Haimu Neo White vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Haimu Neo White linear switch to the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, it's clear that both offer unique benefits for different types of users. The Neo White stands out for its medium weight and smooth actuation, providing a satisfying typing experience with its slightly reduced total travel distance. On the other hand, the Quinn switch offers a crisp and light tactile bump with a deep, resonant sound profile that adds character to each keystroke. While the Neo White is categorized as 'Mild' and 'Neutral', the Quinn switch is described as 'Snappy', 'Bassy', 'Polished', 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Accented', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'Low-pitched', and 'Resonant'. 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
59g
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
3.40 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
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 double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Haimu Neo White and the Gateron Quinn switches offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Neo White's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiff nature, while the Quinn's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound with its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This difference in material results in a noticeable variance in the sound output and overall typing experience between the two switches.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, both the Neo White and Quinn switches utilize nylon, which offers a similar deep and full sound profile. However, the impact of the bottom housing material is different from that of the top housing material. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, the overall typing experience may still differ due to the makeup and design of the rest of the switch components.
In terms of aesthetics, the Neo White's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Quinn's nylon top housing may not offer the same visual appeal but focuses more on enhancing the sound profile. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining sound output, tactile feedback, and overall user experience. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with polycarbonate or a deeper sound with nylon, each switch offers a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, it is evident that the Neo White is lighter in terms of actuation force with none grams, while the Quinn requires 59 grams for actuation. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Neo White bottoms out at 58 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Quinn's 67 grams. The Neo White provides a smoother typing experience with its lighter actuation force, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the Quinn offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy force range, providing a satisfying typing experience for users who prefer different levels of resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Haimu Neo White linear switch is 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the 3.4 mm travel distance of the Gateron Quinn tactile switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular for their faster response times, particularly among gamers. Choosing between the two comes down to personal preference - those who prefer a more responsive feel may opt for the Neo White, while those who enjoy a bit more depth to their keystrokes may lean towards the Quinn. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to more traditional options, providing a quick and efficient typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 provides a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a variety of environments and preferences, making it a versatile option for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound that adds a deep and immersive tone to the typing experience. The sound of the Quinn switch is rich and characterful, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced and dynamic auditory feedback during typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the Neo White switch offers a mild typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone, providing a gentle and approachable feel to most users. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy, offering a more lively and responsive typing sensation with a smooth and refined finish. The Quinn switch provides a tactile bump that is precise and clean, making each keystroke feel defined and satisfying for users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Overall, the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Neo White switch provides a neutral sound and a mild typing experience, while the Quinn switch offers a bassy and resonant sound with a snappy and polished feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing sensation, users can choose between the versatile and smooth Neo White switch or the dynamic and tactile Quinn switch to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches deliver quality performance, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable typing session for users looking for different characteristics in their mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, consider the typing experience you desire. If you prefer a smooth and satisfying typing feel with a moderate actuation force and a neutral sound profile, the Neo White switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a unique combination of crisp tactility, deep sound profile, and a more lively typing experience with a slightly heavier actuation force, the Quinn switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific typing characteristics that appeal to you the most. Choose wisely based on your preferences and enjoy the immersive typing experience offered by either switch.
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