Haimu Neo White vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Neo White and Gateron Silent Ink Black both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Neo White stands out with its medium weight and smooth actuation, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is ideal for those looking for a quieter typing experience, thanks to its silenced design and cushioned bottom-out feel. While the Neo White is categorized as 'Mild' and 'Neutral', the Silent Ink Black falls under 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, but deciding on the best one for you may require a deeper dive into their specific characteristics and benefits.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Haimu Neo White and the Gateron Silent Ink Black offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Neo White features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is clear and resonant. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black boasts a proprietary INK blend top housing that offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound without being overly sharp, resulting in a satisfying and clacky sound. While both top housings offer distinct sound profiles, the Neo White's polycarbonate top housing is more translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Neo White utilizes a nylon housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound profile of the polycarbonate top housing. Similarly, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing also contributes to its high-pitched and clacky sound profile, complementing the characteristics of the top housing. Both bottom housings offer unique sound characteristics that enhance the overall typing experience of each switch.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Haimu Neo White and the Gateron Silent Ink Black differ in terms of their composition and sound profiles, they both contribute to a satisfying typing experience. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housings allows for a balance of impact on both the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer the sharper and more resonant sound of the Neo White or the high-pitched and clacky sound of the Silent Ink Black, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, one can see some key differences. The Neo White has an actuation force of None grams, indicating a light touch required to trigger a keystroke, while the Silent Ink Black has an actuation force of 60 grams, making it slightly heavier. In terms of bottom out force, the Neo White requires 58 grams to fully press down, giving it a medium feel, whereas the Silent Ink Black has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy. This means that the Neo White would be better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for long typing sessions, while the Silent Ink Black would be more suitable for those who prefer a firmer, more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer different levels of resistance, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Neo White's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Silent Ink Black's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more substantial key press feel for those who prefer a bit more depth. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Neo White leaning towards the shorter end and the Silent Ink Black towards the longer end. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key press feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 Haimu Neo White linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of environments and users. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch provides a muted typing experience, ideal for those who require a quieter typing environment. Both switches will deliver relatively quiet operation, but the Silent Ink Black may offer a more subdued sound overall.
Moving on to feel, the Haimu Neo White linear switch provides a mild typing experience, striking a balance between different characteristics to appeal to a broad range of users. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offers a silky and polished feel, ensuring smooth key presses and releases with reduced friction. The Silent Ink Black's pillow-like bottom-out feel enhances the overall typing experience, making it a comfortable option for extended typing sessions.
Overall, the Haimu Neo White and Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While both switches offer a linear typing experience, the Neo White provides a medium weight with a smooth actuation, while the Silent Ink Black delivers a quieter typing experience with a cushioned bottom-out feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. With the Neo White offering a neutral sound and mild feel, and the Silent Ink Black providing a muted sound and silky, polished feel, users can achieve their desired typing experience based on their individual preferences.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when choosing between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider your typing environment and preferences. If you prioritize a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a medium weight and slightly reduced travel, along with a neutral sound profile, then the Neo White switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing experience with a pillow-like bottom-out feel, a muted sound profile, and silky smooth key travel, then the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch would be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound level, and overall typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your needs and enjoy a comfortable typing experience.
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