Haimu Neo White vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Neo White and the Outemu Silent Grey are two popular choices with unique characteristics. The Neo White is a linear switch that stands out with its medium weight, slightly reduced total travel, and smooth actuation thanks to the rare use of a Ly stem. This provides a distinctive typing feel that is both satisfying and smooth, making it a great choice for those who prefer a mild and neutral typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey is a tactile switch that offers a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, with a pronounced bump and a smooth keystroke. This makes it perfect for those looking for a satisfying and silent 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
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Both the Haimu Neo White and the Outemu Silent Grey feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making them ideal for those who appreciate distinct typing sounds. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is perfect for allowing RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches. In terms of sound and feel, the top housing material plays a significant role in the overall typing experience, making polycarbonate top housings a desirable choice for those looking for a specific sound profile.
On the other hand, both switches also feature nylon bottom housings, which offer a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. While the top housing material affects the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing material has more impact on the sound when a key is pressed down. This means that the bottom housing of both the Neo White and the Silent Grey will play a crucial role in the typing experience, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.
Overall, the Haimu Neo White and the Outemu Silent Grey share similar top and bottom housing materials, which will result in comparable sound profiles and typing experiences. Both switches offer a balance between the crispness of polycarbonate and the depth of nylon, making them versatile options for keyboard enthusiasts looking for a mix of sound characteristics. Whether you prefer a sharper and resonant sound profile or a deeper and fuller typing experience, both switches provide a combination of materials that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
Weight
The Haimu Neo White linear switch has a lighter actuation force compared to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, as the Neo White requires None grams while the Silent Grey requires 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Neo White is lighter at 58 grams, whereas the Silent Grey is heavier at 65 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range in terms of actuation force, with the Silent Grey leaning towards the medium-heavy side. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference, with some users preferring the lighter actuation force of the Neo White for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may opt for the heavier push feel of the Silent Grey for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches play a significant role in determining the typing experience and feel of the keyboard.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Haimu Neo White linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Neo White offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Grey, which may appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Silent Grey provides a bit more depth in the key press, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel. Overall, both switches offer different travel distances to cater to various preferences, with the Neo White being the shorter option and the Silent Grey being the longer option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Silent Grey 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 a neutral switch with a moderate sound profile, suitable for various typing needs without being overly loud or distracting. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offers a quiet typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a silent environment. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Haimu Neo White linear switch provides a mild typing experience, offering a smooth actuation and a slightly reduced total travel distance. This switch falls into a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch features a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, providing a highly tactile typing experience that is satisfying for users who appreciate a tactile response while typing.
Overall, if you are looking for a neutral, moderate sound profile with a smooth actuation, the Haimu Neo White linear switch is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet typing experience with a pronounced bump and tactile feedback, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch would be the better option. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so selecting the one that best matches your typing needs will ensure a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is important to consider your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a slightly reduced total travel and smooth actuation for a satisfying typing experience, the Neo White switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you are seeking a quiet and tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump, the Silent Grey switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound to ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
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