Haimu Neo White vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Haimu Neo White linear switch to the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, it's important to note their unique characteristics. The Neo White is praised for its medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, providing a distinctive typing feel with a smooth actuation due to the rare Ly stem. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray offers a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile. While the Neo White falls into the categories of 'Mild' and 'Neutral', the Polaris Gray is classified as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own advantages and appeal to different preferences in 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Haimu Neo White and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, we can see that they both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This material provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Neo White uses a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharper and crisper sound profile of the top housing, demonstrating how different materials can impact sound quality.
Despite the differences in bottom housing material, both the Neo White and Polaris Gray switches share the same qualities in their top polycarbonate housing. This consistency ensures that users will experience a similar sharp, higher-pitched, and clear sound profile when typing on either switch. However, the split between bottom and top housing materials allows for a unique typing experience with each switch. The bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel offers a different tactile experience compared to the top housing's influence on the sound when releasing a key. This variance adds depth to the typing experience and allows for customization based on individual preferences.
Overall, the choice between the Haimu Neo White and the SP-Star Polaris Gray ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. The Neo White's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing results in a balanced sound profile with deeper tones, while the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate housing throughout provides a consistent, sharp sound. Both switches offer the benefits of polycarbonate for RGB lighting and a crisp sound profile, showcasing the versatility of different housing materials in creating unique typing experiences. Whether you prefer a fuller sound with the Neo White or a sharper sound with the Polaris Gray, both switches offer quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Neo White has a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Polaris Gray has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making the Polaris Gray the heavier option in terms of typing pressure required. Both switches have an actuation force of None grams, indicating a light touch needed to initiate a keystroke. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Neo White may be the preferable choice due to its lower bottom out force. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Polaris Gray offers a slightly heavier bottom out force for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing pressure and typing style.
Travel distance
The Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Polaris Gray has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Neo White. A 0.4 mm difference may not seem like much, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Neo White with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Polaris Gray. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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 it comes to sound, the Haimu Neo White linear switch offers a neutral profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch provides a low-pitched and thocky sound, creating a unique auditory experience that is bass-heavy and satisfying. Both switches offer different sound profiles, with the Neo White being more versatile and the Polaris Gray offering a more distinct and deep sound.
In terms of feel, both switches are described as providing a mild typing experience, making them approachable to most users. The Neo White switch is known for its medium weight and smooth actuation, offering a satisfying keystroke feel. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch is polished, providing a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a gentle typing experience, with the Polaris Gray switch having the added benefit of a polished finish for enhanced smoothness.
Overall, the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Neo White switch provides a neutral sound profile and a medium weight typing feel, while the Polaris Gray switch offers a low-pitched and thocky sound with a polished and smooth typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to achieve their desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a medium weight and reduced total travel, the Haimu Neo White linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches would come down to your preference for typing feel and sound profile. Consider what type of typing experience you enjoy and make your decision based on that. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style.
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