Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Haimu Neo White mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that they both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The MX Silent Red is a linear switch that operates silently, providing a quieter typing experience compared to its counterpart, the MX Red. Its muted, low-pitched sound profile makes it ideal for noise-sensitive environments while still maintaining a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Neo White switches have a medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, offering a distinctive typing feel with a smooth actuation due to the Ly stem. While the MX Silent Red is more textured and thocky, the Neo White is characterized as mild and neutral. These general pointers can help you decide which switch may be best suited for your needs; 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
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Silent Red and the Haimu Neo White both use nylon in their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the relatively softer properties of nylon. This allows for a quieter typing experience compared to switches using harder plastics. However, the Cherry MX Silent Red utilizes nylon for its top housing as well, while the Haimu Neo White features a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate material in the Neo White creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for enhancing RGB lighting effects. This key difference in housing materials between the two switches can impact the overall sound and feel during typing.
While both switches share the same bottom housing material of nylon, the Cherry MX Silent Red's top housing of nylon is designed to create a duller and rounder sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience with its softer properties. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White's polycarbonate top housing produces a more clear and resonant sound profile, especially when combined with RGB lighting for aesthetic appeal. The contrasting housing materials of the two switches highlight how different materials can influence the sound and feel of typing on mechanical keyboards. Depending on personal preference, users may prefer the deeper sound of the Cherry MX Silent Red or the sharper sound of the Haimu Neo White for their typing experience.
The impact of the housing materials on a switch can be felt in different ways depending on whether they are used in the top or bottom housing. The qualities of the bottom housing material, such as the softer properties of nylon in both the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Haimu Neo White, affect the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Conversely, the top housing material, whether it be nylon or polycarbonate, influences the sound when a key is released. Understanding how these housing materials work together can help users choose a switch that best suits their preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics in their mechanical keyboard setup.
Weight
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Haimu Neo White linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Neo White switch has a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Cherry MX Silent Red has an unknown bottom out force. This means that the Cherry MX Silent Red may be better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, as the lighter actuation force allows for easier typing over longer periods of time. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White may be preferable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel. Both switches have their advantages depending on the user's preferences, with the Cherry MX Silent Red offering a lighter typing experience and the Haimu Neo White providing a more tactile feel.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, slightly longer than the Haimu Neo White linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are increasingly popular especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The difference of 0.1 mm may not be significant for most users, but those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may find the Cherry MX Silent Red more to their liking. On the other hand, if a minimal travel distance is your preference, the Haimu Neo White may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience you're looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 Silent Red switch is known for its muted and low-pitched tones, offering a quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Both switches provide satisfying sound profiles, with the MX Silent Red being the quieter option for noise-sensitive areas.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is noted for its textured feel, providing users with a tactile typing experience. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White switch offers a mild feel that is gentle and approachable for most users. The MX Silent Red's textured sensation adds a layer of feedback for those who enjoy a bit of resistance in their switches, while the Neo White's mild feel falls into a comfortable middle ground for a wide range of users.
In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Silent Red switch excels in providing a quiet and slightly textured typing experience, the Haimu Neo White switch offers a more neutral sound profile and a mild, smooth feel. Depending on personal preference and the desired typing environment, both switches offer their own unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, achieving similar results in terms of performance and comfort.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Haimu Neo White linear switches, you should choose the MX Silent Red if you prioritize a quieter typing experience in noise-sensitive environments and prefer a slightly heftier feel with its silent operation. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium weight switch with a smooth actuation and a distinctive typing feel, the Haimu Neo White would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value the quietness and slightly heavier feel of the MX Silent Red or the medium weight and smooth actuation of the Neo White for your typing needs.
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