Haimu Neo White vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options come to mind: the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch. The Neo White switch is praised for its medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, providing a unique typing experience. With the rare use of a Ly stem, this switch offers a smooth actuation, making typing a delight. On the other hand, the Cream Blue switch falls into the clicky category without any specific standout features mentioned. The decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference and how you prefer your 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
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Haimu Neo White and the Outemu Cream Blue, it is clear that they both use different materials for their respective top housings. The Neo White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Cream Blue employs a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While the Neo White's top housing is better suited for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Cream Blue's top housing offers a more classic typing experience with its nylon material.
When it comes to the bottom housings of the Neo White and the Cream Blue switches, they both utilize nylon material. This means that typing on both switches will elicit a deep and full sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs sound. The use of nylon for the bottom housing of switches allows for a consistent typing experience across both the Neo White and Cream Blue, as they share this aspect in common. While the bottom housing may have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches can greatly impact the typing experience and sound profile. The Neo White's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a unique balance of sharpness and depth in sound, while the Cream Blue's use of nylon for both top and bottom housings offers a more consistent typing experience with a focus on depth and fullness of sound. Whether utilizing polycarbonate or nylon, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences in switch housing materials.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch differ in their weight requirements. The Neo White switch has an actuation force of None grams, making it one of the lightest options available, while the Cream Blue switch requires 50 grams of force to actuate. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 58 grams for the Neo White and 65 grams for the Cream Blue, resulting in a medium to medium-heavy typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Neo White for longer typing sessions, while those seeking a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Cream Blue for a stronger push sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, we can see that the Neo White has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cream Blue has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Neo White offers a shorter travel distance, which can be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Cream Blue provides a slightly longer travel distance, offering a deeper press for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Both options fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Cream Blue being slightly longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Cream Blue 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, when comparing the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, it is important to note that the Neo White offers a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a medium weight and reduced travel distance, while the Cream Blue does not have specific information available on its qualities. In terms of sound, the Neo White is considered neutral, fitting well for various purposes, while the Cream Blue lacks a description. When it comes to the feel, the Neo White is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience suitable for most users, while there is no available description for the Cream Blue. Ultimately, while the subjective qualities of the Cream Blue switch are unknown, it is safe to assume that the Neo White switch would provide a smoother and more approachable typing experience overall.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a smoother typing experience with a medium actuation force and slightly reduced total travel, the Neo White switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clicky and tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Cream Blue switch could be the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound output, and typing force. Experimenting with both switches may help you determine which one suits your typing style and preferences best.
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