Haimu Neo White vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Haimu Neo White and the HMX Sunset Gleam both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Neo White switch is recognized for its medium weight and slightly reduced travel distance, resulting in a typing experience that's both distinctive and efficient. Its rare Ly stem promotes a smooth actuation, allowing for a satisfying keystroke with every press. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a "mild" to "neutral" feel and prioritize a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, brings a different flavor to the table with its carefully crafted blend of materials that produces a subtle top-out and a gratifying clack sound, enhanced further by HMX's renowned factory lube. This makes it an appealing choice for typists who seek an enjoyable tactile feedback and audio experience. With both switches boasting their own advantages, it's essential to weigh your preferences to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Haimu Neo White and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches incorporate polycarbonate in their top housings, which leads to a distinctly sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile across both models. This similarity arises from the contrasting mechanical properties of polycarbonate, which is relatively stiff and allows for a clear and resonant sound. In addition to the acoustical benefits, the translucence of the polycarbonate housing enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, particularly in setups featuring RGB lighting, where the glow can be beautifully diffused, creating a captivating visual experience. Thus, users can anticipate a comparable auditory and visual output when utilizing either switch in their keyboard builds.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, further promoting common traits in their overall performance. As a classic material in switch housing construction, nylon contributes a deeper and fuller sound profile attributed to its softer plastic characteristics. This results in a more muted and rounded sound, with the material effectively absorbing vibrations that might otherwise resonate through a harder plastic. Consequently, while the top housings produce sharper sounds upon key release, the bottom housings lend a warmer quality during the act of typing, providing a balanced auditory experience that can appeal to various user preferences.
Understanding the impact of both housings on the sound profile is crucial for users to optimize their typing experience. For instance, while the top polycarbonate housings produce a clear and crisp sound when a key is released, the nylon bottom offers a contrasting and subdued sound upon bottoming out. This split specialization allows users to enjoy a diverse range of acoustic dynamics from the same switch type. Therefore, even though the Neo White and the Sunset Gleam share identical materials in their housing compositions, the interplay between the stiffer top housing and the softer bottom housing results in a multifaceted auditory experience, ensuring that both switches deliver satisfying performance within different contexts of usage.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Neo White and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Neo White features an unknown actuation force and has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is considered medium. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, categorized as light. This highlights that the Sunset Gleam is generally easier to press down and may be more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to actuate. On the other hand, the Neo White's heavier bottom out force could appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, those seeking a lighter typing feel would benefit more from the Sunset Gleam, while the Neo White may satisfy those who enjoy a firmer push during use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, we find that the Neo White has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sunset Gleam measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This difference of 0.1 mm places the Neo White as the longer travel option, providing a more pronounced depth when pressed. For gamers or users who prioritize rapid response times, the Sunset Gleam’s shorter travel distance may offer a quicker actuation, potentially enhancing performance in fast-paced environments. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing might gravitate towards the Neo White due to its longer travel distance, which could contribute to a more satisfying tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference regarding the balance between responsiveness and depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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 categorized as neutral, providing a moderate level of acoustic feedback that works well for both beginners and advanced users alike. This balanced sound makes it versatile enough for diverse environments, whether in a quiet office or at home. The Sunset Gleam switch, while detailed information on its sound isn't provided, may offer a contrasting auditory experience given its mention of a satisfying clack, suggesting it could produce a more pronounced sound than the Neo White. However, it's essential to remember that sound is also significantly influenced by the choice of keyboard, mounting style, and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the Neo White offers a mild typing experience. This mildness translates to a gentle and approachable sensation during use, making it a comfortable option for extended writing sessions or casual gaming. The HMX Sunset Gleam, on the other hand, features a blend of materials that promise a subtly distinct top-out experience, although specific descriptors of its feel are unavailable. The smooth actuation of the Neo White, enhanced by the rare use of a Ly stem, provides a satisfying tactile experience that may appeal to users looking for ease and fluidity in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Haimu Neo White linear switch and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch each offer unique qualities tailored to different preferences. The neutral sound and mild feel of the Neo White likely provide a more understated typing experience suitable for various situations, while the Sunset Gleam might appeal to those seeking a bit more character in their switch. If you value a smooth and comfortable typing experience, both switches can serve you well but in their distinctive ways. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prefer the more subdued qualities of the Neo White or the potentially more expressive sound of the Sunset Gleam.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, it’s essential to consider your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a balance between feedback and smooth actuation with a medium bottom-out force of 58 grams, the Neo White is an excellent choice. Its neutral sound profile and mild feel make it versatile for both work and casual typing, ensuring you can enjoy a comfortable experience without overwhelming distraction. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch and enjoy a satisfying clack sound, then the Sunset Gleam with its 48-gram bottom-out force may be more suitable for you. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate the pleasure of a softer keystroke and the effortless typing experience enhanced by its factory lube. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you intend to use your keyboard—be it for intense gaming sessions, long typing tasks, or casual everyday use—making either switch a fitting option depending on your specific needs.
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