Gateron Beer vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Beer tactile switch stands out with its mesmerizing translucent green design, evoking the sparkling allure of a Tsingtao beer bottle. Its lightweight feel and stepped tactility provide a subtle typing experience, complemented by a characteristic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch is designed to deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding character to every keystroke. With pronounced tactility that strikes a perfect balance between feedback and comfort, this switch offers an invigorating typing experience without being overly tactile. While both switches have their own strengths, it's essential to delve deeper into their specific characteristics to determine the best fit for your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches both use polycarbonate for the top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, enhancing the clarity and resonance of the sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor utilizes nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the stiffer polycarbonate. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
Despite the similarities in the top housing material of both switches, the use of polycarbonate in the Beer and nylon in the Viola Tricolor for the bottom housing offers distinct differences in sound and feel. The stiffer polycarbonate in the Beer's bottom housing contributes to a clearer bottom-out sound and feel, while the softer nylon in the Viola Tricolor's bottom housing creates a more muted and rounded bottom-out experience. Additionally, the impact of the housing material on the sound when releasing a key is more prominent in the top housing, emphasizing the differences between the switches even further.
In conclusion, while both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, the choice of material for the bottom housing sets them apart in terms of sound and feel. The Gateron Beer's use of polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings results in a sharper and crisper sound profile overall, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a more varied sound experience with a deeper and fuller tone. Ultimately, the housing materials play a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile and user experience of each switch.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. Both switches have a bottom out force, with the Beer requiring 50 grams and the Viola Tricolor needing 63.5 grams, making the Viola Tricolor the heavier option. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods may lean towards the Beer switch, while those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Viola Tricolor. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm. This means that the Viola Tricolor has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Beer switch. When it comes to typing or gaming preferences, some may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Beer switch for faster response times favored by gamers. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may lean towards the longer travel distance of the Viola Tricolor switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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.
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 Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its characteristic clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, creating a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Depending on your preference, the Beer provides a crisp and bright sound, while the Viola Tricolor offers a more mellow and bass-heavy auditory experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is praised for being easy to press, requiring minimal force to activate. Its stepped tactility provides a subtle feel with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages, enhancing the typing experience with gentle resistance. Conversely, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is described as accented and invigorating, offering a moderate to firm actuation force and pronounced feedback. It strikes a balance between being tactile without being overwhelming, providing a satisfying and responsive typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer excels in producing a clacky sound and providing an easy-to-press experience with stepped tactility. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor stands out for its bassy sound profile and accented, invigorating feel that strikes a perfect balance between tactility and comfort. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them will depend on your individual typing preferences and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, consider your preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a more clacky sound, the Beer might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force and a bassy, low-pitched sound profile with an invigorating typing feel, the Viola Tricolor could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what kind of typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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