Everglide Oreo vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Everglide Oreo and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a delightful typing experience, both the Everglide Oreo and the Haimu Viola Tricolor are excellent options to consider. The Oreo switch provides a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. It strikes a perfect balance between a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience, with a subtle and mellow sound profile. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch is designed to deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to your typing. It offers a pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, creating a satisfying feedback. With its sharp sensation, it strikes a perfect balance for users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for your needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 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
Gold-plated
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Oreo and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced, making it ideal for those seeking a more distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucent quality of polycarbonate allows for excellent RGB lighting effects in both switches, adding a visually appealing element.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Oreo and the Viola Tricolor differ. The Oreo features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Viola Tricolor utilizes nylon. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Oreo contributes to a sharper and more resonant bottom-out sound and feel when pressing the keys. Its stiffer composition enhances the tactile feedback provided by the switch, resulting in a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer material reduces the impact and provides a rounder sound when bottoming out the keys.
In summary, both the Everglide Oreo and the Haimu Viola Tricolor benefit from their polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper and crisper sound profile while also allowing for RGB lighting effects. However, they differ in terms of their bottom housing materials. The Oreo's polycarbonate bottom housing enhances the bottom-out sound and feel, while the Viola Tricolor's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and more muffled impact. Overall, users can expect similar results in terms of sound profile from the top housings, but different experiences when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are some notable differences. Firstly, the actuation force of the Oreo is 45 grams, which is considered medium-light. In contrast, the actuation force of the Viola Tricolor is unavailable, leaving us with unknown data. Moving on to bottom out force, the Oreo requires 55 grams of force to fully press down, which again falls under the medium-light category. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy.
Considering weight's significance in keyboard preferences, those looking for lighter switches may appreciate the Oreo's actuation force and bottom out force. This lighter weight allows for longer typing sessions, making it suitable for work or extended gaming periods. On the contrary, individuals seeking a more solid and substantial typing experience might prefer switches with heavier forces. In such cases, the Viola Tricolor's medium-heavy bottom out force provides the desired push feel. Although we lack information about its actuation force, it is likely to provide a similar experience to the Oreo if both switches have equal or similar actuation forces. In summary, the Oreo is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, while the Viola Tricolor is heavier in terms of bottom out force and its actuation force remains unknown.
Travel distance
The Everglide Oreo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches have relatively similar travel distances, with the Viola Tricolor being slightly shorter by 0.2 mm. This slight difference might not be noticeable to most users, but for those seeking a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the Viola Tricolor may be preferred. Gamers, in particular, often opt for switches with shorter travel distances to achieve faster response times. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper and more pronounced key press may find the Everglide Oreo tactile switch with its longer travel distance more suited to their preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the individual's personal preference for travel distance and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo for $4.19.
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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers a subtle and mellow sound profile, which can be described as chirpy. This unique acoustic signature sets these switches apart and provides a pleasant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch delivers a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to your typing experience. It is often described as bassy and low-pitched, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. The Viola Tricolor switches create a sound reminiscent of bass tones, which can be quite appealing to some users. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, both the Oreo and Viola Tricolor switches offer an accented tactile experience. This means that they provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overly overwhelming or too subtle. The Oreo switch also has a stepped feel to it, meaning that it feels like it has two stages with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. This makes typing on the Oreo switch feel more mild in comparison to switches that have a single, large bump throughout the keystroke. The Viola Tricolor switch, on the other hand, is described as invigorating. It offers pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. Overall, both switches provide a satisfying tactile experience that strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness.
In conclusion, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Oreo switch provides a subtle and mellow sound profile with a crisp and responsive tactile bump. It offers a comfortable typing experience with the perfect balance between satisfying keystrokes and cushioned bottoming out. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch delivers a thuddy and punchy sound profile with a pronounced tactility that adds character to typing. It strikes a perfect balance between a sharp sensation and user comfort. While they differ in sound and feel, both switches offer an accented tactile experience that provides a satisfying feedback without being overwhelming. Whether you choose the Everglide Oreo or the Haimu Viola Tricolor, you can expect a delightful typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are a few key factors to consider.
If you prioritize a medium-light bottom out force and a comfortable typing experience, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is the way to go. With a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a delightfully cushioned sensation when bottoming out, these switches strike a perfect balance between satisfying keystrokes and comfort. The subtle, mellow sound profile adds to the pleasant typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a touch of character in your typing experience, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is a great choice. These switches offer a pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, providing satisfying feedback without overwhelming the user. The thuddy and punchy sound profile adds a unique charm to your typing sessions.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference. Consider whether you prefer a medium-light or a medium-heavy bottom out force, as well as the specific sound and feel characteristics that appeal to you. By understanding your individual typing preferences, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your needs. Overall, both the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer their own distinct qualities, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience no matter which one you choose.
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