Haimu Viola Tricolor vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers two distinct but compelling options tailored to different preferences. The Viola Tricolor, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its thuddy and punchy sound profile that enriches the typing experience with a pronounced yet balanced tactility. This makes it an excellent pick for typists who enjoy that satisfying feedback while maintaining a level of comfort that doesn’t overwhelm. On the other hand, the Xinhai (Heavy), a linear switch, presents a different appeal. Known for its heavier actuation and crafted with a PA12 top housing that provides a softer acoustic profile, this switch delivers a high-pitched resonance that offers precision without the tactile bump. This makes it a suitable choice for those who prefer smooth keystrokes devoid of noise. Each switch brings its own unique characteristics to the table based on your typing style and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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 (Heavy) switches utilize distinctly different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their overall sound profiles. The Viola Tricolor features a polycarbonate top housing, which is lauded for its rigidity. This stiffness contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound experience, making it particularly attractive for those who enjoy a more articulate auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) opts for a nylon top housing, resulting in a more subdued auditory output. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and rounder tone that some users might find more satisfying. Overall, while both switches aim to deliver a pleasant typing experience, they cater to distinct auditory preferences rooted in their top housing materials.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, it becomes apparent that they share the same material: nylon. This commonality means that the sound profile when bottoming out will be consistently full and deep across both switches because nylon tends to absorb sound and provide a muted auditory feedback. The deeper, rounded sound produced during this phase is a hallmark of nylon's dampening properties and adds a sense of richness to the user experience. Consequently, regardless of the differing materials in the top housings, both switches will exhibit similar sound characteristics and feel when it comes to the bottoming-out phase — a crucial element of typing that significantly impacts user satisfaction.
In summary, despite the contrasting materials used in the top housings of the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), the nylon bottom housing ensures a shared audio experience when keys are fully pressed. This dual-housing dynamic means that the overall sound and feel of typing are shaped by the interplay of both materials. The sharper sound attributed to the Viola's polycarbonate top plays a pivotal role when releasing keys, while the Xinhai's nylon top extends that muted dampening effect present in the bottom housing. Consequently, users will appreciate the distinct nuances offered by each switch while still enjoying the deep, round sound common to both models when pressing down.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Viola Tricolor does not specify an actuation force, yet it features a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) has a defined actuation force of 55 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 62.5 grams, marking it as medium. This indicates that while the Xinhai is the lighter switch in terms of actuation force, both switches have similar bottom out forces with a minor difference favoring the Viola Tricolor as being heavier. For users who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Xinhai may be the better choice, whereas those seeking a more substantial typing experience could lean toward the Viola Tricolor despite its undefined actuation force. Overall, the Xinhai provides a softer touch while the Viola Tricolor offers a slightly more forceful bottom-out feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences arise. The Viola Tricolor features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) comes in shorter at 3.4 mm. This means that the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a more responsive feel, making it preferable for users who favor quick key presses, such as gamers. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor provides a more substantial depth, appealing to those who enjoy a more tactile and hearty keypress experience. Ultimately, if you prefer a shorter travel distance for rapid action, the Xinhai (Heavy) is the better choice; however, if you appreciate a deeper keystroke, then the Viola Tricolor would be ideal.
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 (Heavy) 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 (Heavy) 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
When it comes to sound profile, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch produces a notably thuddy and punchy sound, evoking a deeper, richer auditory experience akin to a bass tone. Its low-pitched quality contributes to a mellow yet engaging typing atmosphere, making it a pleasing choice for those who enjoy a depth of sound with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch is characterized by a unique PA12 top housing, designed to create a softer acoustic profile. Although specific descriptors of its sound are not provided, its POM stem purportedly contributes to a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. Therefore, while the Viola Tricolor offers a fuller, bassier sound, the Xinhai (Heavy) introduces an element of subtle sophistication, suggesting a cleaner, higher-frequency sound that balances well with different keyboard builds and keycap choices.
In terms of tactile feedback, the Viola Tricolor switch excels with its accented feel, marked by a medium tactile response. This switch strikes a delicate balance, giving pronounced feedback without venturing into overwhelming territory, which results in a snappy and invigorating typing experience. The tactile sensation ensures that users remain engaged and aware of their keystrokes. The specific tactile qualities of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch, however, are unknown, which leaves a gap in the comparison of their tactile feedback. Without more information on the Xinhai's tactile characteristics, it’s difficult to ascertain how its feel compares to the invigorating feedback offered by the Viola Tricolor.
Overall, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is characterized by its bassy sound and medium tactile feedback, providing a robust and engaging typing experience, the specifics of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch remain unclear in both sound and feel. This lack of detailed information about the Xinhai's tactile response invites users to consider personal preferences and experimentation. Both switches cater to different auditory and tactile sensibilities, suggesting that should you prefer a deeper sound with a prominent tactile feel, the Viola Tricolor is your best bet, while the Xinhai promises a unique typing experience that may be similarly fulfilling but lacks detailed characterization.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a punchy and satisfying tactile feedback with a deeper sound profile, the Viola Tricolor is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy bottom out force provides a stimulating sensation without overwhelming you, making it perfect for users who appreciate a good balance between responsiveness and comfort while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch that offers a smooth and consistent keystroke with softer acoustics and a crisp resonance, then the Xinhai (Heavy) would suit you well. Its slightly lower actuation force combined with a sophisticated feel ensures a pleasant typing experience for those who favor speed and fluidity over tactile feedback. Therefore, consider how you value sound and feel in your typing experience to make the best decision for yourself.
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