Haimu Neo White vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Haimu Neo White and the HMX Swift mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Neo White switch is praised for its medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, providing a distinctive typing feel with smooth actuation thanks to the Ly stem. On the other hand, the HMX Swift is known for its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, complemented by a delicate 42g actuation force. While the Neo White switch is categorized as 'Mild' and 'Neutral', the Swift switch is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', and 'Creamy'. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Haimu Neo White and the HMX Swift, it is clear that both switches use nylon for their bottom housing. This means that users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on either of these switches. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. This similarity in the bottom housing material ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound quality between the two switches.
However, the top housing materials of the Neo White and the Swift differ, with the Neo White featuring a polycarbonate top housing and the Swift utilizing a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to nylon. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the Neo White. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Swift contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This contrast in top housing materials results in a different typing experience in terms of sound quality and overall feel between the two switches.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note that each material brings its own unique qualities to the switch. The bottom housing, whether nylon for both switches or polycarbonate for the Neo White, plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the top housing material, whether polycarbonate for the Neo White or nylon for the Swift, influences the sound when releasing a key. This distinction emphasizes how the combination of different housing materials can affect the overall sound profile and feel of a switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is evident that they offer different typing experiences. The Neo White has a bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a medium resistance level, while the actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Swift has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a slightly lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Swift switch feel lighter and easier to type on compared to the Neo White, which may be preferred by users who prioritize longer typing sessions without experiencing fatigue. In contrast, the Neo White may be favored by users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference regarding typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the HMX Swift linear switch with a travel distance of 3.9 mm. When comparing the two, the Neo White offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it favored by gamers looking for faster response times. However, those who prefer a deeper keypress may lean towards the Swift switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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
When it comes to sound, the Haimu Neo White linear switch is neutral, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for various uses. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving it a crisp, bright, and percussive sound. Both switches have their distinct sound profiles, with the Neo White being more versatile and the Swift providing a more pronounced and lively auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Haimu Neo White linear switch offers a mild typing experience, making it approachable to most users with its gentle characteristics. The smooth actuation with a slightly reduced total travel provides a unique typing feel that is satisfying and smooth. On the contrary, the HMX Swift linear switch is easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate, providing an effortless and comfortable typing experience. Additionally, it has feathery and bouncy qualities, making each keystroke feel light and spring-like, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, they offer slightly different experiences. While the Neo White provides a smooth and satisfying typing feel with a neutral sound profile, the Swift offers a deeper sound with a light and bouncy typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and intended use, both switches have their unique advantages and can cater to different typing styles. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on whether you prefer a moderate, versatile typing experience (Neo White) or a lighter, more lively typing experience (Swift).
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Haimu Neo White linear switch or the HMX Swift linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force and a smooth typing experience with a medium sound profile, the Neo White switch is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force with a deeper sound profile and an easy-to-press feel, the Swift switch might be more suitable for you. Be sure to consider how you like your keyboard switches to feel and sound, as well as how much force you prefer to exert while typing, before making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
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