Durock Medium Tactile vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Medium Tactile and the Haimu Neo White mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that each offers distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Durock Medium Tactile is praised for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, creating a satisfying jelly-like sound signature during typing. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White stands out for its medium weight and smooth actuation, achieved through the rare use of a Ly stem. While the Medium Tactile is categorized as accented, stepped, mild, and polished, the Neo White falls under mild and neutral. Both switches have their unique strengths, making it important to consider factors like sound profile, tactility, and actuation feel when choosing between them. However, let's delve a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can determine the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Yes
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
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Haimu Neo White, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Medium Tactile uses nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. On the other hand, the Neo White also uses nylon for its bottom housing, providing similar sound characteristics.
While both the Medium Tactile and the Neo White share similarities in their top housing material of polycarbonate, the distinctions lie in their respective bottom housing materials. The nylon bottom housing of the Medium Tactile produces a sound that is duller and rounder compared to the crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Neo White contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, which complements the qualities of the polycarbonate top housing. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique sound experience that is influenced by the combination of their top and bottom housing materials.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a keyboard switch plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of typing on the switch. While the top housing material primarily affects the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. In the case of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Haimu Neo White, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in their respective housing materials creates distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Durock Medium Tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White switch have different forces required for actuation and bottoming out. The Durock Medium Tactile has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while the Haimu Neo White has a bottom out force of 58 grams, placing it in the medium category. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, indicating that they may require a similar amount of force to trigger a keystroke. The lighter actuation force of the Durock switch may make it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier bottom out force of the Haimu switch could provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired level of force required for typing.
Travel distance
The Durock Medium Tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer than the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Haimu Neo White linear switch. The Durock switch offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper press feel compared to the shallower press of the Neo White switch. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Neo White for quicker response times, while those looking for a more substantial key press may prefer the Durock Medium Tactile switch. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distances, catering to different preferences among keyboard users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is known for its jelly-like sound signature, providing a unique auditory experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it a versatile option for various typing environments. When it comes to feel, the Medium Tactile switch offers a balanced tactile feel that is not overwhelming, with a stepped actuation that provides a satisfying typing experience. Similarly, the Neo White switch provides a mild and approachable typing experience, making it suitable for a wide range of users. Overall, both switches offer distinct qualities in sound and feel, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Whether you choose the Durock Medium Tactile or the Haimu Neo White, you can expect a satisfying typing experience based on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Medium Tactile and Haimu Neo White switches, consider the level of tactility and bottom out force that align with your preferences. If you enjoy a pronounced but balanced tactility with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Durock Medium Tactile may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly reduced total travel and a smooth actuation experience with a medium bottom out force, the Haimu Neo White switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing style and preference for tactile feedback.
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