Haimu Neo White vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Neo White and the TKC Tangerine both offer unique options for enthusiasts looking to elevate their typing experience. The Neo White stands out for its medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, providing a distinctive typing feel with a smooth actuation thanks to the rare Ly stem. Categorized as 'Mild' and 'Neutral', this switch offers a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch is praised for its incredibly smooth feel and high-quality UHWMPE housings, setting it apart in the world of bespoke mechanical switches. With a 'Frictionless', 'Buttery', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished' categorization, the Tangerine switch offers a unique typing experience with a high-pitched clack. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Haimu Neo White and TKC Tangerine both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Neo White's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Neo White is translucent, making it ideal for RGB lighting, while the UHWMPE top housing of the Tangerine is a newer material that provides a unique typing experience.
Despite their differences in top housing material, both switches share similar qualities in their bottom housing materials. The Neo White's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Tangerine's UHWMPE bottom housing offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks, enhancing the typing experience with its unique material properties.
Overall, the choice between the Haimu Neo White and TKC Tangerine ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. While the Neo White offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Tangerine provides a bright sound signature with the use of UHWMPE in both top and bottom housings. Both switches showcase the impact that housing materials can have on the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard, providing enthusiasts with a variety of options to suit their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of None grams, making them equally responsive in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Neo White requires 58 grams, while the Tangerine needs 62 grams. The Neo White can be considered lighter in terms of the force needed to fully press the key, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods. On the other hand, the Tangerine provides a slightly heavier bottom out force, offering a more substantial typing feel for users who prefer a bit more resistance in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it slightly shorter than the TKC Tangerine linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the most common, the Neo White offers a slightly quicker key press with its shorter travel distance. Gamers may prefer the Neo White for its faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Tangerine. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70, whereas the TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30.
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
In terms of sound, the Haimu Neo White linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various typing environments and preferences. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch produces a distinct high-pitched sound when pressed, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a sharp and crisp typing experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Haimu Neo White switch provides a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable to most users. The rare use of a Ly stem in these switches contributes to a smooth actuation, enhancing the overall typing feel. Conversely, the TKC Tangerine switch is described as frictionless, buttery, and polished, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with reduced friction and a uniform keystroke sensation. This unique combination of characteristics makes the Tangerine switch stand out for those seeking a refined and polished typing feel.
In conclusion, the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Neo White switch provides a neutral sound and a mild typing experience, the Tangerine switch offers a high-pitched sound and a frictionless, buttery, and polished feel. Whether you choose the Neo White or the Tangerine, both switches are sure to provide a satisfying typing experience, each catering to different preferences in sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal typing style and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, consider your preference for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force. If you prefer a medium weight switch with a smooth actuation and slightly reduced total travel, the Neo White may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize an incredibly smooth typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile and UHWMPE housings for a unique feel, the Tangerine switch would be the more suitable option for you. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches, so it's essential to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision.
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