Gateron Aliaz vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and the Haimu Neo White present two distinct typing experiences tailored to varying user preferences. The Aliaz, renowned for its silent design, is ideal for quiet environments like offices, allowing for a comfortable typing experience without disturbing those around you. With a medium-heavy weight, this tactile switch delivers a noticeable feedback on each keystroke, which can be appealing for those who enjoy a deliberate and engaging typing feel. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White, categorized as a linear switch, offers a smooth and satisfying experience with its medium weight and unique Ly stem that reduces total travel. This design leads to seamless actuation, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize speed and fluidity in their typing. Ultimately, while the Aliaz favors quiet, deliberate feedback, the Neo White excels in smoothness and ease of use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and Haimu Neo White both feature polycarbonate as the material for their top housings, which is crucial in defining the sound profile of the switches. Both switch models offer a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory response due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This material not only enhances sound clarity but also provides a visually appealing translucent finish that showcases RGB lighting effectively. Therefore, for users prioritizing vibrant lighting effects on their keyboards, both the Aliaz and Neo White present equally functional advantages through their top housing materials.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Gateron Aliaz and Haimu Neo White bring differing properties to the tactile experience. The Aliaz employs a polycarbonate bottom housing similar to its top counterpart, echoing the clear and resonant sound profile established by the upper section of the switch. This cohesion in materials means that the auditory output remains consistent, producing a sharper sound throughout the key's actuation and bottoming out. On the other hand, the Neo White utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, introducing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder auditory experience as the switch is pressed down, thus offering a different key feel compared to the Aliaz.
Overall, the disparate materials for the bottom housings create a noticeable distinction in the auditory experience between the two switches. The Aliaz's dual polycarbonate construction yields a uniform, crisp sound profile, while the Neo White's nylon bottom lends itself to a softer and more muted sound during typing. Users will thus experience a different auditory sensation and tactile feedback based on the selected switch. If one seeks a sharper and more resonant typing experience, the Aliaz may be preferable. Conversely, those who prefer a fuller sound may gravitate towards the Neo White, showcasing the influence of housing materials on the overall switch performance.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch to the Haimu Neo White linear switch, significant differences in actuation force and bottom out force emerge. The Aliaz switch features a relatively heavy actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Neo White switch offers an unknown actuation force but presents a lighter bottom out force at 58 grams. This indicates that while the Aliaz requires more effort to activate and bottom out, the Neo White allows for easier key presses, making it more suitable for extended use in typing or gaming sessions where fatigue might be a concern. Overall, those who favor a lighter touch should lean towards the Neo White for its lower bottom out force, whereas users seeking a firmer feel might prefer the Gateron Aliaz.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Neo White linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Aliaz switch provides a more substantial key press experience, which may be appreciated by those who prefer a deeper, more tactile feedback when typing. In contrast, the Neo White switch's 3.6 mm travel distance aligns with the increasing trend for shorter distances favored by gamers looking for quicker response times. Therefore, if you desire a switch that allows for a more pronounced key press, the Aliaz is the better choice, while the Neo White's shorter travel will cater to those who prioritize speed and rapid execution. Overall, the Aliaz switch offers a longer travel distance, contributing to a more traditional feel, while the Neo White's shorter travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a snappier touch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
The Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 per 10 switches.
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 Gateron Aliaz switches excel in environments where quiet operation is paramount. Their muted sound profile makes them an ideal choice for office settings, significantly reducing the typist's noise footprint. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White switches have a more neutral sound profile. This moderate sound level—neither too loud nor too soft—allows them to be versatile, suitable for both casual and professional settings. While the Aliaz is specifically designed for silent typing, the Neo Whites strike a balance that can comfortably accommodate various environments.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Aliaz switches offer a distinctly silky and polished typing experience. Their medium-heavy weight allows for a satisfying keystroke feel, giving users a robust tactile feedback with minimal resistance. This is especially appealing for those who enjoy a more connected experience with each typing motion. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White switches provide a milder feel that is approachable for all skill levels. With their slightly reduced travel and smooth actuation, these switches cater to users who prefer a gentler typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness.
In summary, both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch bring unique qualities to the table. The Aliaz stands out for those needing muted performance in quiet settings while delivering a substantial tactile sensation. Meanwhile, the Neo White switches offer a well-rounded experience with their smoothness and moderate sound profile, making them versatile for a wide range of users. Ultimately, if you're seeking a silent switch with a pronounced feel, the Aliaz is the way to go, while the Neo White offers a more gentle yet satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between Gateron Aliaz tactile switches and Haimu Neo White linear switches ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you work in a quiet office setting or value a more pronounced typing feedback without generating noise, the Aliaz switches are your best bet. Their heavier actuation force of 75 grams coupled with a muted sound profile creates a robust and satisfying feel while minimizing disruptions to your surroundings. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a lighter actuation force, the Neo White switches may be more suitable for you. Their medium weight of 58 grams and neutral sound make them versatile enough for both work and gaming, appealing to a wider range of users. With the unique Ly stem offering a fluid actuation, the Neo White caters to those who appreciate a softer touch without sacrificing responsiveness. Therefore, consider your personal needs—whether you prioritize quietude and tactile feedback or a smooth, versatile typing experience—to make the right switch choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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