Haimu Neo White vs. TTC Neptune
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the TTC Neptune switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Haimu Neo White and TTC Neptune mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Neo White stands out for its medium weight, reduced total travel, and smooth actuation due to the rare Ly stem, providing a distinctive typing experience categorized as 'Mild' and 'Neutral'. In contrast, the TTC Neptune offers an innovative internal structure that combines a smooth glide with springy resistance, giving it a unique "matte" feel categorized as 'Buttery', 'Gummy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Neutral', 'Polished', 'Subdued', and 'Thocky'. While the Neo White excels in smooth keystrokes, the Neptune focuses on a textured pleasure with an almost frictionless typing experience. 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
N/A
Actuation force
41g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Haimu Neo White and TTC Neptune both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Neo White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound compared to the Neptune's POM top housing, known for creating a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate material of the Neo White allows for RGB lighting to shine through, while the POM material of the Neptune offers a sleek and classic appearance.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Neo White's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Neptune's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic material. These differences in bottom housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience and feel of the switches.
In conclusion, while the Neo White and Neptune housing materials may vary in their composition and resulting sound profiles, they both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Neo White's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials offers a balanced typing experience with sharper sounds on top and deeper sounds on the bottom. Meanwhile, the Neptune's POM and polycarbonate housing materials provide a distinct typing experience with deeper and more muted sounds overall. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, either switch could offer a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Neo White has a unique characteristic of having no specified actuation force, unlike the Neptune which requires 41 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, when it comes to bottom out force, the Neo White is heavier at 58 grams compared to the Neptune's 50 grams. This means that the Neo White provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Neptune offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a smoother typing feel. In terms of weight, the Neo White can be considered heavier due to its higher bottom out force, making it suitable for those who appreciate a more solid keystroke. Conversely, the Neptune is lighter and may be preferred by users looking for a smoother and easier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Neptune linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the Neptune switch has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly more substantial feel when pressing down on the key compared to the Neo White switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for the specific feel and response time desired in a keyboard.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 Haimu Neo White offers a neutral sound profile suitable for various environments and users, providing a moderate actuation force requirement. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune presents a low-pitched, muted sound that minimizes noise and adds a sense of refinement to the typing experience. The Neptune's sound signature is described as subdued and thocky, contributing to a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the Neo White. Ultimately, both switches offer different auditory experiences, with the Neo White being more versatile and the Neptune emphasizing a quieter, textured sound.
Moving on to feel, the Haimu Neo White switch provides a mild typing experience that falls within a safe middle ground, offering a gentle feel that most users would find approachable. In contrast, the TTC Neptune switch is characterized by a buttery, gummy, frictionless feel that ensures a smooth, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The Neptune's polished finish adds to the overall sleekness and refinement of the typing experience, while the Neo White's medium weight and smooth actuation contribute to a distinctive typing feel. Both switches excel in different aspects of tactile feedback, with the Neo White leaning towards a more traditional feel and the Neptune offering a unique, almost indulgent sensation.
In conclusion, the Haimu Neo White and TTC Neptune linear switches each bring their own set of subjective qualities to the table. While the Neo White excels in providing a versatile, medium-weight typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Neptune stands out with its innovative internal structure that delivers a smooth, almost frictionless glide and a textured, muted sound. Depending on personal preference and typing style, users can expect a satisfying typing experience from either switch. With the Neo White offering a more traditional feel and sound, and the Neptune providing a luxurious, tactile sensation, newcomers to mechanical keyboards have the opportunity to explore different aspects of typing satisfaction. Ultimately, both switches offer quality options for those seeking a premium typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Haimu Neo White linear switch or the TTC Neptune linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-weight switch with a slightly reduced total travel for a smooth actuation and a distinctive typing feel, the Neo White may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize an ultralight switch with a unique "matte" feel that offers a harmonious balance of smoothness and springy resistance, the TTC Neptune could be the perfect fit. Consider the sound and feel profiles described for each switch to determine which aligns best with your preferences and typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience, so it's a matter of choosing the one that suits your individual needs best.
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