Haimu Neo White vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that suits your typing preferences, the Haimu Neo White and the KTT Strawberry both offer unique qualities worth considering. The Neo White switch is praised for its medium weight, slightly reduced total travel, and smooth actuation thanks to its rare Ly stem design, providing a distinctive typing experience categorized as 'Mild' and 'Neutral'. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch stands out with its attractive pink and clear housings, offering a smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, diving deeper into the specific characteristics of each switch will ultimately help you determine the best fit for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Haimu Neo White and KTT Strawberry both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is especially ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for a visually appealing effect. However, the Neo White's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing.
While both switches share the polycarbonate top housing material, the difference in bottom housing material impacts the overall sound profile and typing experience. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings means that the bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in determining the overall sound profile and typing feel of a switch.
In conclusion, while the Haimu Neo White and KTT Strawberry share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing creating a sharp and clear sound profile, the difference in bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound depth and texture. The Neo White's nylon bottom housing offers a fuller sound profile, while the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on switch performance can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it is clear that the Neo White has a lighter actuation force of None grams compared to the Strawberry's 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Neo White requires 58 grams while the Strawberry needs 62 grams, making the Strawberry the heavier option in this aspect. Both switches fall under the medium category in terms of bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Neo White for its lower actuation force. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may find the heavier bottom out force of the Strawberry to be more suitable for their needs. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Strawberry linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Neo White offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Strawberry, making it a good option for those seeking a quicker response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Strawberry's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Neo White being the shorter of the two. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70, whereas the KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91.
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 linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various settings and user preferences, making it a versatile option for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch provides a low-pitched tone that is more bass-heavy and mellower, offering a different auditory experience. The choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on personal sound preferences and the overall setup of the keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Haimu Neo White linear switch provides a mild typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone, appealing to a wide range of users with its gentle and approachable qualities. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. Those who prioritize a silky and polished typing feel may prefer the KTT Strawberry switch for its unique tactile qualities.
Overall, while both the Haimu Neo White and KTT Strawberry linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation force requirement, smooth actuation, and reliable performance from both switches. The decision between the two ultimately comes down to personal preferences regarding sound profiles, typing experiences, and aesthetic considerations. Experimenting with different switches and setups can help newcomers find the perfect fit for their typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, consider your preferences in terms of typing feel and sound. If you prefer a medium weight switch with a slightly reduced total travel for a smooth and satisfying typing experience, the Neo White would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a low-pitched sound profile and a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel for an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, the KTT Strawberry would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what typing experience you value the most.
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