Everglide Tourmaline Blue vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from, each offering a unique typing experience. Two switches that stand out are the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Tourmaline Blue is best known for its deep and thocky sound profile, immersing you in a satisfying typing experience. With its bouncy feel, thanks to a lengthened single-stage spring, these linear switches strike a balance with their standard spring weight, making them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switches are designed to deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile while offering a pronounced tactility. These tactile switches provide satisfying feedback without being overly tactile, striking a perfect balance between sharp sensation and user comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual preferences.

By the numbers

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Haimu Viola Tricolor share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for a more vibrant display. Therefore, in terms of sound profile and appearance, users can expect similar results from both switches when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Tourmaline Blue and the Viola Tricolor differ in material. The Tourmaline Blue utilizes polycarbonate, while the Viola Tricolor incorporates nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the stiffer polycarbonate used in the Tourmaline Blue's bottom housing contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. Thus, users can expect a notable difference in sound when bottoming out the keys between these two switches.

It is important to note that the qualities each housing material brings to the overall sound profile of a switch are divided between the top and the bottom housing. When pressing down on either the Tourmaline Blue or the Viola Tricolor, the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing the key. This distinction allows users to have a more nuanced experience when typing or gaming, as the feel and sound can vary depending on the specific housing material used in each switch component.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, we can observe some similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Tourmaline Blue is lighter, with an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, also qualifying as medium-heavy. Although the actuation force of the Viola Tricolor is not specified, we can expect similar results to the Tourmaline Blue, as they both fall within the medium-heavy range. The choice between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference, with some users valuing a lighter typing experience for extended periods, while others prefer a heavier force for a more substantial and satisfying keystroke.

Travel distance

The Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Tourmaline Blue falls into the category of a more traditional travel distance at 4 mm, whereas the Viola Tricolor offers a slightly shallower travel distance. In recent times, shorter travel distances have become increasingly popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. Therefore, if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Viola Tricolor with its 3.8 mm travel distance would be a suitable choice. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances can sometimes feel abrupt to certain individuals. For those who prefer a deeper keystroke experience, the Tourmaline Blue with its 4 mm travel distance would be a better option. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile that provides a satisfying typing experience. It has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or advanced users, and whether they are using the switch at home or at work. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch provides a thuddy and punchy sound profile with a bassy and low-pitched tone. This gives the typing experience a touch of character without being overly tactile. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience, and the choice between them will depend on personal preference.

In terms of feel, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is known for its buttery and easy-to-press keystrokes. It provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation, with a mild overall feel that is approachable to most users. The Viola Tricolor switch, on the other hand, offers an accented tactile experience. It provides a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, creating a medium tactile switch. Furthermore, the Viola Tricolor switch is described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel.

Based on the available information, it is evident that both the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch provide unique and desirable qualities. The Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile with a buttery and easy-to-press keystroke feel. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile with an accented tactile feel. Both switches strike a balance in their respective qualities, making them enjoyable and accessible to users. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for sound and feel.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are looking for a switch with a unique sound profile that adds character to your typing experience, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch would be a great choice. These switches offer a thuddy and punchy sound with a pronounced tactility, providing satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. The Viola Tricolor strikes a perfect balance, offering a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a deep and thocky sound profile that immerses you in a satisfying typing experience, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is the way to go. With a bouncy feel and a standard spring weight, these switches are enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your mechanical keyboard switch.

Mentioned in this article

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn more