HMX EMO vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options worth considering are the HMX EMO and the Haimu Neo White, both of which are linear switches that offer unique typing experiences. The HMX EMO is renowned for its lively, clacky feel and a feather-light bottom-out force of just 46g, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate an effortless, bouncy typing rhythm. Its exceptional factory lubrication further enhances smoothness, resulting in a satisfying experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White presents a slightly different profile with its medium weight and reduced total travel, creating a distinctive touch that many users find appealing. Notably, the use of a Ly stem provides an unusually smooth actuation, offering a mild and neutral typing experience that can be especially welcoming for typists looking for a balance between tactility and fluidity. Both switches cater to specific preferences in typing feel and responsiveness, but the decision ultimately depends on individual typing styles and desired feedback. 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
40g
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
Polycarbonate
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-stage spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX EMO and the Haimu Neo White switches, both models notably utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which lends a crisp and sharp sound profile to each. The inherent characteristics of polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, contribute to a heightened resonance that enhances the auditory experience during typing. Additionally, the translucid nature of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting applications, as it allows light to diffuse effectively, creating visually appealing effects. As both the EMO and Neo White share this housing material in their top sections, users can expect a similarly vibrant and articulate sound signature when engaging with either switch.
Conversely, the bottom housing of both the HMX EMO and Haimu Neo White is comprised of nylon, which is traditionally recognized for its soft and sound-absorbing properties. Typing on a switch with a nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller auditory response, largely attributable to the material's ability to dampen vibrations and absorb sound waves. This combination results in a more subdued bottom-out sound, offering a pleasant tactile feedback while typing. As both models incorporate the same nylon base, users will experience a consistent overall feel and sound when pressing down on the keys of either switch.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings in both the HMX EMO and Haimu Neo White ensure that users will enjoy a harmonious sound profile, blending the crispness of polycarbonate with the warmth of nylon. While the identical materials in the top and bottom housings might lead to similar acoustic results, the experience can vary slightly depending on individual preferences for typing feel and sound. Nevertheless, those switching between the EMO and Neo White can expect a clear and resonant sound on key release, paired with a fuller tone on keypress, making both options appealing for diverse typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, a clear distinction emerges in terms of weight and typing experience. The EMO switch features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions due to its lower resistance. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White switch has an unspecified actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, indicating a medium level of resistance. This suggests that the Neo White switch may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the EMO switch is the lighter option, which is suitable for users looking for comfort during extended use, while the Neo White is the heavier choice that caters to those who appreciate a firmer key response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, we find a slight difference in their specifications. The EMO has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Neo White features a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the EMO the shorter option of the two, providing a quicker response that may appeal to gamers looking for faster actuation times. On the other hand, the Neo White, with its longer 3.6 mm travel distance, offers a slightly deeper and potentially more satisfying keystroke for users who prefer a more pronounced feel when typing. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different preferences, those who seek a more responsive experience may lean towards the EMO, whereas individuals who enjoy a more traditional depth might favor the Neo White.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO for $2.79.
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
The sound profile of the HMX EMO switch is characterized by a lively and clacky tone, which tends to add an engaging auditory layer to the typing experience. This can be particularly appealing for typists who enjoy the feedback of each keystroke. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White switch has a neutral sound profile, offering a moderate acoustic output that is suitable for a wide range of environments, whether at home or in the office. This makes the Neo White a versatile option that won’t offend any sensitivities towards noise, especially in quieter settings.
When it comes to feel, the EMO switch provides a playful and bouncy typing experience thanks to its feather-light 46g bottom-out force, making each keypress feel effortless and satisfying. Comparatively, the Neo White switch delivers a milder typing experience due to its medium weight and reduced travel distance. The smooth actuation provided by the Ly stem contributes to a gentle user experience, appealing to those who prefer a more subdued and approachable typing feel. While the two switches differ in their tactile feedback—with the EMO feeling more lively and the Neo White giving a mild sensation—both prioritize smoothness in the typing experience.
In conclusion, while the HMX EMO and Haimu Neo White linear switches present distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, they both offer a satisfying typing experience. The EMO’s lively clack and bouncy feedback create an engaging atmosphere for users who appreciate auditory feedback, while the Neo White’s neutral sound and gentle feel make it a safe choice for various environments. Ultimately, both switches can cater to different preferences and typing styles, allowing users to select the one that resonates with their personal experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, your choice will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a lighter switch with a lively, clacky feel and an effortless, bouncy typing experience, then the HMX EMO switch, with its delightful 46-gram bottom-out force, would be your ideal pick. This switch is particularly well-suited for fast typists and gamers alike, as the light actuation can help minimize fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, if you favor a more balanced, mild typing experience with a medium weight of 58 grams, the Haimu Neo White may be the better option for you. Its unique Ly stem adds to the smoothness of each keystroke, making it a versatile choice that is appropriate for both home and office environments. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you desire a lively, engaging experience or a more neutral, adaptable one.
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