Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch that suits your needs, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Haimu Neo White offer distinct advantages depending on your preferences. The Cherry MX Speed Silver is ideal for gamers seeking maximum speed and quick response times, thanks to its linear action and low spring resistance. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White appeals to typists looking for a smooth and satisfying typing experience, with its medium weight and smooth actuation. 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
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Haimu Neo White, we see a clear distinction in their top housing materials. The MX Speed Silver utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Neo White features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the sound characteristics.
Moving on to the bottom housing of these switches, we find that both the MX Speed Silver and the Neo White utilize nylon as their material of choice. This means that when typing on switches from either of these models, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. The similarity in bottom housing material suggests that the typing experience may be quite comparable between the two switches, with a focus on producing a duller and rounder sound profile.
When considering the overall impact of top and bottom housing materials on a switch, it becomes clear that each material brings unique qualities to the typing experience. While the bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key. This distinction is evident in the MX Speed Silver and the Neo White, where the choice of nylon or polycarbonate for the top housing significantly influences the overall sound profile and tactile feedback of each switch.
Weight
Both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Haimu Neo White linear switches offer unique advantages when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Cherry MX Speed Silver is lighter in terms of actuation force, requiring only 30 grams to trigger a keystroke, while the Haimu Neo White's actuation force is unknown. However, the Neo White outshines the Speed Silver in terms of bottom out force, requiring 58 grams to fully press down compared to the Speed Silver's unspecified bottom out force. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - those who prefer a lighter keystroke may lean towards the MX Speed Silver, while those who prefer a heavier typing experience may prefer the Haimu Neo White. Both switches offer unique typing experiences and varying levels of force, catering to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will result in similar results based on the preferred actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Haimu Neo White linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches are considered to have shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard. Gamers may prefer the Cherry MX Speed Silver for its faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer more depth in their keystrokes may lean towards the Haimu Neo White with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference for responsiveness versus key depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various settings and users. The sound produced by both switches will be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is noted for its textured feel, providing users with a tactile sensation when typing. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White switch offers a milder typing experience, falling in a safe middle-ground zone that is approachable to most users. The choice between a more tactile and textured feel with the MX Speed Silver or a gentler and smoother typing experience with the Neo White ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Overall, if you prefer a switch with a rapid response time and a distinctive sound profile, the Cherry MX Speed Silver may be the ideal choice for you, especially if you are a gamer looking to shave off those precious milliseconds. On the other hand, if you value a smoother and more neutral typing feel that is suitable for a wider range of users and applications, the Haimu Neo White switch could be the better option. Remember that trying out both switches in person, if possible, will provide the most accurate assessment of which one suits your preferences and typing style best.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch or the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific preferences and needs. If you prioritize sheer speed and responsiveness, especially for gaming where every millisecond counts, the MX Speed Silver with its instant linear action and low spring resistance may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-weight switch with a smoother actuation and a slightly reduced total travel for a more distinct typing feel, the Haimu Neo White switch with its rare Ly stem may be the more suitable option. Both switches have their unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so be sure to consider those aspects as well when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to whether you value speed and rapid response or a more balanced typing experience.
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