Haimu Neo White vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Haimu Neo White and the Gateron Oil King are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique features that cater to different preferences. The Neo White switches are praised for their medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, providing a distinctive typing feel. The rare Ly stem contributes to a remarkably smooth actuation, making typing a smooth and satisfying experience. Categorized as 'Mild' and 'Neutral', the Neo White switches are a great choice for those looking for a balanced and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King switches are loved for their buttery smoothness and sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. Categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', 'Bassy', 'Buttery', and 'Polished', these switches are perfect for users who prioritize a luxurious and velvety 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
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Haimu Neo White and the Gateron Oil King both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Neo White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound, especially ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Oil King's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. However, both switches offer a different auditory experience based on their top housing material.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Neo White and the Oil King utilize nylon, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characteristic of this classic switch housing material. The nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a rounder and duller sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Oil King features a proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which provides a pointed and high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. This highlights the contrast between the two switches in terms of their bottom housing material and the resulting sound experience.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Haimu Neo White and the Gateron Oil King offers users a unique typing experience. The division of qualities between the top and bottom housing of each switch impacts the sound profile when pressing down on a key versus when letting go. While the Neo White showcases the benefits of polycarbonate for a clear and resonant sound, the Oil King features a combination of nylon and INK blend for a fuller and clacky sound. Both switches provide users with a variety of options based on their preferred sound profile and aesthetic preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is evident that they have some differences. The Neo White has an actuation force of None grams, while the Oil King has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams. On the other hand, the Neo White has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is lighter compared to the Oil King's 65 grams bottom out force. This means that the Neo White provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it more suitable for those who prefer less resistance when typing for extended periods. In contrast, the Oil King offers a heavier typing experience, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press feel. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy force range, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of overall typing experience even with the slight variations in force requirements. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the Gateron Oil King linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Neo White offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for faster key inputs. On the other hand, the Oil King provides a slightly deeper keystroke experience due to its longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter, quicker press or a longer, more deliberate keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70, whereas the Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50.
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 linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it a versatile option suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch provides a low-pitched and bassy sound, giving a deep and rich auditory experience reminiscent of snapping a dark chocolate bar. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. However, depending on your choice of keyboard and keycaps, the overall sound generated can vary.
When it comes to feel, the Haimu Neo White linear switch offers a mild typing experience, characterized by a gentle touch that can appeal to a wide range of users. In contrast, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished, offering a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation. The lubricant applied in the Oil King switch at the factory contributes to its luxurious feel, providing a gliding sensation as you type. While the Neo White switch falls in a middle ground in terms of typing experience, the Oil King switch goes above and beyond to deliver a premium feel.
Overall, the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Neo White switch provides a neutral sound with a mild typing experience, suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Oil King switch offers a low-pitched, bassy sound with a creamy, silky, buttery, and polished feel, creating a luxurious typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences and typing style, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different characteristics. Whether you choose the Neo White or the Oil King switch, you can expect a high-quality performance that aligns with your specific needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your preferences. If you prefer a medium-weight switch with a slightly reduced total travel for a distinctive typing feel and smooth actuation, the Neo White may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, the Oil King might be more appealing. Additionally, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, the Neo White is a suitable option. However, if you prefer low-pitched, bassy, creamy, silky, or buttery switches, then the Oil King would be ideal for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking.
Mentioned in this article
