Haimu Neo White vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular contenders worth considering are the Haimu Neo White and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2). The Neo White, a linear switch, is renowned for its medium weight and reduced travel distance which, coupled with its unique Ly stem, delivers a notably smooth and satisfying typing experience. It's ideal for users seeking a mild and neutral feel in their keystrokes. Conversely, the Sticky Rice (V2), utilizing hall effect technology, is celebrated for its balanced typing experience and a neutral sound signature that produces the coveted "thock" sound many enthusiasts crave. Its dustproof stem minimizes wobble, resulting in a refined tactile sensation, making it a compelling option for those who prioritize performance and feel in their typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, whether you value the fluidity of the Neo White or the tactile satisfaction of the Sticky Rice (V2). However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Haimu Neo White and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housings, leading to striking similarities in sound profile and aesthetic qualities. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, which is a key feature for enthusiasts seeking clarity in their keystrokes. This shared material choice means that both switches will perform similarly in terms of sound when the key is released, especially if RGB lighting is integrated, as polysulfide is known for its translucence that enhances the visual effect of backlighting. The common use of polycarbonate in the top housing is a clear indication of a design philosophy focused on achieving a bright and resonant acoustic experience.
On the other hand, the two switches differ in their bottom housing materials, with both switches incorporating nylon for this component. Nylon, known for its softer characteristics relative to polycarbonate, absorbs sound and results in a deeper, fuller acoustical experience. This disparity between the top and bottom housings means that, while the Neo White and Sticky Rice (V2) share a similar auditory quality when the key is released, the overall experience may vary slightly when bottoming out. The softer nylon housing contributes to a rounder, more muted sound during the key press, affecting how users perceive each switch’s typing experience differently despite the alignment in their top housing material.
This blend of two distinct housing materials does not mean that the switches will produce drastically different results. Instead, it highlights how the combination of sound profiles influenced by the materials can interact to create a unique typing experience. The sharper upper frequencies due to the polycarbonate top housing will blend with the deeper tones from the nylon bottom housing, ensuring users enjoy a well-rounded contrast in sound that can be both engaging and satisfying. Overall, both the Haimu Neo White and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) will appeal to those who appreciate a balance between a bright auditory response and a soft, resonant key feel, achieving similar results through their complementary characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Neo White has an unspecified actuation force but features a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorized as medium. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a lighter actuation force of 40 grams along with a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Sticky Rice the lighter choice overall, which may appeal to users looking for a comfortable typing experience during long sessions. In contrast, those who prefer a more substantial, heavier feel would find the Neo White more suited to their preferences, given its higher bottom out force. Although the actuation force of the Neo White is not specified, if it were to be similar or match the Sticky Rice's actuation force, users could expect a balance in keystroke responsiveness; however, this remains an unknown. Overall, the differences in these forces influence the switches' suitability for varying typing styles and preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, the Neo White features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sticky Rice (V2) has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Neo White the longer option by 0.1 mm, which might cater to users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the Sticky Rice (V2), with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers looking for a quicker response time due to the more immediate actuation. Overall, if you favor a more responsive experience and faster key presses, the Sticky Rice (V2) is the preferable choice, while the Neo White may be better suited for those who appreciate a deeper key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sticky Rice (V2) for $6.79.
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
The sound profile of the Haimu Neo White linear switch is characterized as neutral. This means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a sound that strikes a balance suitable for various environments, making it a versatile choice for both beginners and experienced users. While it lacks the extravagant "thock" sound that some enthusiasts desire, its subtle acoustic signature keeps things unobtrusive, allowing for seamless typing across different settings. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switch offers a sound profile that is also neutral but is inclined towards that sought-after "thock" sound, which gives a deeper, more satisfying auditory feedback without being overly loud. Like the Neo Whites, the overall sound experience can vary depending on the keyboard construction and keycap material used.
When it comes to feel, the Neo White linear switch is designed for a mild typing experience, making it approachable for most users. Its smooth actuation, aided by the unique Ly stem, ensures that the keystrokes are fluid and satisfying. This mild feel allows for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers its own super smooth keystroke thanks to a dustproof stem that minimizes wobble and provides a refined tactile sensation. While both switches are designed to provide a pleasant and comfortable typing experience, the main difference lies in the specific sensations they deliver; the Neo White gently cushions your fingers, while the Sticky Rice balances smoothness with an enhanced tactile experience that users may find more engaging.
In conclusion, the Haimu Neo White and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches offer distinct yet complementary mechanical keyboard experiences. Both have neutral sound profiles, making them suitable for diverse environments. However, the Neo White focuses on a mild feel that caters to a broader audience, while the Sticky Rice provides a refined tactile sensation that some enthusiasts may prefer. If you're seeking a smooth and satisfying typing experience with varying sound characteristics, either option can serve you well, depending on whether you prioritize a gentle everyman feel or a more engaging tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch that provides a smooth, satisfying experience with a slightly heavier actuation force, then the Neo White is an excellent option. Its medium weight and mild typing feel make it versatile enough for both casual and professional environments, ensuring that it won’t overwhelm you whether at home or in the office. On the other hand, if you value a lighter switch with an enhanced tactile sensation and a pleasing "thock" sound, the Sticky Rice (V2) will likely suit you better. Its super smooth actuations, coupled with a 50-gram bottom-out force, cater to those who enjoy a refined experience with reduced wobble, which is great for long typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, consider how the weight, sound, and feel of each switch align with your specific needs, and you'll be set to make a choice that enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
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