Gateron Luciola vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Luciola and the Haimu Neo White are two outstanding linear mechanical keyboard switches worth considering for your next keyboard build. The Luciola is recognized for its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and distinct sound profile. On the other hand, the Neo White offers a medium weight, slightly reduced total travel, and a remarkably smooth actuation thanks to the rare Ly stem. While both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, they differ in their sound characteristics and typing feel. 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
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Haimu Neo White, it is clear that they have distinct qualities. The Luciola's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a relatively high-pitched and clacky sound profile, while the Neo White's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. The difference in sound profile is attributed to the materials used, with the INK blend providing a thinner and higher-pitched sound compared to the more resonant sound produced by polycarbonate. Aesthetically, the clear polycarbonate housing of the Neo White makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting, offering a visually appealing option for users.
The bottom housings of the Luciola and Neo White also showcase contrasting characteristics. The INK blend bottom housing of the Luciola contributes to its thin and higher-pitched sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Neo White produces a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer properties allow for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the INK blend. This difference in sound profile highlights how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience of a switch.
Overall, while the Luciola and Neo White have different housing materials for their top and bottom components, each material brings unique qualities to the typing experience. The split between the bottom and top housings allows users to feel the impact of each material when typing, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials, providing users with options to suit their preferences for typing feel and sound.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch have some similarities and differences. The Luciola has a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Neo White, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Luciola at 60 grams and the Neo White at 58 grams. This means that while the Luciola may feel slightly lighter to type on initially, they will both provide a similar amount of resistance when fully pressed down. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Luciola for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may appreciate the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Neo White for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch both have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, the distance traveled from the top to the bottom will be identical. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide a similar typing experience with consistent feedback. It is worth noting that having an equal travel distance can contribute to a uniform typing feeling across different keyboard switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 Gateron Luciola linear switch is known for its clacky, chirpy, and marbly sound profile, giving off a sharp, snappy, and unique sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes and skill levels. Both offer different acoustic experiences, with the Luciola switches providing a more distinct and lively sound, whereas the Neo White switches offer a more moderate and versatile sound profile. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also depend on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch offers a snappy, buttery, and polished typing experience, providing a responsive and smooth key press with reduced friction and a refined finish. Conversely, the Haimu Neo White linear switch has a mild typing experience, offering a gentler feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The use of a Ly stem in the Neo White switch contributes to a remarkably smooth actuation, making each keystroke a satisfying and approachable experience for most users. While both switches have their unique feel, the Luciola switches provide a more dynamic and responsive typing experience, while the Neo White switches cater to those looking for a more subtle and comfortable feel.
Overall, the Gateron Luciola and Haimu Neo White linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Luciola switches are known for their eye-catching appearance, medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Neo White switches stand out with their medium weight, slightly reduced total travel, smooth actuation, and neutral sound profile. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, both switches provide unique and satisfying typing experiences, catering to different needs and preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. If you enjoy a more lively and distinctive typing experience, the Gateron Luciola switches may be the way to go, while the Haimu Neo White switches offer a more subtle and versatile option for a smooth and satisfying typing feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a keyboard switch. If you value a unique aesthetic with glowing switches and enjoy a bouncy typing feel with a clacky sound profile, the Luciola may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly reduced total travel and a smooth actuation with a neutral sound profile, the Neo White might be more to your liking. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and overall feel when making your decision. Both switches offer a medium weight and a satisfying typing experience, so trust your instincts and go with the one that resonates with you the most. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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