Haimu Neo White vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Haimu Neo White and Aflion Thunder Shadow are both unique mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics. The Neo White is a linear switch, offering a medium weight and slightly reduced total travel for a smooth and satisfying typing experience. Its rare Ly stem contributes to a remarkably smooth actuation, making each keystroke feel seamless. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow by Aflion is a tactile switch known for its pronounced tactile bump and medium weight feel with a 63.5g bottom-out. The neutral sound signature of the Thunder Shadow complements its balance, showcasing Aflion's commitment to innovation. While the Neo White is categorized as 'Mild' and 'Neutral', the Thunder Shadow falls under 'Invigorating' and 'Neutral'. Each switch has its own strengths and reasons why you may want to choose them, 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
63.5g
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
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
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Haimu Neo White and the Aflion Thunder Shadow, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting as its translucency allows light to shine through. Both the Neo White and Thunder Shadow benefit from this material in their top housing, resulting in a similar sound profile and aesthetic appeal.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Neo White features a nylon material while the Thunder Shadow also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This difference in bottom housing material may result in a slightly different typing experience between the two switches. While both switches will have a similar impact on sound due to their nylon bottom housing, the specific feel and sound profile may vary slightly.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Neo White and Thunder Shadow switches provides a unique typing experience for users. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing contributes to a clearer and resonant sound profile when pressing down on a key, while the softer nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out. While both switches may have a similar impact on overall sound, the specific qualities and nuances of each housing material create a distinct typing experience for users to enjoy.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it is evident that the Neo White is lighter in terms of bottom out force at 58 grams compared to the Thunder Shadow at 63.5 grams. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, but they can be expected to provide a similar typing experience due to their medium to medium-heavy bottom out forces. The lighter bottom out force of the Neo White may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the Thunder Shadow's heavier bottom out force may provide a more substantial and tactile typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The comparison between the travel distance of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch reveals a slight difference in their depths. The Neo White offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Thunder Shadow provides a slightly shorter distance of 3.5 mm. This slight variation may not seem significant to some users, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the keyboard. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the Neo White for its slightly longer travel distance, as it allows for a more deliberate and satisfying key press. On the other hand, those looking for a quicker response time may lean towards the Thunder Shadow with its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, with the Neo White being the longer of the two and the Thunder Shadow being the shorter.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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, both the Haimu Neo White and Aflion Thunder Shadow switches have a neutral profile, meaning they offer a moderate sound that is suitable for most environments and preferences. The sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard they are installed in and the keycaps used. Moving on to feel, the Neo White provides a mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow switch delivers an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel, creating a more immersive experience for the user. Overall, while the Neo White and Thunder Shadow switches differ in their tactile characteristics, they both offer a medium weight and a smooth actuation, providing a satisfying typing experience for users. Whether you choose the Neo White for its mild feel or the Thunder Shadow for its invigorating feedback, you can expect a high-quality typing experience from both switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, you should consider your preference for typing feel and actuation force. If you prefer a smoother and slightly lighter typing experience with a medium weight and reduced total travel, the Neo White would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile bump with a medium-heavy bottom-out force for a more invigorating typing sensation, the Thunder Shadow may be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preference for key feel.
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