Haimu Neo White vs. Huano Sakura

Overview

When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Neo White and the Huano Sakura present distinct options for different typing preferences. The Neo White switches are characterized by their medium weight and slightly shortened travel distance, providing a unique typing experience that balances responsiveness with comfort. Featuring a rare Ly stem, these switches deliver smooth actuation, making every keystroke feel remarkably satisfying. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switches are designed for those seeking an ultra-light touch, perfect for long hours of typing without fatigue, while delivering medium acoustics that strike a balance between feedback and noise level. Both switches cater to unique user needs—whether you prefer the smooth, controlled feel of the Neo White or the feather-light ease of the Sakura. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.

By the numbers

Haimu Neo White Linear

Huano Sakura Linear

$2.70 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Haimu Neo White and the Huano Sakura switches exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles. The Neo White utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material known for its stiffer properties that lead to a sharper and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances RGB lighting effects, making it a popular choice for gamers seeking visual appeal alongside performance. In contrast, the Sakura features a top housing made from POK material, or polyketone, which is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and durability. With a lower coefficient of friction than many other plastics, the POK material helps the Sakura achieve a uniquely smooth and clacky typing experience, differing from the more resonant sound profile of the Neo White.

Both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, which leads to similarities in sound characteristics between the two models. Nylon is revered in the keyboard community for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. Since both the Neo White and Sakura use nylon in the bottom housing, they inherit the softer plastic's sound-absorbing qualities, contributing to a softer bottom-out sound. This shared material ensures that while the top housing contributes varying sound profiles—crisp and clearer for the Neo White and smooth and clacky for the Sakura—the foundational output remains consistent across both switches due to the nylon bottom housing.

Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials in both switches results in unique auditory experiences. For the Neo White, the polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharp sound upon release, while the nylon bottom contributes depth during key presses. Conversely, the Sakura's POK top housing enhances the smoothness of key presses, with the nylon bottom still enriching the overall acoustic signature. Both switches exhibit strengths derived from their material compositions, but it is their contrasting top housing materials that define their distinctive sound profiles. Thus, even with a shared bottom housing of nylon, users can expect different experiences depending on the chosen switch, offering diversity in tactile and auditory feedback.

Weight

When comparing the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, we observe notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Neo White has a bottom out force of 58 grams, classified as medium, but its actuation force remains unspecified. In contrast, the Huano Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is considered light. This means that while the Neo White switch is heavier overall—particularly at the bottom out point—the Sakura offers a lighter touch, making it more suitable for users who prefer less resistance while typing and gaming. Those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push should gravitate toward the Neo White, whereas individuals seeking comfort and reduced fatigue during prolonged use might opt for the lighter Sakura switch.

Travel distance

The Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch both have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This similarity in travel distance means that users can expect comparable results in terms of key feel and responsiveness when pressing down on either switch. Since both switches travel the same distance from top to bottom, they should provide a consistent typing experience, appealing to those who prioritize uniformity in their keyboard setup.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Haimu Neo White linear switch presents a neutral audio profile, characterized by a moderate actuation force requirement and a balanced sound output. This neutrality makes it versatile for various settings, be it at home or in the office, catering to beginners and veterans alike. While specific details about the Huano Sakura's sound are unknown, it can be inferred that its medium acoustics would likely produce a pleasant experience suitable for extended typing sessions, albeit potentially with a different tonal quality. Ultimately, both switches will deliver a satisfying auditory experience that should be pleasant in most environments, though the Neo White's description provides a clearer understanding of its acoustic subtleties.

In terms of feel, the Neo White is known for its mild typing experience, where the slight reduction in total travel and the use of a Ly stem create a smooth and satisfying actuation. This gentler approach provides an approachable feel for users, making it a good option for long typing sessions without fatigue. The Sakura switch, on the other hand, is noted for its feather-light touch, suggesting a very different sensation under the fingers, likely allowing for effortless keystrokes. Although exact descriptive qualities of the Sakura's feel are not provided, it can be postulated that its lightness may offer an even more delicate sensation compared to the Neo White's mild profile.

In summary, both the Haimu Neo White and Huano Sakura linear switches deliver unique yet satisfying experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Neo White shines with its neutral sound and mild feel, making it highly versatile for various users and settings. The Sakura, while less documented, promises a softer touch ideal for longer typing tasks, potentially offering a more relaxed typing experience. Together, these switches illustrate the diversity in mechanical keyboard options, allowing newcomers to choose based on their specific typing style and environment.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Haimu Neo White and the Huano Sakura linear switches largely depends on your personal typing style and preferences. If you prefer a medium weight switch with a balanced actuation force and appreciate a smooth typing experience, the Neo White is a solid option. Its slightly reduced travel and neutral sound profile make it versatile, whether you’re typing at home or in an office environment. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch and plan on using your keyboard for extended periods, the Sakura switch may be more suitable. With its feather-light actuation force, it can reduce fatigue during long typing sessions while still providing a medium acoustic output. Ultimately, it boils down to whether you seek a satisfying bounce with a moderate force from the Neo White or the effortless glide offered by the Sakura. Consider your typing habits and environment, and choose the switch that aligns with your unique needs.

Mentioned in this article

Haimu Neo White Linear

$2.70 per 10

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Huano Sakura Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more