Gateron Oil King vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor

Overview

If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch and are torn between a linear or tactile option, the Gateron Oil King and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches are two excellent choices to consider. The Oil King boasts a buttery smoothness and a sound profile akin to a dark chocolate bar snapping, making it a favorite among many. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switches offer a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to your typing experience, while striking a perfect balance between pronounced tactility and user-friendly feedback. Both switches possess their unique qualities and features that entice different preferences. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision about the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Oil King Linear

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.50 per 10

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Oil King and the Haimu Viola Tricolor differ in their housing materials, with the Oil King featuring a nylon top housing and a proprietary INK blend bottom housing, while the Viola Tricolor has a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The choice of housing materials greatly influences the sound profile of the switches. The Oil King's nylon top housing absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate top housing creates a crisper and higher-pitched sound, thanks to its stiffer composition. Aesthetically, the Viola Tricolor's clear housing allows for RGB lighting, making it ideal for those looking to customize their keyboard's lighting.

Despite their differences, both switches benefit from their respective housing materials. The use of nylon, a classic switch housing material, in both the Oil King's bottom housing and the Viola Tricolor's nylon bottom housing, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic properties absorb more sound, creating a duller yet rounder sound. This similarity in housing materials ensures that users can achieve similar results in terms of sound when typing on either switch.

When considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall sound and feel of the switches, there is an interesting contrast between the Oil King and the Viola Tricolor. The bottom housing, whether it is the INK blend in the Oil King or the nylon in the Viola Tricolor, has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the top housing, whether it is the nylon in the Oil King or the polycarbonate in the Viola Tricolor, plays a key role in determining the sound when letting go of a key. Therefore, even though the housing materials may differ, both switches offer a balanced and satisfying typing experience by dividing the qualities contributed by the top and bottom housings.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is evident that these switches offer slightly different experiences. The Oil King boasts an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is unknown, but its bottom out force is 63.5 grams, also categorizing it as medium-heavy.

Considering weight as an important factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Oil King switch. With a lower actuation force, it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, individuals who seek a more forceful keystroke sensation might be inclined towards the Viola Tricolor. With its slightly higher bottom out force, it provides a more substantial and pronounced typing experience.

While the actuation forces are not explicitly specified for the Viola Tricolor, it can be assumed that the force required to trigger a keystroke would be similar to the bottom out force, considering that generally, these values are closely related. Hence, if one desires a lighter feel comparable to the Gateron Oil King, choosing the Viola Tricolor should result in similar results.

Ultimately, the Gateron Oil King can be considered the lighter option between the two switches due to its lower actuation force. Conversely, the Haimu Viola Tricolor offers a slightly heavier typing experience with its higher bottom out force. Both switches cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can select the one that suits their desired level of force and typing style.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is clear that the Oil King has a slightly longer travel distance at 4.0 mm, while the Viola Tricolor has a slightly shorter travel distance at 3.8 mm. These differences may seem small, but they can have a significant impact on the overall typing or gaming experience. 4.0 mm is closer to the traditional travel distance, providing a more familiar and comfortable feel. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor's 3.8 mm travel distance falls on the shallower end, appealing to those who prefer a faster response time in their keystrokes. Gamers, in particular, often opt for shorter travel distances to ensure quick actions during gameplay. However, it is important to note that short travel distances can sometimes feel abrupt and lack the depth that some individuals may prefer. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer a deep and rich bassy sound profile. These switches have a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. However, the Oil King is also described as having a low-pitched sound, while information about the pitch of the Viola Tricolor is unknown. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Overall, both switches will provide a satisfying auditory experience, with the Oil King offering a sound reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping and the Viola Tricolor adding a touch of character with its thuddy and punchy sound profile.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is known for its creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. These switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke, with a seamless, effortless, and uniform sensation. They glide effortlessly and melt into each keystroke, providing a silky typing feel. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is described as accented, meaning it provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. This switch offers noticeable feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. It creates an invigorating and immersive typing sensation. Both switches offer distinct tactile experiences, with the Oil King emphasizing smoothness and the Viola Tricolor focusing on pronounced tactility.

Considering both the sound and feel, it's clear that the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch provide unique subjective qualities. The Oil King offers a smooth and creamy typing experience with a low-pitched, bassy sound profile reminiscent of snapping a dark chocolate bar. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor strikes a balance between pronounced tactility and a thuddy, punchy sound profile. Both switches have their own merits and will cater to different preferences. For those seeking a smoother typing experience with a bass-heavy sound, the Oil King is an excellent choice. If tactile feedback and a touch of character in the sound are desired, the Viola Tricolor is a great option. Overall, with either switch, you can expect a highly satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences for sound and feel. The Oil King switches are known for their buttery smoothness and low-pitched, bassy sound profile. They offer a creamy, silky, and polished typing experience, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switches provide a thuddy and punchy sound profile with a touch of character. They strike a perfect balance between pronounced tactility and a non-overwhelming typing experience. The Viola Tricolor switches are described as accented and invigorating, delivering satisfying feedback and an immersive typing sensation. So, if you prefer a linear switch with a smooth feel and deep, bassy sound, the Oil King is the way to go. However, if you want a tactile switch that offers moderate tactility and a punchy sound, the Viola Tricolor is the better choice. Consider your personal preferences and typing style when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches provide high-quality options for mechanical keyboards.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Oil King Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn more