Haimu Neo White vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Neo White and the Outemu Cold Plum both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Neo White stands out for its medium weight and reduced total travel, providing a smooth actuation and satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Cold Plum is known for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, offering a distinct and enjoyable typing feel. While the Neo White is categorized as 'Mild' and 'Neutral', the Cold Plum does not specify a category. Both switches have their merits depending on personal preference; 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
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Haimu Neo White and the Outemu Cold Plum, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This material choice leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is known for absorbing sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. However, the top housing of the Neo White is made of polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. The Cold Plum, on the other hand, features a nylon top housing like its bottom housing, which results in a consistent deep and full sound experience.
The difference in top housing materials between the Neo White and Cold Plum switches gives them distinct sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Neo White contributes to a sharper and clearer sound when pressing down on a key, providing a more vibrant typing experience. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Cold Plum creates a deeper and fuller sound, giving users a more mellow typing sensation. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics based on their top housing materials, catering to different preferences in typing sound and feel. Despite these differences, the nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures a consistent deep and full sound profile overall.
Overall, the choice between the Haimu Neo White and the Outemu Cold Plum ultimately boils down to personal preference in sound profile. The Neo White's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon bottom housing maintains a deep and full sound experience. On the other hand, the Cold Plum utilizes nylon for both top and bottom housing, resulting in a more consistent deep and full sound profile. Both switches offer great typing experiences, but the difference in top housing material gives each switch its unique sound signature, catering to different individual preferences. Whether you prefer a sharper sound with the Neo White or a mellow sound with the Cold Plum, both switches provide excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
Comparing the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it is evident that the Neo White is the lighter option with a bottom out force of 58 grams compared to the Cold Plum's heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. The actuation force of the Neo White is unspecified, while the Cold Plum has an actuation force of 60 grams. Both switches fall into the medium to medium-heavy category in terms of force required for typing. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods may lean towards the Neo White, while users who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Cold Plum. In the end, the choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences for typing comfort and experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Haimu Neo White linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the travel distance of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. In this case, the Cold Plum switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Neo White switch. If you prefer a more responsive feel when typing or gaming, the Cold Plum switch may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, you may lean towards the Neo White switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Cold Plum 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
When it comes to sound, the Haimu Neo White linear switch offers a neutral experience with a moderate sound profile, catering to a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch provides a thocky sound profile, which may be more appealing to those looking for a distinct auditory feedback while typing. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can be further enhanced or subdued based on the keyboard and keycap combination used.
As for the typing feel, the Haimu Neo White linear switch provides a mild and smooth keystroke experience due to its medium weight and smooth actuation from the Ly stem. This gentle typing experience appeals to users seeking a comfortable and satisfying feel with each key press. Conversely, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch also offers a smooth keystroke and a satisfying feel, making it a great choice for enthusiasts looking for a unique and enjoyable typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Haimu Neo White and Outemu Cold Plum linear switches offer different sound profiles and subtle variations in typing feel, both switches provide a smooth and satisfying typing experience overall. Users can expect a pleasant and distinct tactile feedback from either switch, with the choice between them ultimately coming down to individual preferences for sound and feel. Ultimately, whether choosing the Neo White or Cold Plum switch, users can expect similar results in terms of quality and experience, with both switches standing out as excellent options in the mechanical keyboard market.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when choosing between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, you should consider the bottom out force, typing feel, and sound profile that best suit your preferences. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a smooth actuation with a slightly reduced total travel, the Neo White would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force, a thocky sound profile, and a fully nylon construction, the Cold Plum may be the better option for your typing needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force.
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