Haimu Neo White vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch are popular options to consider. The Neo White switches are praised for their medium weight, slightly reduced total travel, and smooth actuation due to the rare Ly stem. This results in a distinctive typing feel that is both satisfying and comfortable. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switches are known for their exhilarating tactile bump that provides a snappy sound profile, offering a tactile typing experience that many users enjoy. While the Neo White is categorized as 'Mild' and 'Neutral', the Polaris Purple falls into the categories of 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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 Purple, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, where the Neo White differs is in its nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing.
The use of nylon in the Neo White's bottom housing provides a contrasting sound experience compared to the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer properties absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile when typing on the switch. This leads to a different tactile feel and auditory experience for users compared to the crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Purple. By utilizing different materials for the top and bottom housing, each switch offers a unique typing experience based on the qualities of the respective housing materials.
In conclusion, while both the Haimu Neo White and the SP-Star Polaris Purple feature polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound profile, their differentiation lies in the bottom housing material. The Neo White's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, offering a unique typing experience compared to the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing. Each switch's housing material combination contributes to the overall sound and feel of typing, showcasing how material choices impact the user experience in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The actuation force of the Haimu Neo White linear switch is None grams, meaning that it requires no force to trigger a keystroke, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch also has an actuation force of None grams. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Neo White is 58 grams, making it a medium-weight switch, whereas the bottom out force of the Polaris Purple is 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience, but the Neo White is lighter overall, making it more suitable for users who prefer a gentler touch, while the Polaris Purple offers a slightly heavier typing feel for those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, we find that the Neo White has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Polaris Purple has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Neo White offers a quicker response time due to its shorter distance, making it a popular choice among gamers seeking fast reaction speeds. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple provides a more substantial depth when pressed, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference - whether you prioritize speed or a more tactile experience. Both switches offer quality performance, but the Neo White may provide a slightly quicker key press compared to the Polaris Purple.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Polaris Purple 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 Purple 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, both the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and produce a moderate level of sound, making them suitable for various purposes and environments. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Neo White switch is characterized as providing a mild typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel for most users. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch also falls under the mild category, but it is additionally described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. This indicates that the Polaris Purple switch may offer reduced friction and smoother key travel due to the materials used or factory lubing.
In conclusion, while both the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch share certain subjective qualities such as a neutral sound profile, they differ slightly in terms of feel. The Neo White switch offers a mild and satisfying typing experience, while the Polaris Purple switch adds a polished element for a sleeker feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference in terms of typing experience and preference for sound profile. Both switches are versatile options that can provide a pleasant typing experience for both beginner and advanced users in various settings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a medium weight and reduced total travel, the Neo White switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more exhilarating tactile typing experience with a big tactile bump and snappy sound profile, the Polaris Purple switch would be more suitable. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and offer a mild typing experience, but the Polaris Purple switch has the added benefit of being polished for a sleek typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
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