Haimu Neo White vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Haimu Neo White and the KTT Pine mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Neo White is a linear switch known for its medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, providing a unique typing feel with a smooth actuation thanks to its Ly stem. This switch is categorized as 'Mild' and 'Neutral', making it ideal for those who prefer a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch stands out with its medium-heavy feel, buttery smooth actuation, and a polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction for a seamless typing experience. Categorized as 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', and 'Low-pitched', this switch is perfect for those who enjoy a deeper and more luxurious typing sensation. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Haimu Neo White and KTT Pine, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is also beneficial for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the Neo White stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound experience.
While both switches share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, the difference in bottom housing materials creates distinct sound profiles for the Haimu Neo White and KTT Pine. The Neo White's combination of polycarbonate and nylon results in a unique typing experience with a balance of sharpness and depth in sound. In contrast, the Pine's consistent use of polycarbonate throughout the housing may lead to a more consistent sound profile overall. The impact of the bottom housing is evident in the Neo White, while the top housing's influence is more pronounced when releasing a key.
Ultimately, the choice between the Haimu Neo White and KTT Pine will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing experience. The Neo White offers a blend of sharper tones from the polycarbonate top housing and deeper sounds from the nylon bottom housing. On the other hand, the Pine provides a more consistent sound profile due to its uniform use of polycarbonate throughout the housing. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in shaping the overall sound and feel of mechanical keyboards, catering to different preferences for keypress feedback and sound aesthetics.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, we can see that the Neo White has no specified actuation force and a bottom out force of 58 grams, making it a medium force switch. On the other hand, the Pine has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, also falling in the medium range. While the Neo White is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Pine, they both share the same bottom out force, providing a similar typing experience in terms of the resistance felt when fully pressing down a key. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Pine for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the slightly heavier actuation force of the Neo White for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the desired typing feel and experience.
Travel distance
The Haimu Neo White linear switch boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it slightly shorter than the KTT Pine linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Neo White's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for a faster response time, while the Pine's longer travel distance may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press feel. Both switches fall within the spectrum of traditional travel distances, with the Neo White leaning towards the shallower end and the Pine towards the deeper end. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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
In terms of sound, the Haimu Neo White linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Depending on the user's preference for sound, they can choose between the more versatile Neo White or the bass-heavy Pine switch.
When it comes to feel, the Haimu Neo White linear switch is described as providing a mild typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel for most users. In contrast, the KTT Pine linear switch is known for its buttery and creamy typing sensation, providing a smooth and effortless keystroke experience. Whether one prefers a mild and safe typing experience or a more luxurious and buttery feel, the choice between the Neo White and Pine switches will depend on personal preference.
Overall, both the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Neo White switch provides a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, while the Pine switch offers a bassy sound and a buttery feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound and feel, as both switches offer a satisfying typing experience. If a user enjoys a smooth actuation and medium weight switch, they will get similar results from both the Haimu Neo White and KTT Pine linear switches.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Haimu Neo White linear switch or the KTT Pine linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium weight switch with a slightly reduced total travel for a smooth and satisfying typing experience, then the Neo White may be the right choice for you. However, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a buttery smooth feel and effortless typing experience, then the Pine switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, so it's important to consider which characteristics align best with your typing preferences before making a decision.
Mentioned in this article
