Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Haimu Neo White can significantly influence your typing experience. The Cherry MX Purple RGB switch is renowned for its tactile feedback, delivering a refined tactile experience complemented by a short, medium-strength bump, making it an excellent option for those who enjoy a satisfying tactile response while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White switch offers a linear typing experience that stands out with its medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, allowing for smooth actuation thanks to its unique Ly stem design. This makes the Neo White ideal for users who prefer a seamless keystroke free from tactile bumps. While the Cherry MX Purple caters to those seeking tactile feedback and engagement, the Haimu Neo White appeals to the smoothness and effortless key presses favored by linear enthusiasts. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Haimu Neo White switches present a fascinating comparison in terms of sound profiles and user experience. The Cherry MX Purple RGB incorporates nylon for its top housing, a classic choice that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This sound is characterized by the nylon's softer texture, which absorbs more sound waves, giving it a duller and rounder resonance compared to stiffer materials. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White uses polycarbonate for its top housing, which produces a sharper, more crisper sound profile due to the rigid nature of the plastic. Polycarbonate’s transparency also allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, adding visual appeal alongside its auditory characteristics.
When considering the bottom housing, both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Haimu Neo White utilize nylon, leading to similar auditory qualities. Nylon, known for its sound-absorbing properties, provides a deeper and rounder bottom-out sound in both switches. This correlation means that while the top housings of the two switches diverge in material and sound output, the nylon bottom housing unifies their performance in terms of sound absorption. Consequently, users can expect a consistent base sound experience from either switch, particularly felt at the moment of key press completion.
Overall, the combination of materials in each switch creates distinct sound profiles that can affect typing experience differently. The Cherry MX Purple RGB with its nylon top housing is likely to appeal to users seeking a warm and cushioned audio feedback, while the Haimu Neo White, with its polycarbonate top, provides a more articulate and bright sound. However, the shared nylon bottom housing may help bridge these experiences, ensuring that any tactile feedback during keystrokes maintains a certain level of depth and resonance across both switch types. Therefore, even though the upper and lower housings provide unique features, users can expect a rewarding typing experience rooted in a blend of these materials' contrasting properties.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, we can see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Purple RGB requires an actuation force of 45 grams, which makes it relatively light and suitable for extended typing sessions without much strain. However, the bottom out force for the MX Purple is unknown, making it difficult to fully assess how it compares in that regard. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White switch has a bottom out force of 58 grams, classified as medium, providing a stronger push feel that some users might prefer for a more substantial typing experience. The actuation force for the Neo White switch is not specified, but given its known bottom out force, it likely complements the experience by being firmer. Consequently, those who favor a lighter touch might lean towards the Cherry MX Purple, while users seeking more resistance will find the Haimu Neo White to be a better fit.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Neo White linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the MX Purple RGB the more traditional option, providing a fuller keypress experience that many users find satisfying. In contrast, the Neo White's 3.6 mm travel distance appeals to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, catering to the modern trend favoring shorter travel distances. Thus, if you seek a more responsive feel, the Haimu Neo White would be the better choice; however, for those who appreciate the depth of a more pronounced keypress, the Cherry MX Purple RGB would be more suitable. Overall, the difference in travel distances highlights personal preference, with the MX Purple RGB being the longer switch and the Neo White the shorter one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB switch is characterized by a unique sound profile that offers a refined auditory experience, which complements its tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White switch is described as having a neutral sound. This moderate sound profile makes it versatile; whether used in a home or office setting, the Neo White's auditory presence is unobtrusive, catering to both beginners and seasoned users. However, as with any switch, the acoustic experience is also influenced by external factors such as the keyboard frame and type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB provides a distinct tactile sensation thanks to its short, medium-strength bump, which is designed to deliver a satisfying feedback during typing. In contrast, the Neo White switch offers a mild typing experience with a gentle touch, making it accessible and comfortable for a wide range of users. Its slightly reduced travel and use of a Ly stem enhance smoothness, creating an enjoyable keystroke. Both switches prioritize user satisfaction, but the MX Purple brings a more robust tactile response while the Neo White focuses on a gentle typing feel.
In conclusion, while both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Haimu Neo White switches provide their own unique qualities, their sound and feel attributes cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The MX Purple's refined tactile feedback contrasts with the more mild sensation of the Neo White, yet both can deliver an enjoyable typing experience depending on your personal preferences. Ultimately, whether you prefer a pronounced tactile bump or a gentler touch, you can find a satisfying experience with either option, keeping in mind that sound and other factors may vary based on your keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a tactile feedback experience without needing a specific actuation force, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is designed for you. Its refined tactile bump offers a satisfying typing sensation, ideal for those who appreciate a distinct touch while typing or gaming. This switch is particularly suited for casual gaming or typing, where an enjoyable tactile feel enhances your experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more consistent keystroke without the distinct bump, the Haimu Neo White switch is an excellent option. Its medium actuation force grants a balanced typing experience that feels comfortable across long sessions, perfectly suited for both gaming and productivity tasks. The neutral sound profile and mild feel make it approachable for users of all levels, whether at home or in a quieter work environment. Ultimately, you should consider what aspects of a switch matter most to you: tactile response with the MX Purple RGB or the smoother linear feel of the Neo White.
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