Haimu Neo White vs. Outemu Dustproof Purple
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices are the Haimu Neo White, a linear switch, and the Outemu Dustproof Purple, a clicky switch. The Neo White switches are recognized for their medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, providing a unique typing feel that is both smooth and satisfying. The rare use of a Ly stem contributes to a remarkably smooth actuation, making it a sought-after choice for users looking for a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Dustproof Purple switches from Outemu are known for their clicky sound and tactile feedback. Although not much information is provided about their specific characteristics, these switches are typically favored by users who enjoy the audible click sound when typing. 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
Partial box
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 the Outemu Dustproof Purple both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This material is especially useful for switches designed for RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the illumination to shine through. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housings of both switches provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. While both switches share these qualities in their respective housing materials, the difference in materials between the top and bottom housings can affect the overall typing experience.
However, the Haimu Neo White and the Outemu Dustproof Purple showcase a key distinction in the housing materials they utilize. The Neo White features a polycarbonate top housing for a clear and resonant sound profile, while its nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller typing experience. In contrast, the Dustproof Purple incorporates both a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, providing a consistent sharp and crisp sound profile throughout the key press. This difference in housing materials may result in a varied typing experience for users, with the Neo White offering a blend of sharpness and depth, while the Dustproof Purple maintains a more uniform sound profile.
Ultimately, the choice between the Haimu Neo White and the Outemu Dustproof Purple may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. The split housing materials in the Neo White offer a unique typing experience where different qualities are felt during key presses and releases, while the uniform housing materials of the Dustproof Purple provide a consistent sound profile throughout. Both switches showcase the benefits of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials in creating distinct typing experiences, demonstrating the importance of housing materials in the overall performance of mechanical switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch differ in weight. The Neo White has a lighter actuation force of None grams but a slightly heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, making it a medium-weight option. In contrast, the Dustproof Purple has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, putting it in the medium-heavy category. Some users may prefer the Neo White for its lighter actuation force, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may lean towards the Dustproof Purple for a more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch which has a 4 mm travel distance. The Neo White provides a quicker response time that may be preferred by gamers looking for speed and precision in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Dustproof Purple clicky switch offers a slightly deeper travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press feel. Both switches have their advantages and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. In this case, the Neo White offers a shorter travel distance while the Dustproof Purple has a longer one, catering to different user preferences.
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 Dustproof Purple 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 is known for its neutral profile, making it a versatile option suitable for a variety of typing environments. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch is unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Neo White linear switch offers a mild typing experience with a smooth actuation thanks to the rare Ly stem. This results in a satisfying keystroke that is comfortable for extended typing sessions. As for the Dustproof Purple clicky switch, the feel is not specified, making it hard to determine how it compares in terms of typing experience.
Taking into account all the available information, the Haimu Neo White linear switch stands out for its medium weight, reduced total travel, smooth actuation, and neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch lacks information on its sound and feel characteristics. Ultimately, if you are looking for a switch with a smooth typing experience and moderate sound, the Neo White linear switch may be the better option. However, without more information on the Dustproof Purple clicky switch, it's hard to make a direct comparison in terms of feel and sound.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch, consider your preference for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a smoother actuation and a more neutral sound profile, the Neo White may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clicky sound and a more pronounced typing experience, the Dustproof Purple could be the switch for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. Choose the switch that will provide you with the most comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
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