Haimu Neo White vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Neo White and HMX Twilight linear switches provide distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences and styles. The Neo White is renowned for its medium weight and a unique, slightly reduced travel distance, which contributes to a distinctive typing feel. Its rare Ly stem ensures remarkably smooth actuation, making each keystroke a pleasure to experience, ideal for those who favor a mild and neutral feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight distinguishes itself with an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, producing a softer sound while still retaining the satisfying clacky qualities typical of HMX switches. While both switches cater to users seeking linear feedback, the Neo White is perfect for a smooth and quick typing experience, whereas the Twilight’s extended travel may appeal to those who enjoy a bit more depth with each key press. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.85 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Haimu Neo White and the HMX Twilight switches offer distinct characteristics that contribute to their auditory profiles, especially regarding the top housings. The Neo White utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known to create a sharper, more crisper sound profile due to its stiffer composition. This rigidity enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it ideal for users seeking a brighter auditory experience. Conversely, the Twilight employs a nylon top housing, a material recognized for its softer nature and sound-absorbing qualities. The result is a deeper and fuller sound profile, leading to a rounder auditory experience. Thus, the two switches differ significantly in the auditory experience they provide when engaging the top housing, with the Neo White favoring brightness and clarity and the Twilight offering depth and warmth.
In juxtaposition, both the Haimu Neo White and the HMX Twilight share a commonality in their choice of bottom housing, as both switches utilize nylon. This unifying choice in material leads to a similar auditory signature while bottoming out, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile characteristic of nylon. The material’s softer plastic composition absorbs sound more effectively compared to harder materials, providing a smoother and less pronounced sound when the keys are pressed down. Despite the differences in top housing materials leading to varied sound profiles during key releases, the uniformity in the bottom housing allows for consistent auditory outcomes during actuation across both switches.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Haimu Neo White and the HMX Twilight creates a unique auditory experience overall, dictated by the interplay between the top and bottom housings. The striking contrast of the polycarbonate top in the Neo White, which enhances sharpness and clarity, versus the nylon top in the Twilight, offering roundness and depth, illustrates the complexities of switch sound profiles. Nevertheless, the homogeneous nylon bottom in both switches harmonizes their bottoming-out feedback, facilitating a fuller sound experience. Thus, while users can expect unique auditory qualities when the keys are released, they will experience a consistent deep sound when bottoming out, making both switches appealing yet distinct choices.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Neo White and HMX Twilight linear switches, there is a notable difference in actuation and bottom out forces that caters to different user preferences. The Neo White switch lacks a specified actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is considered medium. In contrast, the HMX Twilight has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, classified as light. This means that the Twilight switch requires less force to actuate, making it a better option for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Twilight is also lower, providing a softer landing compared to the Neo White. Therefore, while the Neo White is heavier and more substantial in feel, the Twilight is designed for those who favor a lighter, more responsive typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, we find distinct differences that cater to varying preferences in typing and gaming experiences. The Neo White switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Twilight switch extends to 3.85 mm. This makes the Neo White the shorter option, appealing to those who favor a more responsive feel, which can enhance gaming performance. In contrast, the longer 3.85 mm travel distance of the Twilight switch may provide a more satisfying depth for users who enjoy a fuller key press. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize quick response times or a more traditional, hearty typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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, the Haimu Neo White switch produces a neutral profile, striking a balance that is neither intrusive nor overly muted, making it versatile for a range of environments, from home to office use. Its moderate actuation force allows it to cater to both newcomers and seasoned typists alike, providing a sound that's easy on the ears without being dull. In contrast, the HMX Twilight switch has a notably extended 3.85mm travel distance, which contributes to a quieter sound signature compared to many other linear switches while still capturing the signature clacky characteristics typical of HMX designs. The sound quality of any switch, however, hinges significantly on additional factors such as the choice of keyboard construction and keycap materials.
In terms of feel, the Neo White offers a mild typing experience that promotes a gentle touch, making it approachable for typists of all kinds. Its medium weight and slightly reduced travel distance offer a smooth actuation that is comfortable and satisfying while keeping users engaged without requiring excessive force. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX Twilight switch remains largely uncharacterized, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. However, given the overall attributes of HMX switches, it likely provides a distinct tactile experience that may differ but could still complement many typing preferences.
In conclusion, both the Haimu Neo White and the HMX Twilight linear switches present unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Neo White is characterized by its neutral sound and mild feel, the Twilight provides a quieter sound with longer travel. For those seeking versatility and a smooth typing experience, the Neo White stands out, especially in mixed-use scenarios. Despite the undisclosed characteristics of the Twilight, its HMX lineage suggests a reliable quality that might appeal to users seeking something a bit different yet still comfortable. Ultimately, both switches offer their own strengths, and your choice will likely hinge on personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences in a keyboard. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force for a balanced typing experience, the Neo White is an excellent option. Its smooth actuation, enhanced by the rare Ly stem, provides a satisfying feel that is versatile for various tasks, whether for typing or gaming. The neutral sound profile makes it suitable for both quiet environments and more vibrant ones, allowing you to use it comfortably at home or in the office. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch with a longer travel distance, the Twilight would be the better pick. Its 50-gram force allows for quicker actuation, ideal for rapid key presses, while the extended 3.85mm travel contributes to a slightly quieter sound. This switch is perfect for those who favor a smoother and more fluid experience without straying from a linear feel. Ultimately, consider these factors based on your typing style and sound preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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