Gateron Melodic vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Melodic and the Haimu Neo White offer unique features for different preferences. The Gateron Melodic is a clicky switch that reinvigorates the clicky switch category with its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, providing users with a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback while maintaining smoothness. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White is a linear switch known for its medium weight, slightly reduced total travel, and smooth actuation due to the rare use of a Ly stem. While the Melodic switch offers a more 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Crunchy' typing experience, the Neo White switch is characterized as 'Mild' and 'Neutral'. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
60g
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Melodic and the Haimu Neo White feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows light to shine through the housing. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and aesthetic results from both switches when it comes to their top housings.
On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic and the Haimu Neo White have different bottom housing materials, with the Melodic using nylon and the Neo White also using nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics, as it absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. This means that when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings, users can expect a different sound and feel compared to switches with harder bottom housing materials. Despite the same material used in the bottom housing for both switches, the difference in sound and feel will provide a unique typing experience for each.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a significant role in the sound and feel of typing. While both the Gateron Melodic and the Haimu Neo White use polycarbonate for their top housings, providing a similar clear and resonant sound profile, the use of nylon in the bottom housings results in a deeper and fuller sound for each switch. The split of housing materials between the top and bottom also influences the typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel during typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a similar actuation force of None grams. However, the Gateron Melodic has a bottom out force of 60 grams, slightly heavier than the Haimu Neo White with a bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that while both switches require the same amount of force to initiate a keystroke, the Gateron Melodic provides a slightly heavier typing experience when fully pressed. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Neo White may be the more suitable option. Conversely, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Gateron Melodic. Ultimately, each switch offers a different tactile experience based on their bottom out force, providing users with options to tailor their keyboard to their preference.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Melodic switch offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Neo White switch, providing a bit more depth and feedback when typing or gaming. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Neo White switch with its shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker key presses. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on personal preference, with the Melodic offering a longer travel distance for those who prefer a more substantial keystroke, while the Neo White provides a shorter travel distance for a quicker response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing or gaming style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch is known for its resonant and crunchy qualities, providing a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience reminiscent of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for various typing purposes and environments. Both switches offer unique sound profiles, but the Melodic leans towards a more pronounced and distinct clicky sound, while the Neo White opts for a more versatile and moderate approach.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch is often characterized as buttery and invigorating, delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White linear switch is deemed to be mild, offering a gentler typing sensation that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Each switch provides a different tactile experience, with the Melodic feeling more engaging and reactive, and the Neo White offering a softer and approachable feel.
Taking all the available information into account, it's evident that the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. If you're looking for a switch with a bold clicky sound and a tactile typing experience, the Melodic would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a more neutral sound profile and a gentle typing feel, the Neo White would be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer quality construction and smooth actuation, so regardless of your choice, you can expect a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Melodic clicky switch or the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you enjoy a resounding and crunchy sound profile with a buttery and invigorating typing feel, then the Melodic switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile with a mild and approachable typing experience, the Neo White switch could be more suited to your liking. Consider your typing style, environment, and preferences when making your decision, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Melodic and Neo White switches will come down to what feels and sounds best to you as you type, so make sure to test them out if possible before making your final decision.
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