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Haimu Neo White vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When comparing the Haimu Neo White and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Neo White switch provides a medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, resulting in a distinctive typing feel characterized by smooth actuation. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch stands out for its deep and thocky sound profile, along with a bouncy feel due to its lengthened single-stage spring. While the Neo White switch falls under the categories of 'Mild' and 'Neutral', the Tourmaline Blue switch is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and typing habits; 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

59g

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

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

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Polycarbonate

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Double-staged spring

Spring

Gold-plated

Housing materials

Comparing the housing materials of the Haimu Neo White and Everglide Tourmaline Blue, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. Additionally, polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches intended for RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. However, while both switches share this common top housing material, the differences lie in their bottom housing. The Neo White utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer nature. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the characteristics of its top housing for a consistent sound experience throughout.

In terms of sound profile and feel, the Haimu Neo White and Everglide Tourmaline Blue offer unique attributes based on their housing materials. The nylon bottom housing of the Neo White contributes to a rounder and duller sound, emphasizing a deeper typing experience. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue maintains the sharp and clear sound associated with this material. When typing on the Neo White, users can expect a softer impact and more muted sound due to the bottom housing's absorbent nature. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue provides a crisper bottom-out sound, reflecting the stiffness of its polycarbonate bottom housing.

While both switches may have different bottom housings, the impact of these materials on the overall typing experience can be felt in specific ways. The qualities of the bottom housing, whether nylon or polycarbonate, influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. The Neo White's nylon bottom housing gives a deeper and fuller typing sound, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the top housing material, shared by both switches, plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Ultimately, the combination of these different housing materials creates distinct typing experiences for users of the Haimu Neo White and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that they both have medium to medium-heavy weights. The Haimu Neo White does not have a specified actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is considered medium. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Neo White. In terms of weight preference, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Neo White for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the Tourmaline Blue for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Haimu Neo White linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Neo White has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Tourmaline Blue. The Neo White's 3.6 mm travel distance offers a quicker response time, making it preferable for gamers looking for a fast and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Tourmaline Blue provides a more robust depth to the keystrokes, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. In general, the shorter travel distance of the Neo White will result in a slightly quicker and more immediate key press compared to the Tourmaline Blue, which offers a slightly longer and more deliberate keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.

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 and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches fall under the descriptor of being neutral switches. This means they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. The sound produced by each switch can also vary depending on the keyboard and keycaps used, so individual preferences may come into play.

When it comes to feel, the Haimu Neo White switch is described as providing a mild typing experience. This means it offers a gentle typing sensation that most users will find approachable, as it falls in a safe middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is often described as buttery and easy-to-press. This implies a smooth and effortless keystroke experience with minimal force required for activation, ultimately reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions.

Overall, while the sound profiles of the Haimu Neo White and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches may be similar due to their neutral nature, the feel of the switches sets them apart. The Neo White offers a mild typing experience, suitable for those looking for a gentler feel, while the Tourmaline Blue provides a buttery and easy-to-press sensation, catering to users who prefer a smoother and more effortless typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize the typing feel or sound profile in your mechanical keyboard setup.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, you should consider the specific typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a switch with medium weight and a smooth actuation for a distinctive typing feel, then the Neo White would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a switch with a bouncy feel, deep sound profile, and a standard spring weight for an enjoyable typing experience, then the Tourmaline Blue would be the better option for you. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile suitable for various purposes, but the Neo White provides a mild typing experience while the Tourmaline Blue offers a buttery and easy-to-press feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the type of typing experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard switches.

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