Cherry MX Orange vs. Haimu Neo White

Overview

When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, switch choice plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience. The Cherry MX Orange switches, renowned for their smooth performance, have been revived with enhancements that stay true to their original design, delivering a satisfying tactile feedback that many enthusiasts crave. Known for their quality and reliability, these switches cater to users seeking a more traditional linear feel with a solid, dependable actuation point. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White switches offer a unique solution with their medium weight and slightly reduced total travel. Their distinctive typing feel is further enhanced by the rare Ly stem, which contributes to an exceptionally smooth actuation, making each keystroke feel both effortless and rewarding. While both switches present attractive features—one emphasizing a classic linear experience and the other a smooth, contemporary touch—each caters to different typing preferences and styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Orange Linear

Haimu Neo White Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

$2.70 per 10

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Housing materials

The Cherry MX Orange and the Haimu Neo White switches exhibit distinct characteristics stemming from their choice of top housing materials. The MX Orange utilizes a nylon top housing, which contributes to its deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, has the ability to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White sports a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Thanks to polycarbonate's stiffer properties, it delivers a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for users who appreciate an articulated sound when typing. Thus, while both switches provide unique auditory experiences, the nylon and polycarbonate materials create contrasting sound profiles that cater to different preferences in sound quality.

When it comes to the bottom housings of these switches, they are both made from nylon, which means that they share similarities in terms of the sound and tactile feedback they provide. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of the Haimu Neo White is consistent with its counterpart in the Cherry MX Orange, as both utilize this classic material to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This uniformity in bottom housing materials guarantees that users will experience a similar dampened sound upon bottoming out the keys, regardless of the distinction found in the top housing materials. Therefore, while the auditory experiences differ when pressing and releasing a key due to the contrasting upper housings, the bottom-out sound and feel will inherently align, providing a cohesive tactile experience.

The interplay between the top and bottom housings in both switches delineates the overall typing experience. In the case of the Cherry MX Orange, the nylon top contributes to a sound that feels plush and soft, particularly when the key is released. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White's clearer and more resonant top housing aids in producing a crisper release sound. However, since both share a nylon bottom housing, the tactile feedback and depth of the bottom-out sound are consistent across both switches, resulting in a satisfying sensation for the user regardless of the distinct sound profiles they offer. Overall, the different material combinations used in the top housings lead to rich and varied typing experiences, while the shared nylon bottoms ensure that users are not left wanting in terms of quality feel and sound during the keystroke's conclusion.

Weight

When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Orange requires an actuation force of 55 grams, while the actuation force for the Haimu Neo White remains unknown. However, the Neo White has a bottom out force of 58 grams, indicating it requires a slightly heavier push to register a keystroke when fully depressed. In contrast, the bottom out force for the MX Orange is not specified. Consequently, while the MX Orange is generally recognized for its lighter actuation force, the Haimu Neo White may appeal to users seeking a more substantial feel due to its defined bottom out force. Therefore, if a user values lighter switches to facilitate longer typing or gaming sessions, they might prefer the Cherry MX Orange; meanwhile, those who favor a heavier switch for a more pronounced tactile feedback may lean towards the Haimu Neo White.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, the Cherry MX Orange boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Neo White has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the MX Orange offers a deeper and more deliberate feel when pressed, which can be preferable for users who enjoy a substantial tactile feedback while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Neo White's shorter travel distance may provide a quicker response time, appealing to gamers who favor rapid key presses and fast-paced gameplay. Thus, while the MX Orange is better suited for those who appreciate a more traditional switch feeling, the Neo White caters to those seeking enhanced responsiveness through its shorter travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Orange switches have a balanced auditory profile, striking a harmonious mix that is neither too loud nor too muted. This makes them ideal for both office environments and home use, as they won't disrupt those around you while still providing satisfying audio feedback with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White switches are characterized by a neutral sound, which similarly caters to a wide range of users from novices to seasoned typists. Their moderate actuation force requirement helps maintain a sound profile that is unobtrusive, aligning well with various settings, although the final auditory experience may still vary based on your keyboard construction and keycap choice.

In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Orange switch offers a traditional linear typing experience that many users find smooth and consistent. The design, which has been reissued from classic models, delivers reassuring responsiveness while minimizing tactile distractions. Conversely, the Haimu Neo White switch presents a mild feel, providing a gentle typing experience that makes it approachable for users who may prefer less aggressive feedback. The presence of a Ly stem in the Neo White further adds to the smoothness of its actuation, creating a satisfying yet subtle typing sensation.

Ultimately, both the Cherry MX Orange and Haimu Neo White switches cater to users looking for smooth, linear typing experiences with well-balanced sound profiles. While the MX Orange leans slightly towards a more traditional feel and sound, the Neo White distinguishes itself with its mild touch and slightly reduced travel. Each of these switches is designed to provide a rewarding typing experience, making them suitable for a variety of settings and preferences—if you appreciate smooth key presses and moderate sound, either choice will likely suit your needs well.

Conclusion

To wrap up, the decision between the Cherry MX Orange and the Haimu Neo White linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're looking for a switch that revives the classic Cherry feel with enhancements via the MX2A generation, the MX Orange might be the ideal choice for you, particularly if you enjoy a smooth and effortless keystroke yet don't mind the unique characteristics that come with a vintage-inspired design. This switch is also suitable for minimizing noise and distractions, making it a great fit for quieter environments. In contrast, if you prefer a more modern typing experience with a medium weight and a satisfying actuation, the Haimu Neo White is worth considering. Its neutral sound profile and mild feel cater to both beginners and seasoned typists, providing a versatile option for various settings, whether at home or in an office. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what you value more—nostalgic smoothness or a balanced typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Neo White Linear

$2.70 per 10

Learn more