HMX Hibiscus vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience and overall satisfaction. The HMX Hibiscus switch is lauded for its exceptionally smooth action and ultra-light actuation force, easily surpassing that of 80% of other switches. This linear switch offers a joyful combination of bouncy, clacky, and crispy sound, making it a superb choice for those who enjoy a more tactile auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White switch presents a medium-weight feel and a slightly reduced travel distance, providing a unique experience characterized by a smooth actuation thanks to the rare Ly stem design. This switch caters to users who prefer a neutral typing experience without extra noise. Both switches possess their distinct charms, whether you prefer the lively sound and feel of the Hibiscus or the smooth, understated performance of the Neo White. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
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
T3
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Hibiscus and the Haimu Neo White primarily differ in the material used for their top housings, which significantly affects their acoustic profiles. The Hibiscus features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer plastic's ability to absorb sound waves efficiently. This results in a duller and rounder sound experience when typing. In contrast, the Neo White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the resonance of sound produced, making it an ideal choice for users looking for clarity in their typing experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting that benefits from the material's translucency.
While the top housings of the two switches are distinct, both models feature nylon for their bottom housings. This similarity means that both switches deliver a deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out, as the nylon's sound-absorbing properties dampen the sound effectively. Consequently, regardless of the top material, users can expect a consistent acoustic foundation from the bottom housing in both models. This shared nylon composition contributes to a pleasant typing feel and sound when the key is fully pressed down, which is a significant factor for typing comfort and satisfaction.
The combination of different materials for the top and bottom housings of the switches leads to unique acoustic profiles. While the Hibiscus’s nylon top brings forth a warm and muted response that complements its bottom housing, the Neo White’s polycarbonate top provides a bright and lively sound that contrasts with its nylon bottom. Notably, the impact of the bottom housing in both switches becomes more pronounced during the key press, while the nuances introduced by their respective top materials become evident in the sound produced upon key release. This interplay between materials showcases how the design of both switches can cater to varied preferences, depending on whether one prioritizes a softer sound experience or a more resonant and sharp typing feel.
Weight
Comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch reveals distinct preferences for different types of users. The Hibiscus features a light actuation force of 42 grams, coupled with a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for those who favor effortless typing during long sessions. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White has an unknown actuation force but boasts a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, indicating a more substantial pressing experience. While the Hibiscus is lighter overall, making it a good choice for prolonged use, the Neo White's higher bottom out force suggests a firmer feedback that may appeal to users seeking a more defined typing feel. Therefore, those prioritizing lightweight switches should lean towards the Hibiscus, while those who prefer a stronger push should consider the heavier feel of the Neo White, even without its actuation force specified.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Haimu Neo White linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that the Hibiscus has a shorter key travel compared to the Neo White, making it potentially more suitable for gamers or those who favor quicker response times. On the other hand, the Neo White, with its greater travel distance, may offer a more visceral typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a richer depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus typing depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus for $2.99.
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 comparing the sound characteristics of the HMX Hibiscus and Haimu Neo White switches, there is a noticeable contrast. The Hibiscus switches are known for their clacky, bright, and percussive sound signature, which delivers a sharp and snappy auditory feedback with each keystroke. This engaging sound profile is especially appealing for those who enjoy the tactile satisfaction of audible feedback while typing. In contrast, the Neo White switches are characterized by a more neutral sound profile. They have a moderate actuation force, resulting in a subtler auditory experience that is less pronounced than the Hibiscus. This balanced sound makes the Neo White switches suitable for a variety of environments, providing a more versatile option for both casual and professional settings.
In terms of feel, the HMX Hibiscus switches offer an exceptionally lively and bouncy typing experience, providing a spring-like feedback with each press. Their ultra-light actuation allows for a feathery touch that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, making them particularly comfortable for gamers and those who type for long periods. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White switches deliver a mild typing experience that sits comfortably in the middle ground. While they may not provide the same level of bounce and lightness as the Hibiscus, they offer a gentler, more approachable feel that is excellent for users who prefer a balanced and stable typing experience without extremes.
In conclusion, both the HMX Hibiscus and Haimu Neo White switches present unique advantages depending on the user's preferences. The Hibiscus caters to those who favor an engaging, clacky sound and a lively feel, making it an excellent choice for dynamic typing experiences. Meanwhile, the Neo White appeals to those seeking a more neutral sound and a mild feel, providing a versatile option suitable for various applications. Ultimately, your choice between these two will depend on whether you prioritize acoustic feedback and an elastic touch or a balanced and gentle satisfying experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the HMX Hibiscus and the Haimu Neo White linear switches should ultimately align with your personal preferences and intended use case. If you prioritize a light actuation force paired with a smooth and lively typing experience, the HMX Hibiscus is the ideal choice. Its crisp, clacky sound profile and feathery feel make it perfect for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, where you want to minimize finger fatigue while enjoying a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more balanced, neutral typing experience with a slightly firmer actuation that's still smooth, the Haimu Neo White might suit you better. With its medium bottom-out force and versatile characteristics, this switch is suitable for a variety of environments, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, at home or at work. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you seek the ultra-light, bouncy feel of the Hibiscus or the mild, adaptable nature of the Neo White—both options promise a delightful mechanical experience.
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