Haimu Neo White vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Haimu Neo White and the Gateron Smoothie Silver mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to note that both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Neo White stands out for its medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, providing a distinctive typing feel with smooth actuation, making it a satisfying experience for users. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver boasts a short travel distance for quick actuation, along with a thocky sound, smoothness, and a light touch. While the Neo White falls under the category of 'Mild' and 'Neutral', the Smoothie Silver's category is not specified. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Haimu Neo White and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, it is clear that they both bring unique sound profiles to the switches. The Neo White's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound can greatly impact the typing experience for users, with the Neo White providing a more vibrant and resonant typing sound while the Smoothie Silver offers a more subtle and subdued typing sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Neo White's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder typing sound. Similarly, the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deep and muted sound profile, aligning with the overall sound output of the switch. While both switches have different bottom housing materials, they both aim to provide a pleasing and unique sound experience for users, with the choice between nylon and POM ultimately coming down to individual preference in sound profile.
Overall, while the Neo White and Smoothie Silver may use different housing materials for their top and bottom components, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles. Whether you prefer the sharper and clear sound of polycarbonate or the deeper and more muted sound of POM, both switches offer their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel, but users can expect similar results in terms of quality and innovation in housing materials.
Weight
The Haimu Neo White linear switch has a bottom out force of 58 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. The actuation force for the Neo White is not specified. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gateron Smoothie Silver may be a better option due to its lower actuation force. However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial feel while typing, the Haimu Neo White with its medium bottom out force may be more suitable. Both switches offer different experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their preferred typing feel.
Travel distance
The Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. However, the Neo White has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Smoothie Silver. Gamers looking for a balance between responsiveness and depth may prefer the Neo White, while those who prioritize speed and agility may lean towards the Smoothie Silver for its slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, providing a satisfying typing experience for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 comparing the sound of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, the Neo White is known for a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver is described as thocky, providing a unique auditory experience that some may find more satisfying for typing. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard, including the case and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Haimu Neo White linear switch offers a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable for most users. The use of a Ly stem contributes to a smooth actuation, enhancing the overall feel of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its lightning-fast actuation and feather-light touch, providing a different tactile sensation that some users may prefer for a more responsive typing experience.
In conclusion, the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Neo White may appeal to those looking for a smoother and more neutral typing experience, the Smoothie Silver caters to users seeking a thocky sound and fast actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing feel, but both switches are capable of providing a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you value a slightly reduced total travel, smooth actuation, and a medium weight with a neutral sound profile, the Neo White may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize lightning-fast actuation, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, then the Smoothie Silver could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force. Experimenting with both switches may help you determine which one suits your typing style best.
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