Haimu Neo White vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch offer unique typing experiences for users. The Neo White stands out with its medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, providing a distinctive typing feel that is smooth and satisfying due to the rare use of a Ly stem. On the other hand, the Ocean switch's specific attributes are not explicitly mentioned. The Neo White's 'Mild' and 'Neutral' categorization contrasts with the Ocean's unknown categorization. While each switch has its own strengths, such as smooth actuation in the Neo White and potentially different characteristics in the Ocean, diving deeper into their specifics will ultimately help you make the best decision for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Polycarbonate
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
The Haimu Neo White and the Outemu Ocean both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. While both switches share this top housing material, they may produce slightly different sound profiles due to variations in design or construction.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Neo White features a nylon material while the Ocean also utilizes nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to those with polycarbonate bottoms. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. Despite the switch's overall similarities in using nylon for the bottom housing, minor differences may still exist in the sound produced due to variations in design or other factors.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Haimu Neo White and Outemu Ocean switches respectively creates a unique sound profile. The split between top and bottom housings allows for different qualities in sound production depending on whether you are pressing down or letting go of a key. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their housing materials, the use of polycarbonate and nylon ensures a level of consistency in terms of material quality and sound characteristics.
Weight
The Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch have different characteristics when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Neo White has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is considered medium, while its actuation force is unspecified. On the other hand, the Ocean has an actuation force of 55 grams with an unknown bottom out force. In terms of weight, the Neo White seems to be heavier due to its higher bottom out force, while the Ocean may be lighter since its actuation force is less than the Neo White's bottom out force. When it comes to typing preferences, individuals who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Ocean switch, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Neo White. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Ocean switch being more on the longer side. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the Neo White switch due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more satisfying keystroke with more depth may lean towards the Outemu Ocean switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Ocean 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 profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch does not have specific sound characteristics listed, but it is important to note that sound can be influenced by various factors beyond just the switch itself, such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Neo White switch provides a mild typing experience, which is gentle and approachable for most users. Its smooth actuation and medium weight make typing on this switch a satisfying and comfortable experience. Unfortunately, specific feel characteristics for the Outemu Ocean switch are not available. However, based on the information provided, both switches seem to offer a pleasant typing experience, with the Neo White leaning towards a smoother feel due to its linear nature.
Overall, both the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Neo White excels in providing a smooth and medium-weight typing experience with a neutral sound profile, while the Ocean switch is known for its tactile feedback, although specific details are unavailable. Depending on your personal preferences, both switches are likely to provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Neo White being more suitable for those who prefer a smoother feel and neutral sound, while the Ocean may be better for those who appreciate tactile feedback. Ultimately, the best way to determine which switch is right for you is to try them out for yourself and see which one aligns best with your typing preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. You would want to choose the Neo White if you prefer a medium weight switch with a smooth actuation and slightly reduced total travel, providing a distinctive typing experience. Additionally, if you are looking for a switch with a neutral sound profile and mild typing feel, the Neo White would be a suitable option. On the other hand, you would opt for the Ocean if you are specifically looking for a switch with a bottom out force of None grams. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences in terms of weight, actuation, sound, and feel. Consider these factors carefully to select the switch that best suits your needs and typing style.