design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that the Xinhai is the lighter option with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. Both switches have different force requirements for actuation and bottoming out, providing users with varied tactile feedback. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Xinhai, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue, while users looking for a more substantial typing experience may choose the Viola Tricolor. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Viola Tricolor has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Xinhai. The Viola Tricolor offers a bit more depth in keypress compared to the Xinhai, which may be preferred by some users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Xinhai provides a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which may be favored by gamers or those who prioritize speed and efficiency in their typing experience. Overall, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
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 HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
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 switch offers a deep and rich bassy tone during key presses, providing a thuddy and punchy sound profile that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch is characterized by a clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. Depending on personal preference, the Viola Tricolor's bassy sound may be more appealing for those who enjoy a deeper tone, while the Xinhai's clacky sound may be favored by those who prefer a sharper and more distinct audio feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch offers an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force, striking a balance between tactile response and smooth typing. The Xinhai switch, on the other hand, provides a bouncy and creamy feel, giving a spring-like feedback with a smooth and buttery typing experience. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the Viola Tricolor emphasizing an accented tactile feel and the Xinhai focusing on a bouncy and creamy sensation. Depending on individual typing preferences, users may gravitate towards the invigorating feel of the Viola Tricolor or the bouncy and creamy feel of the Xinhai.
In summary, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch excels in delivering a bassy and invigorating typing experience with its pronounced tactility and punchy sound profile, offering a unique balance of feedback and actuation force. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch stands out with its clacky and bouncy feel, providing a distinctively crisp sound and a spring-like elastic feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the Viola Tricolor and Xinhai switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer high-quality performance and can enhance the overall typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
In summarizing the comparison between the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is important to consider your personal preferences and needs. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force, a pronounced tactile feedback that strikes a perfect balance between sharpness and subtlety, and a deeper, bassy sound profile, then the Viola Tricolor may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a softer acoustics profile with a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, a clacky sound profile, and a bouncy or creamy feel that provides a lively and smooth typing experience, then the Xinhai switch may be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you are seeking and what characteristics align with your preferences.
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