Haimu Neo White vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Neo White and the Outemu Brown offer distinct typing experiences. The Neo White switch is a linear switch that boasts a medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, providing a unique typing feel. It is known for its smooth actuation thanks to the rare use of a Ly stem, making typing a satisfying experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown is a tactile switch with no specific distinguishing feature mentioned. While the Neo White is categorized as 'Mild' and 'Neutral', the Brown switch does not fall into any specific category. When choosing between these two switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Haimu Neo White and Outemu Brown both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it an excellent choice for those looking to add a visual element to their keyboard setup. In terms of sound and aesthetics, both switches offer similar qualities with their polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Neo White utilizes nylon, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Brown's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for absorbing more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use this material. This difference in bottom housing material may lead to a slightly different typing experience between the two switches, with the Neo White offering a potentially more subdued sound compared to the Brown.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Neo White switch provides a unique sound profile that combines the sharpness and clarity of polycarbonate with the depth and fullness of nylon. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch maintains a consistent sound profile with its polycarbonate top and bottom housing. Depending on personal preference, one may choose the Neo White for a more dynamic sound experience or the Brown for a consistent and reliable typing experience.
Weight
The Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch offer different experiences in terms of weight. The Neo White has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is lighter compared to the Brown's 65 grams. However, the actuation force of the Brown is 53 grams, slightly lighter than the Neo White's unknown actuation force. Both switches fall into the medium to medium-heavy range, providing a satisfying typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Neo White for longer typing or gaming sessions, while the Brown switch offers a more substantial push feel for those seeking a heavier typing experience. In terms of actuation force, both switches offer similar results, making them suitable options for different preferences.
Travel distance
The Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Neo White has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Brown switch. The difference may not be significant, but it could impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the keyboard. If you prefer a faster response time, the Neo White may be the better option due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial keypress with more depth, the Outemu Brown switch with its longer travel distance may be the preferred choice. Both switches provide different experiences, catering to different preferences in typing or gaming styles. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70, whereas the Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10.
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
Overall, the Haimu Neo White linear switch offers a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a medium weight feel and a slightly reduced total travel distance. The rare use of a Ly stem contributes to the smooth actuation, making each keystroke feel pleasant. The sound of the Neo White switch is described as neutral, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. In contrast, the Outemu Brown tactile switch does not have information available on its specific qualities. However, based on the available information, it is safe to say that the Brown switch may offer a different typing experience compared to the Neo White switch. To achieve a similar sound and feel to the Neo White linear switch, one could potentially consider the Brown switch as a tactile alternative. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and sound, as well as other factors like choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Conclusion
To sum up, you may want to choose the Haimu Neo White linear switch if you value a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a medium bottom out force. The Neo White switch's unique feel and moderate sound profile make it suitable for a wide range of users, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with tactile feedback, you may want to opt for the Outemu Brown switch. The Brown switch offers a medium-heavy bottom out force and a tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. Consider your typing style and desired experience when deciding between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch.
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