Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Haimu Neo White mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Ink Yellow is known for its shorter travel, providing a typing feel that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. It is praised for its smoothness and clackiness, making it a popular choice for those seeking a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Neo White stands out with its medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, offering a distinctive typing feel. The use of a Ly stem in the Neo White contributes to a remarkably smooth actuation, making each keystroke a satisfying experience. While the Ink Yellow is characterized as 'Neutral', 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Neo White falls under 'Mild' and 'Neutral' categories. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
67g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Haimu Neo White differ in terms of the top housing. The Ink Yellow features a proprietary INK blend top housing that offers a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, while the Neo White has a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Neo White's top housing creates a more resonant and clear sound due to its stiffness, while the INK blend in the Ink Yellow provides a thin and satisfying sound that is not overly sharp. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate top housing of the Neo White is ideal for those who want to utilize RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In regards to the bottom housing, the Gateron Ink Yellow utilizes the proprietary INK blend for a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, similar to its top housing. Meanwhile, the Haimu Neo White comes with a nylon bottom housing that offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material of the Neo White's bottom housing is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the INK blend in the Ink Yellow. This difference in bottom housing material affects the overall feel and sound of typing on the switches.
Overall, while the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Haimu Neo White both offer unique sound profiles due to their different housing materials, they both provide a satisfying typing experience. The INK blend top housing and bottom housing of the Ink Yellow create a consistent sound profile that is thin and clacky, while the polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing of the Neo White offer a sharper and crisper sound with a deeper and fuller tone. Despite their differences, both switches showcase the impact that housing materials can have on the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it is evident that the Ink Yellow requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Neo White's unknown actuation force. However, the Neo White has a lighter bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Ink Yellow has a bottom out force of 67 grams. The difference in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches showcases the Ink Yellow as the heavier option overall. For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Neo White would be the better choice, as it offers a lower bottom out force. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Ink Yellow due to its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Neo White slightly longer in terms of travel distance compared to the Ink Yellow. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0mm distance. Gamers may prefer the Ink Yellow for its slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times during gameplay. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Neo White with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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, both the Gateron Ink Yellow and Haimu Neo White switches are described as having a neutral profile, making them suitable for various purposes without being too loud or too quiet. However, the Ink Yellow has an additional descriptor of being clacky, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, which some users may find more satisfying for typing feedback. On the other hand, the Neo White lacks this additional clacky sound descriptor, suggesting a slightly smoother and quieter typing experience.
Moving on to feel, both switches are characterized as mild, offering a gentle typing experience suitable for most users. The Ink Yellow switch is further described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Neo White switch provides a safe middle-ground typing feel without any additional descriptors for a more specific sensation.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Yellow and Haimu Neo White linear switches share common subjective qualities such as a neutral sound profile and a mild typing feel, making them versatile options for a wide range of users. However, the Ink Yellow offers a slightly more pronounced clacky sound for those seeking a sharper typing feedback, while the Neo White provides a smoother actuation with the use of a Ly stem for a satisfying keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Haimu Neo White linear switches, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a slightly heavier bottom out force and a shorter travel distance similar to a laptop keyboard, opt for the Gateron Ink Yellow. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium weight switch with a smooth actuation and reduced total travel, go for the Haimu Neo White. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile and a mild typing feel, making them suitable for a wide range of users. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
