HMX Cheese vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cheese linear switch to the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cheese is lauded for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, making it a top choice for those who appreciate a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. In contrast, the Neo White stands out with its medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, providing a distinctive typing feel that is enhanced by its smooth actuation. While the Cheese is lighter than 90% of all switches, the Neo White offers a smooth and satisfying keystroke experience with the use of a Ly stem. 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
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Haimu Neo White, a significant difference can be seen in the top housing. The Cheese's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Neo White's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile as a result of its stiffer plastic composition, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. This contrast in sound profiles showcases the impact that different housing materials can have on the overall typing experience.
On the other hand, when looking at the bottom housing of both switches, we see that they both utilize nylon as the material. This consistency in housing material means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, thanks to nylon's softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that despite the differences in sound profiles created by the top housing materials, the typing experience in terms of sound may be more similar between the HMX Cheese and the Haimu Neo White due to their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of the switch. While the HMX Cheese's combination of nylon top and bottom housing creates a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile, the Haimu Neo White's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The difference in housing materials highlights how small variations in material composition can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing on mechanical switches, making it essential for enthusiasts to consider these factors when selecting a switch for their keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it is evident that there are distinct differences between the two. The HMX Cheese has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, providing a light typing experience. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White has an unknown actuation force and a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, offering a more substantial typing feel. This makes the HMX Cheese ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Haimu Neo White is better suited for individuals who desire a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Haimu Neo White linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Cheese offers a slightly shorter distance to travel compared to the Neo White. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for faster response times. However, for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Neo White may be the preferred choice due to its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.99.
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 HMX Cheese linear switch is praised for its satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, making it a unique and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile, offering a moderate sound that is suitable for most users in various settings. Both switches provide a pleasant typing acoustics, with the Cheese being more distinct and the Neo White being more versatile in different environments.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the HMX Cheese linear switch is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness and ultra-light actuation, providing a pristine typing experience that is unmatched by many other switches. Conversely, the Haimu Neo White linear switch offers a mild typing experience with a medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, making each keystroke smooth and satisfying. The use of a Ly stem in the Neo White contributes to its remarkably smooth actuation, appealing to those looking for a gentle typing feel.
Overall, both the HMX Cheese and Haimu Neo White linear switches excel in their own unique ways. The Cheese offers a distinct sound profile and ultra-light actuation, perfect for those seeking a more pronounced typing experience. Meanwhile, the Neo White provides a neutral sound profile and a mild typing feel, making it a versatile option for a wide range of users. Whether you prefer a more distinct typing experience or a more approachable feel, both switches offer quality performance that will meet your preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, consider the bottom out force that best suits your typing preferences. If you prefer a lighter switch with a smooth and crispy typing experience, go for the HMX Cheese. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a distinctive typing feel and smooth actuation, opt for the Haimu Neo White. Both switches offer unique sound profiles and typing feels, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. Choose the switch that aligns best with your needs and enjoy a satisfying typing experience with either option.
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