Cherry MX Red vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Cherry MX Red and the Haimu Neo White mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Cherry MX Red, a classic linear switch, is beloved for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory depth while typing. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White stands out for its medium weight and smooth actuation, thanks to the rare use of a Ly stem contributing to a remarkably smooth keystroke experience. The MX Red is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured', while the Neo White is categorized as 'Mild' and 'Neutral'. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different types of typists; 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 Cherry MX Red and the Haimu Neo White both use nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This common feature means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using switches with nylon bottom housings, whether it's the MX Red or the Neo White.
However, where the two switches differ is in their top housing material. The Cherry MX Red utilizes nylon for its top housing, while the Haimu Neo White features a polycarbonate top housing. This variation leads to distinct sound profiles when typing on the switches. Nylon offers a deeper and fuller sound, while polycarbonate provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the typing experience that nylon does not offer.
Overall, the choice between the Cherry MX Red and the Haimu Neo White will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and aesthetics. The nylon bottom housing of both switches ensures a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the different top housing materials create distinct sound profiles, with nylon producing a duller and rounder sound, and polycarbonate offering a sharper and crisper sound. Whether you prioritize sound quality or visual appeal with RGB lighting, both switches provide options to suit your preferences.
Weight
The Cherry MX Red linear switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter than the Haimu Neo White linear switch, whose actuation force is unknown. However, the bottom out force of the Neo White switch is 58 grams, which is heavier than the Cherry MX Red switch's unknown bottom out force. This means that the Cherry MX Red switch may result in a lighter typing experience compared to the Haimu Neo White switch, which offers a more substantial push feel. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Cherry MX Red for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may gravitate towards the heavier bottom out force of the Neo White for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The MX Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Neo White. The difference may not be significant, but for those who prefer a bit more depth and tactile feedback when typing or gaming, the Cherry MX Red may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, the Neo White offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can appeal to users looking for quicker response times and a more sensitive feel. Ultimately, both switches offer a good balance between travel distance and responsiveness, and the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 Cherry MX Red switch offers a thocky and low-pitched experience, giving a deep and satisfying sound profile with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White switch provides a more neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Both switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps used, but overall, the MX Red will have a deeper and more pronounced sound compared to the Neo White.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cherry MX Red is known for its textured feel, providing a tactile response with noticeable friction when pressed. This can be preferred by users who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White offers a milder typing feel, making it approachable to most users by providing a smoother and more gentle typing experience. While the MX Red offers a more textured feel, the Neo White falls into a safe middle-ground zone, appealing to a broader range of users.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Red and Haimu Neo White switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The MX Red provides a deeper and more textured typing experience, suited for users who prefer a slightly heavier switch with a more pronounced sound. On the other hand, the Neo White offers a more neutral sound profile and a milder typing feel, appealing to a wider range of users looking for a smoother and gentler typing experience. Depending on personal preference, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, but users should consider their sound and feel preferences when choosing between the two.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile with a thocky and low-pitched sound, the Cherry MX Red may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a medium weight switch with smooth actuation and a neutral sound profile that creates a mild typing experience, the Haimu Neo White could be the more suitable option. Consider how you enjoy the feel and sound of your keyboard switches, as well as your typing habits, to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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