Haimu Neo White vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Neo White and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) each offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Neo White switches are celebrated for their medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, providing a distinctive typing feel that strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness. With the rare Ly stem, these switches deliver a remarkably smooth actuation, making every key press a pleasurable experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) also features Ly stems, which contribute to an incredibly smooth typing experience, but with a more resonant sound profile that can enhance the tactile feedback for users who enjoy auditory cues when typing. While the Neo White is categorized as offering a 'Mild' and 'Neutral' experience, the Tomcat (Heavy) leans towards a bolder and deeper sound. Choosing between these two compelling options ultimately depends on whether you prioritize the lighter, smooth actuation of the Neo White or the satisfying resonance of the Tomcat (Heavy). However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Haimu Neo White Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.70 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Haimu Neo White and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), both switches exhibit striking similarities that align in performance and aesthetics. Both models utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which plays a crucial role in producing a sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the resonance, resulting in a higher-pitched audio experience that keyboard enthusiasts often seek. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate proves advantageous for those who prefer RGB backlighting, making both models visually appealing while equally functional in achieving vibrant lighting effects.

The bottom housing of both the Neo White and the Tomcat (Heavy) is made from nylon, a classic choice in switch design. The nylon composition enhances the sound profile by providing a more subdued, deeper, and fuller auditory experience when typing. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder tone. As both models feature nylon for their bottom housings, users can anticipate a similar impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, regardless of which switch they choose.

Despite their shared materials and resulting sound characteristics, the overall feel and auditory experience will depend on the combination of the top and bottom housings. Since the Neo White and Tomcat (Heavy) both exhibit consistent materials, users can expect a harmonious integration of sound profiles. The polycarbonate top contributes to a crisp sound release during key lift, while the nylon bottom absorbs and mellows the impact sound of bottoming out. This unity in housing materials ensures that users of either keyboard will enjoy a balanced, quality typing experience with identifiable crispness, depth, and visual allure in their RGB setups.

Weight

When comparing the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Neo White features an actuation force of None grams, which is unspecified and suggests that it may have a very light or undetermined actuation, while its bottom out force is measured at 58 grams, categorizing it as a medium level switch. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) has a defined actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, which places it in the medium-heavy range. This means that the Tomcat switch requires a firmer push to register a keystroke, making it the heavier option compared to the Neo White. For users who favor lighter switches to enhance endurance during long typing or gaming sessions, the Haimu Neo White could be more appealing, assuming its actuation force is indeed light. Meanwhile, those who appreciate a more substantial feel in their typing experience may lean towards the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) for its stronger actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

Both the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch, resulting in consistent feedback and responsiveness. Since both switches have the same travel distance, they will yield comparable results in terms of key actuation and overall typing feel. Whether you're gaming or typing, the similarity in travel distance ensures that switching between the two will not significantly alter the user's experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Haimu Neo White and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches, the Neo White is characterized by a neutral sound, striking a balance that allows it to fit comfortably into various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. Its moderate sound profile ensures that it won’t be overly disruptive while still providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. The Tomcat (Heavy), on the other hand, is noted for its resonant sound profile, contributing to a more pronounced auditory experience that may appeal to those who prefer a more robust sound when typing. However, the specifics of the Tomcat's sound profile remain largely unknown, which leaves some ambiguity in comparison.

In terms of feel, the Haimu Neo White offers a mild typing experience, making it approachable and user-friendly for typists of all skill levels. This gentle quality allows the switch to provide a smooth keystroke without being overly aggressive, which can be a welcoming attribute for newcomers to mechanical keyboards. The Tomcat (Heavy) share the advantage of featuring Ly stems, which are known for their super smooth actuation. This contributes to a typing experience that aligns with the smoothness of the Neo White, suggesting that both switches would provide a satisfying tactile feedback during use, although the nuances in weight and travel remain unspecified for the Tomcat.

In conclusion, both the Haimu Neo White and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches are designed to deliver a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, with the Neo White offering a mild and neutral sound profile, while the Tomcat (Heavy) presents a more resonant auditory feedback that may appeal to different preferences. While the Neo White is tailored for a more gentle user experience, the commonality in their use of Ly stems ensures that both switches will elicit pleasant tactile responses, making them viable choices for anyone seeking a satisfying linear switch. The sound characteristics of the Tomcat are less defined, leaving potential users curious about how they may blend with various setups.

Conclusion

In summary, choosing between the Haimu Neo White and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches primarily depends on your personal typing style and preferences. If you prefer a switch that offers a medium bottom-out force and a smooth, satisfying typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Neo White is an excellent choice. Its mild feel makes it approachable for both beginners and seasoned typists, making it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in the office. On the other hand, if you have a stronger preference for more resistance in your keystrokes, the Tomcat (Heavy) with its 64-gram bottom-out force may be more to your liking. This switch provides a super smooth actuation while offering a more resonant sound profile, which can enhance your typing experience, especially if you enjoy the feedback of a heavier touch. Ultimately, consider your typing habits, whether you require a gentler feel or a more substantial resistance, and the environments in which you’ll be using your keyboard to make the best choice for your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Haimu Neo White Linear

$2.70 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more