Haimu Neo White vs. Outemu Maple Leaf

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Haimu Neo White and Outemu Maple Leaf both offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Haimu Neo White, a linear switch, is recognized for its medium weight and slightly reduced total travel distance, which contributes to a distinctly smooth and satisfying typing experience. Its rare Ly stem design further enhances its actuation, making it an appealing choice for users seeking a quiet and seamless feel during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Maple Leaf is a tactile switch that provides users with noticeable feedback upon actuation, promoting a more engaged typing experience. While it may lack the specific acclaim of the Neo White, its tactile nature can be preferable for those who enjoy a bit of resistance and feedback with every keystroke. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a smooth, linear experience or a tactile, feedback-driven interaction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Haimu Neo White Linear

Outemu Maple Leaf Tactile

$2.70 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Haimu Neo White and Outemu Maple Leaf switches showcase distinct differences in their housing materials, particularly in how the top and bottom housings influence sound profiles. The Neo White's top housing is made from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisp sound. This is beneficial for users who prefer a more tactile and clear auditory feedback when typing. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate allows for optimal RGB lighting effects, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of keyboard setups. In contrast, the Maple Leaf's top housing is crafted from nylon, which is known for its softer, more absorbent qualities. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, producing a more rounded acoustic experience that some users might find more pleasant and muted compared to the crispness of polycarbonate.

When examining the bottom housing of both switches, it is noteworthy that both the Neo White and Maple Leaf utilize nylon. As a classic material for switch housings, nylon plays a crucial role in shaping the typing experience. The properties of nylon lead to a deeper sound profile, emphasizing the softer touch and dampened feedback that many typists appreciate. Since both switches share the same nylon material for their bottom housings, users can expect a similar bottom-out sound and feel, which enhances the overall coherence in performance between the two designs.

In terms of the overall auditory experience when using these switches, while the Neo White offers a brighter and more resonant sound from its polycarbonate top housing, the Maple Leaf's more muted and full-bodied acoustics stem directly from its nylon top. This contrast illustrates how the combination of different materials can affect both the sound produced and the tactile feedback experienced by the user. However, due to the shared nylon bottom housing, users will still experience a level of similarities in the deeper sound profile during typing, regardless of the differences brought on by the top housings. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference regarding sound clarity versus depth.

Weight

Comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch reveals notable differences. The Neo White’s actuation force remains unspecified at None grams, whereas the Maple Leaf requires a firmer actuation force of 55 grams. When it comes to bottom out forces, the Neo White bottoms out at 58 grams, while the Maple Leaf has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This means the Haimu Neo White is the lighter option overall, which may appeal to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, suitable for extended use. In contrast, the Outemu Maple Leaf, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, provides a more substantial push feel, catering to those who like a firmer response during typing or gaming. Given these differences, users should choose based on their preference for lighter or heavier switch characteristics.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference: the Neo White features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Maple Leaf has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Maple Leaf the more responsive option, catering to those who favor quicker key presses, particularly beneficial for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Neo White at 3.6 mm might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial keystroke feel, offering a deeper and more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more pronounced keystroke depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Haimu Neo White linear switch offers a neutral profile, characterized by a moderate actuation force and sound level. This makes it versatile enough for use in various environments, whether you're typing at home or at work. The lack of a pronounced sound means that it won't be disruptive, making it suitable for a range of users, from beginners to seasoned typists. In contrast, information regarding the auditory qualities of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch is not available, leaving its sound profile a bit of an unknown.

In terms of feel, the Neo White switch is classified as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that strikes a balance between various switch characteristics. This makes it approachable for a broad audience, allowing for comfortable and smooth keystrokes without overwhelming feedback. On the other hand, no specific details about the tactile feel of the Maple Leaf switch have been provided, so its textural characteristics remain uncertain. Therefore, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison on this aspect.

Considering both switches, the Haimu Neo White excels in providing a smooth, neutral sound and a mild, pleasant typing experience. While the Maple Leaf tactile switch lacks available information on its acoustic and tactile properties, it may still offer its own unique advantages that are not detailed here. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will likely come down to personal preference in feel and sound, and potential users may need to sample each switch to determine which aligns best with their typing style.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and how you plan to use your mechanical keyboard. If you're seeking a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a moderate actuation force, the Neo White is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams and mild feel make it ideal for both typing and gaming, allowing for less finger fatigue while providing a responsive keypress. The neutral sound profile also makes it suitable for a variety of environments, whether you're in a quiet office or gaming at home. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more resistance with a tactile feedback, the Outemu Maple Leaf's medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams would be more suitable. This switch could be preferable if you enjoy the satisfying ‘bump’ that tactile switches provide while typing. However, it’s worth noting that the Maple Leaf lacks a distinct sound profile or unique features, so it may be less versatile for mixed-use scenarios. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a smooth, linear feel with the Neo White or a more pronounced tactile experience with the Maple Leaf.

Mentioned in this article

Haimu Neo White Linear

$2.70 per 10

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Outemu Maple Leaf Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more