Haimu Neo White vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Neo White and Jwick Taro offer unique typing experiences worth exploring. The Neo White is a linear switch known for its medium weight and smooth actuation, thanks to the rare use of a Ly stem. On the other hand, the Taro is a tactile switch that provides a cozy typing experience with a medium level of tactility and crisp clacks. While the Neo White is categorized as 'Mild' and 'Neutral', the Taro falls into categories like 'Neutral', 'Buttery', and 'Stepped'. If you're looking for a smooth and satisfying typing experience, the Neo White might be the way to go. But if you prefer a tactile feedback with a cozy feel, the Taro switch could be more up your alley. 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
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Jwick Taro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This allows for a more clear and resonant sound overall. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the keyboards. Both keyboards will provide a similar sound experience when typing due to their shared polycarbonate top housings.
However, where the two keyboards differ is in their bottom housings. The Neo White features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottoms. Similarly, the Taro also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing a comparable typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in both the Neo White and the Taro keyboards offers a well-rounded typing experience. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings allow for a balanced sound profile, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key. Both keyboards offer unique advantages in sound quality, making them suitable choices for those looking for a specific sound profile in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The actuation force of the Haimu Neo White linear switch is None grams, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch also has an actuation force of None grams. This means that both switches will provide a similar lightweight typing experience in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Neo White requires 58 grams, making it a medium-weight switch, while the Taro requires 67 grams, putting it in the medium-heavy category. This makes the Taro switch slightly heavier when it comes to bottoming out, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter range of travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, particularly gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different feel when typing or gaming. The Neo White with its 3.6 mm travel distance may feel slightly quicker and more responsive compared to the Taro with its 3.7 mm travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance, with the Neo White being slightly shorter and the Taro being slightly longer.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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
In terms of sound, both the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they produce a moderate level of sound when typing, suitable for various environments and user preferences. Keep in mind that the actual sound produced by the switches can also be influenced by the keyboard they are mounted on and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Neo White switch is described as providing a mild typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel for most users. On the other hand, the Taro switch is characterized as buttery and stepped, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke with a mild level of tactility. While the Neo White offers a safe and middle-ground typing experience, the Taro provides a more nuanced sensation with two distinct stages in the keystroke process.
Considering all the available information, it can be concluded that both the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While both switches fall under the neutral sound category, the Neo White provides a mild typing experience, whereas the Taro offers a buttery and stepped sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with the guarantee of a satisfying typing experience regardless of the selection due to their high-quality construction and design.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it's important to consider your typing preferences. If you prefer a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a medium weight and reduced total travel, the Neo White might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a cozy typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a snappy level of tactility, the Taro switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value smooth actuation and medium weight or prefer a comfortable and tactile typing feel. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences for a truly personalized mechanical keyboard experience.
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