Gateron Ink Red vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out: the Gateron Ink Red and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. If you prefer a smoother typing experience and have a lighter touch, the Ink Red is the ideal choice. With its lower actuation force, it effortlessly glides under your fingertips, providing a satisfyingly smooth and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that adds a touch of character to your typing, the Viola Tricolor is the way to go. With its pronounced tactility, it offers a satisfying feedback without becoming overly tactile. The Viola Tricolor strikes a perfect balance with its thuddy and punchy sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Red Linear

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Haimu Viola Tricolor differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which is known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This lends the switch a clacky and satisfying thin sound. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. Thus, while both switches have distinct qualities in their top housing materials, they differ in terms of sound profile and aesthetic appeal.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Ink Red and the Viola Tricolor vary yet again. The proprietary INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Red provides a similar pointed and high-pitched sound profile to its top housing. This consistency ensures a cohesive sound experience throughout the switch. Meanwhile, the Viola Tricolor's nylon bottom housing brings a deeper and fuller sound profile to the switch. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in sound profile between the Ink Red and the Viola Tricolor showcases the impact that different bottom housing materials can have on the overall typing experience.

In summary, the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Haimu Viola Tricolor greatly affect the sound profiles of these switches. While the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housings contribute to a pointed and clacky sound, the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and more resonant sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Viola Tricolor enhances its sound with a deeper and fuller profile. Despite these differences, it is worth noting that both switches aim for a satisfying sound experience, albeit with contrasting characteristics in their housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Gateron Ink Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the actuation force of the Viola Tricolor is unknown. However, both switches have a similar medium bottom out force, with the Ink Red requiring 60 grams and the Viola Tricolor requiring 63.5 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gateron Ink Red would be the suitable choice as it has a lower actuation force. This lighter force allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who seek a more substantial and tactile typing experience may lean towards the Viola Tricolor, as its bottom out force is slightly heavier at 63.5 grams.

While the actuation force of the Viola Tricolor is unavailable, it is important to note that the medium bottom out force suggests a similar typing experience to the Ink Red, albeit with a slightly heavier feel. Ultimately, the decision between these switches depends on personal preferences and whether a lighter actuation force or a heavier push is desired.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is evident that the Ink Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm compared to the Viola Tricolor's 3.8 mm. While both switches have relatively similar travel distances, it is worth noting that 4.0 mm falls within the more traditional range, whereas 3.8 mm veers towards the shallower end.

These differing travel distances cater to different preferences. Gamers, for instance, often opt for shorter travel distances as they allow for faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize quicker responsiveness, the Viola Tricolor with its slightly shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. However, for individuals who appreciate a more substantial key press and a deeper feel, the Ink Red's longer travel distance may be more appealing.

Ultimately, the decision between the two switches hinges on personal preference and individual typing or gaming style. If you value a briefer key press, the Viola Tricolor offers a shorter travel distance, while those seeking a more weighted and noticeable keystroke may prefer the Ink Red. Both switches offer their own unique advantages, ensuring that users will have similarly satisfactory results regardless of which option they choose.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for most purposes. It has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, providing a satisfying and crisp sound during typing. Additionally, the Ink Red switch has a unique chirpy sound, setting it apart from other switches.

On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. These switches provide a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The Viola Tricolor strikes a perfect balance, offering a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user, resulting in a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to the typing experience.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is known for its silky, mild, and polished qualities. It offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance. The Ink Red switch is gentle and approachable to most users, as it stands in the safe and middle-ground zone of typing experiences. With its polished finish, users can expect reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch provides an accented and invigorating typing experience. It offers a medium amount of tactility, providing a prominent amount of feedback that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The Viola Tricolor switch has a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation for users.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch excels in providing a smooth and effortless typing experience, with a neutral sound profile that has a unique chirpy sound. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile, with a balanced amount of tactility and invigorating typing sensation. Both switches have their own distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience. Whether you choose the Gateron Ink Red or the Haimu Viola Tricolor, you can expect similar smoothness in feel and satisfying results in sound.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you have a lighter typing style and prefer a smoother switch with a lower actuation force, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a satisfyingly smooth typing experience, a crispy and clacky sound profile, and are effortless to type on. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile switch that provides a touch of character to your typing experience without being overly tactile, the Haimu Viola Tricolor would be the better option. These switches offer a pronounced tactility and strike a perfect balance, providing a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. In terms of sound, the Ink Red offers a neutral and chirpy sound profile, while the Viola Tricolor offers a bassy and low-pitched sound. When it comes to feel, the Ink Red offers a silky, mild, and polished typing experience, while the Viola Tricolor provides an accented and invigorating feel. Ultimately, your preference for actuation force, smoothness, tactile feedback, and sound profile will guide your decision between these two switches.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn more