KTT Mallo vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Mallo and the Haimu Neo White offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Mallo is praised for its subtle tactility and balanced typing feel, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a gentle feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Neo White stands out with its medium weight and smooth actuation, providing a satisfying typing experience. While the Mallo is categorized as feathery, mild, and neutral, the Neo White falls into the mild and neutral category. 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
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Mallo and the Haimu Neo White both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In terms of sound, both switches will provide a similar experience due to the shared top housing material.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Mallo uses a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Neo White also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deeper and richer sound profile. The shared bottom housing material ensures that both switches maintain a consistent typing feel.
When comparing the two switches' top and bottom housing materials, it is clear that they each bring unique qualities to the overall typing experience. The impact of the bottom housing material will be felt when pressing down on the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Meanwhile, the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both the Mallo and Neo White offer a high-quality typing experience with a focus on sound quality and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it is clear that they both have a similar actuation force of None grams. However, the Mallo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a bit lighter than the Neo White which has a bottom out force of 58 grams. The Mallo offers a medium-light typing experience, suitable for those looking for a lighter feel for extended typing sessions, while the Neo White provides a slightly heavier, medium typing experience which may be preferred by those looking for a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force to achieve the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it is clear that the Mallo has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Neo White's 3.6 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Mallo being slightly longer, the Neo White offers a slightly shallower key press experience. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Neo White's shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more tactile and robust key press may opt for the Mallo. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding key press depth and speed of response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 KTT Mallo and Haimu Neo White switches offer a neutral profile, making them suitable for a wide range of environments. The Mallo is also noted for its subdued sound, providing a more subtle typing experience compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Neo White switch doesn't have a specific descriptor for its sound beyond being neutral, leaving it open to interpretation based on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Mallo switch is praised for its feathery and mild qualities, offering a light typing experience that reduces finger fatigue and strain. It also incorporates a subtle tactile feedback that adds to the overall typing satisfaction. In contrast, the Neo White switch is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience without specific mention of additional tactile feedback or actuation force. Both switches aim to strike a balance between comfort and performance, catering to typists of varying preferences.
Overall, the KTT Mallo and Haimu Neo White switches both offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Mallo excels in providing a gentle tactility and feathery feel, alongside a subdued sound profile that is versatile for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Neo White switch stands out with its medium weight and smooth actuation, offering a satisfying typing experience without specific descriptors for sound. Depending on your preference for tactile feedback and typing experience, either switch can provide a pleasant and efficient typing experience, ensuring that you'll get similar results in terms of comfort and performance.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, consider the following recommendations based on your preferences. If you prefer a medium-light typing feel with a gentle tactility and a neutral sound signature, the KTT Mallo switch is the way to go. It offers a balanced typing experience suitable for various environments. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium weight switch with a smooth actuation and slightly reduced total travel distance, the Haimu Neo White switch is a great choice. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them versatile for different users. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and typing style to enhance your overall typing experience.
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