Haimu Neo White vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch for your typing preference, the Haimu Neo White and the HMX Perky provide two compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear switch experience. The Neo White switches are celebrated for their medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, delivering a unique typing feel characterized by a smooth and satisfying actuation, thanks in part to their rare use of a Ly stem. With a mild to neutral categorization, they cater to typists looking for balance in keystroke feedback without being overly harsh. On the other hand, the HMX Perky switches stand out with their softer, glittery nylon housings, offering a deeply satisfying and neutral typing experience, along with a condensed feel due to their shorter travel distance. If you favor a classic smooth experience with a bit of character, the Neo White might be your go-to, while the Perky could be the perfect choice if you're after a cushioned touch with quick responsiveness. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
T2
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
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Haimu Neo White and the HMX Perky switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, impacting their sound profiles and overall performance. The Neo White features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucence. This results in a sharper and crisper sound signature, making it an ideal candidate for RGB lighting enthusiasts, as the clear material allows lights to shine through beautifully. Conversely, the Perky's top housing is crafted from nylon, a material revered for its softer properties. This results in a deeper, rounder sound profile that absorbs more sound, leading to a more muted response. Therefore, while both switches offer unique auditory experiences, the Neo White caters to those seeking brightness and clarity, whereas the Perky appeals to users desiring warmth and fullness in their typing sounds.
Interestingly, both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material. This commonality means that irrespective of the differences in their top housings, the sound properties when typing will converge around the characteristics of the nylon bottom. The nylon contributes a fuller sound due to its ability to absorb impact and dampen vibrations, providing a consistent and pleasant experience across both switches when depressed. Consequently, both the Haimu Neo White and HMX Perky will deliver a robust typing experience thanks to the shared nylon material in the bottom housing, even though the sonic qualities may shift when engaging and releasing the keys due to the contrasting top materials.
In summary, while the Haimu Neo White and HMX Perky switches differ significantly in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—resulting in distinct sound profiles, both utilize nylon for the bottom housing, ensuring a level of uniformity in sound dampening and quality. The interplay between the stiffer polycarbonate in the Neo White and the softer nylon in the Perky leads to differentiated auditory experiences upon key press and release. Ultimately, users may find that selecting between these switches relies heavily on personal sound preference, with the knowledge that both derive comfort and consistency from their nylon bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, the differences in actuation force and bottom out force are quite pronounced. The Neo White switch has an unspecified actuation force and a bottom out force of 58 grams, indicating a medium push. In contrast, the Perky switch features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Perky switch is easier to press, making it preferable for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. Conversely, the Neo White, with its heavier bottom out force, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the HMX Perky is the lighter switch, while the Haimu Neo White is heavier, which may influence users' choices based on their preferences for typing feel and comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, we find that the Neo White measures 3.6 mm, while the Perky measures slightly less at 3.4 mm. This makes the Haimu Neo White the longer travel option, providing a more pronounced depth that some users may prefer for a tactile feel. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the HMX Perky can offer quicker actuation times, appealing to gamers who prioritize fast response rates. Ultimately, if you lean towards rapid feedback and a snappier feel, the Perky could be the better choice. However, if you appreciate a more substantial key press, the Neo White may suit your typing style better.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky for $2.99.
The Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 per 10 switches.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Haimu Neo White and HMX Perky linear switches, the Neo White is characterized as having a neutral sound. This means it produces a moderate sound profile that is neither too loud nor too quiet, making it versatile enough for various environments, whether at home or in an office. The sound level aligns well with a wide range of users, from beginners to veterans. The HMX Perky switch's sound is not explicitly defined, leaving it unclear how it may compare in this regard. However, it's important to note that the sound experience can be influenced by several factors, including the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the Neo White switch features a mild typing experience, offering a gentle touch and smooth actuation thanks to its unique Ly stem. This makes it approachable for most users, providing a balanced interaction that is comfortable for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Perky switch is described as offering a neutral and deeply satisfying typing feedback, though specific details about its actuation or tactile characteristics are not provided. Both switches promise a condensed typing experience due to their shorter travel distance, enhancing efficiency and responsiveness.
Taking all this information into account, both the Haimu Neo White and HMX Perky linear switches provide distinct yet satisfying typing experiences. The Neo White excels in sound neutrality and mild feel, appealing to a broad audience, while the Perky switch offers a satisfying experience but lacks detailed descriptors for sound and feel. For those seeking similar results, either switch would likely deliver a responsive and pleasant typing experience, albeit with slight variations in auditory feedback and tactile feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Haimu Neo White and HMX Perky linear switches, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and the contexts in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you prefer a medium weight switch that provides a smooth and satisfying actuation with a slightly shorter travel distance, the Neo White is an excellent choice. Its neutral sound profile makes it versatile enough for both home and work environments, and its mild feel caters well to a range of users, from beginners to seasoned typists. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch and enjoy a more condensed typing experience, the Perky switch would be more suitable for you. Its softer nylon housing offers a subtle, enjoyable feel that enhances the overall typing experience, especially if you value a switch that prioritizes comfort. Ultimately, your decision will boil down to whether you seek a medium-weight, smooth, and mild switch with the Neo White or a lighter, more condensed experience with the Perky. Both switches offer unique advantages, so think about your personal preferences in weight, sound, and feel as you make your choice.
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