Haimu Neo White vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch both offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Neo White stands out with its medium weight and smooth actuation, providing a satisfying typing feel that is categorized as 'Mild' and 'Neutral.' On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series by Durock offers a distinct dryness and airiness in their typing experience, despite their 62g bottom-out force. Categorized as 'Frictionless,' 'Mild,' 'Feathery,' and 'Easy-to-press,' the Sea Glass switches provide a weightless feel and a uniquely hollow sound signature. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Haimu Neo White and the Durock Sea Glass offer different sound profiles and aesthetics due to their composition. The Neo White features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched sound when typing. In contrast, the Sea Glass utilizes a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its top housing, resulting in a brighter yet not particularly sharp sound profile. While both materials offer a clear housing for RGB lighting, the Neo White's polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, leading to a resonant sound, while the Sea Glass's blend provides a pleasant and bright sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Neo White's nylon material produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Sea Glass employs the same Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend in its bottom housing, offering a sound profile that is on the brighter side. The differences in bottom housing materials between the two switches contribute to the overall typing experience, with the Neo White providing a rounder sound due to nylon, while the Sea Glass offering a unique and pleasant sound profile with its blend of materials.
While the top and bottom housings of the Haimu Neo White and Durock Sea Glass are different, they each play a crucial role in the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing material affects the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer the sharper, resonant sound of the polycarbonate Neo White or the pleasant brightness of the Sea Glass's blend, each switch brings something unique to the table in terms of housing materials and sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is evident that the Neo White has a much lighter actuation force of None grams compared to the Sea Glass's 45 grams. This means that the Neo White would require a lighter touch to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Neo White has a slightly lower force of 58 grams compared to the Sea Glass's 62 grams. This means that the Neo White may provide a slightly softer landing when bottoming out. In terms of weight, the Neo White may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, such as for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Sea Glass may be preferred by those who enjoy a bit more resistance for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Sea Glass has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Neo White. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0mm distance. Gamers may appreciate the Neo White for its slightly shorter travel distance, providing faster response times during gameplay. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Sea Glass with its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 Neo White switch offers a neutral experience with a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and settings. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series provides a uniquely hollow sound signature, adding a distinct auditory experience to typing sessions. Depending on the user's preference and setup, choosing between the two switches can offer different sound profiles to enhance the overall typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Neo White switch provides a mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone suitable for most users. In contrast, the Sea Glass switch series offers a frictionless typing experience, with a smooth and effortless travel that minimizes resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The Sea Glass switch also features a feathery and easy-to-press characteristic, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions and reducing finger fatigue. Depending on the user's preference for typing feel, both switches offer unique qualities to enhance the typing experience.
Considering the sound and feel qualities of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is evident that they provide distinct typing experiences. While the Neo White switch offers a neutral sound and mild feel, suitable for various users and environments, the Sea Glass switch stands out with its hollow sound signature and frictionless, feathery feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience, ensuring a personalized and enjoyable mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom-out force and typing experience. If you prefer a medium weight switch with a slightly reduced total travel and a smooth actuation for a satisfying typing experience, the Haimu Neo White would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a weightless feel, a distinct dryness, and airiness in typing, the Durock Sea Glass switch may be more suited to your style. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for bottom-out force, typing sound, and typing feel to ensure the most enjoyable and comfortable typing experience. Keep these considerations in mind as you make your choice between the Haimu Neo White and Durock Sea Glass switches.
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