Kailh Berry vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Berry linear switch to the Haimu Neo White linear switch, both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Berry switch is loved for its hefty typing experience, springy feel, chalk-like texture, and deep sound profile. On the other hand, the Neo White switch stands out for its medium weight, slightly reduced total travel, smooth actuation with the Ly stem, and overall satisfying typing feel. While the Berry switch is more textured and low-pitched, the Neo White switch is milder and more neutral. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preferences and typing habits; 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
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of both the Kailh Berry and the Haimu Neo White switches share similar characteristics when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, offering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of switches featuring clear housings. Overall, these similarities in top housing material ensure that users can expect a consistent and reliable performance in terms of sound and appearance.
However, where the two switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Kailh Berry features a nylon bottom housing, while the Haimu Neo White also opts for nylon in its bottom housing design. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other housing materials. Its softer nature allows for the absorption of sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housing. This distinction in bottom housing material between the two switches may lead to a noticeable variation in sound and feel when using them for typing or gaming purposes.
In terms of overall performance, the housing materials of the Kailh Berry and the Haimu Neo White switches play a crucial role in determining their sound profiles and tactile feedback. The split between polycarbonate and nylon materials for the top and bottom housing respectively results in a balanced combination of qualities for each switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when keypresses are made, while the top housing impacts the sound produced when a key is released. By understanding these differences in housing materials, users can make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound, tactile feedback, and overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it is evident that there are some key differences. The Kailh Berry has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while the Haimu Neo White has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is considered medium. However, the actuation force for both switches is not specified. In terms of weight, the Kailh Berry is heavier, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White is lighter, allowing for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience a similar amount of travel. Overall, both switches offer a consistent and precise typing experience with their identical travel distances, making them suitable choices for those who prefer a linear feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25, whereas the Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Berry linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy tone during key presses, providing a deep and rich sound profile. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White linear switch provides a more neutral sound that falls into a moderate range, suitable for most users regardless of their experience level or intended use. Both switches can deliver satisfying sound experiences, particularly when paired with the right keyboard and keycap combination.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Berry switch is noted for its textured typing experience, giving users a noticeable friction when pressing the keys. This texture can be divisive among users, with some preferring a smoother typing experience. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White switch offers a milder typing feel that is more gentle and approachable to most users. With a smooth actuation and a medium weight, the Neo White switch falls into a safe middle-ground zone in terms of typing feel.
Overall, the Kailh Berry and Haimu Neo White linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Berry switch provides a springy and chalk-like texture with a deep, bassy sound profile, whereas the Neo White switch offers a smooth actuation and a milder typing experience with a neutral sound. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between the textured and springy feel of the Berry switch or the smooth and gentle feel of the Neo White switch for their mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches can deliver satisfying typing experiences, with the choice between them coming down to individual preferences and priorities.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a heavier bottom out force and a springy, chalk-like texture when typing, the Kailh Berry linear switch is the way to go. The deep sound profile and textured feel make for a distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium weight switch with a smooth actuation and a slightly reduced total travel, the Haimu Neo White linear switch is the better choice. The Neo White offers a satisfying and approachable typing experience with a neutral sound profile and a mild feel. Consider your preferences in terms of bottom out force, typing experience, sound profile, and feel when choosing between these two switches to find the one that best suits your needs. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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