Haimu Neo White vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Neo White and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Neo White switches are celebrated for their medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, providing a distinctive feel that many typists appreciate. Their rare Ly stem contributes to a remarkably smooth actuation, making each keystroke a reliable and satisfying experience, ideal for those who enjoy a mild, neutral typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is a medium-weight all-POM switch that impresses with its thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, breaking the price barrier without compromising on quality. This switch is a great option for those who seek a balance of tactile feedback and auditory enjoyment during their typing sessions. Both switches have their merits, and the choice ultimately depends on personal preferences. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When considering the housing materials of the Haimu Neo White and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, a distinct contrast emerges in their top housing compositions. The Neo White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is renowned for enhancing the sharpness and clarity of the sound profile produced when a key is pressed. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant and higher-pitched sound, which is particularly notable when combined with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate beautifully displays the colors. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's top housing is made from POM, a material that results in a sound profile that leans towards a deeper, more muted quality. This fundamental difference means that typists who favor a crisp and vibrant sound may prefer the Neo White, while those who appreciate a softer, more subdued auditory experience may gravitate towards the Sea Salt Smoothie.
The bottom housing of each switch presents another layer of contrast, although both switches utilize nylon and POM materials that produce unique sound characteristics. The Neo White's nylon bottom housing is regarded as a classic choice, known for creating a richer and fuller sound profile. Due to the softer texture of nylon, it absorbs sound more effectively, fostering a deeper and rounder acoustics. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM bottom housing matches the top housing's characteristics, resulting in a similarly deep and muted sound. While both materials create a sound that is pleasant in its own right, the differentiation in sound may influence user preference, as the nylon chosen for the Neo White may produce an acoustic experience that feels more vibrant compared to the muted tones offered by POM.
Ultimately, the impact of these differing materials comes down to their integration within each switch. While the Haimu Neo White's combination of polycarbonate and nylon results in a sharp, resonant top-end with a fuller, deeper bottom-end, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie's unified use of POM emphasizes a muted quality throughout. This differentiation illustrates how the top and bottom housing materials influence the overall sound experience when typing. For users looking to achieve a blend of clear and resonant sound with a rounded finish, the Haimu Neo White may deliver that contrast effectively, while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a consistent, deeper auditory harmony. Ultimately, both switches have distinct personality traits shaped by their housing materials, creating a rich landscape of sound profiles suited for different typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Neo White features a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is considered medium, but we lack data on its actuation force, leaving it undetermined. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a defined actuation force of 48 grams, making it the lighter option between the two. However, its bottom out force remains unspecified. For users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Sea Salt Smoothie's known actuation force makes it a more appealing choice. Conversely, those who desire a more substantial typing experience might gravitate towards the Neo White, especially considering its heavier bottom out force. Overall, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Sea Salt Smoothie stands out as the lighter option with a clearer understanding of its actuation dynamics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we find that the Neo White has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Thus, if you are looking for a switch that provides a more responsive keypress, the Haimu Neo White would be the preferable choice due to its shorter travel distance. Conversely, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, with its greater travel distance, may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference, with a trade-off between the quicker actuation of the Neo White and the deeper, more satisfying travel of the Sea Salt Smoothie.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 switch features a neutral profile, which aligns well with a variety of settings, whether at home or in an office environment. This sound profile ensures a moderate level of noise, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users without being overly distracting. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is characterized by a thocky sound, which evokes a deeper and more resonant tone. This distinct sound can enhance the typing experience, particularly for users who appreciate auditory feedback with each keystroke. However, it’s essential to note that the sound quality will also be influenced by the type of keyboard and keycaps used, so individual setups could yield different auditory experiences.
In terms of feel, the Neo White switch offers a medium weight and mild typing experience, providing a gentle yet satisfying keystroke that appeals to many users. This mild characteristic makes the Neo White versatile, as it strikes an excellent balance for both casual typing and more focused tasks. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Smoothie switch is built with a medium weight and all-POM construction, known for delivering exceptional smoothness in actuation. While specifics on its tactile feedback were not disclosed, users can expect a similarly pleasant typing feel from both switches due to their shared characteristics of smoothness and medium actuation force.
In summary, both the Haimu Neo White and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches offer distinct yet appealing qualities, striking a balance between sound and feel. The Neo White ensures a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, making it a safe choice for most contexts. The Sea Salt Smoothie, on the other hand, offers a unique thocky sound and exceptional smoothness, catering to those who enjoy more pronounced auditory feedback. While their subjective experiences differ, both switches can provide satisfying typing results, making either a solid choice for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you favor a middle-ground typing experience with a medium actuation force, the Neo White would be an excellent choice, particularly if you appreciate a smooth, mild feel and a neutral sound profile that suits various environments—be it at home or in the office. This switch is also great for those who might be newcomers to mechanical keyboards, as its approachable characteristics do not overwhelm while still offering a satisfying experience. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more pronounced acoustic feedback and a remarkable smoothness at a competitive price point, the Sea Salt Smoothie could be right up your alley. Its thocky sound profile adds a lively element to your typing, making it suitable for those who enjoy a bit of auditory richness in their keystrokes. In essence, choose the Neo White for a balanced, versatile option, and opt for the Sea Salt Smoothie if you desire a fun, engaging typing experience with an emphasis on sound.
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