Haimu Neo White vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Haimu Neo White and the Gateron Weightlessness can significantly influence your typing experience. The Haimu Neo White switches are characterized by their mild and neutral feel, providing a smooth actuation thanks to their unique Ly stem and slightly reduced total travel, making them a great choice for those who prefer a clean and uninterrupted typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches cater to users who appreciate tactile feedback, offering a subtle to moderate tactile feel that adds a satisfying sensation with each keystroke. Their balanced sound profile also enhances the typing experience without overwhelming the user. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on your personal preferences for smoothness versus tactile feedback. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Haimu Neo White and the Gateron Weightlessness, notable differences arise in their top housings. The Neo White features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer composition. This rigidity contributes to producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. The translucence of the polycarbonate also enhances its compatibility with RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination to shine through. In contrast, the Weightlessness utilizes a nylon top housing, a material recognized for its softness and ability to absorb sound. Consequently, the nylon top leads to a deeper, fuller sound, fostering a more muted auditory experience that contrasts with the Neo White's audible clarity.
Both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, which unifies their sound profiles to some extent. The properties of nylon contribute to a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more of the acoustic waves generated during typing. This consistency in the bottom housing means that both switches will have similar characteristics in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. When pressing the keys on either switch, users will experience a rich, rounded auditory feedback due to the inherent qualities of the nylon material. This shared aspect creates a cohesive experience for users, regardless of which switch design they choose.
In summary, while the Haimu Neo White and Gateron Weightlessness employ different materials for their top housings—polycarbonate versus nylon—their bottom housings are the same, allowing for comparable sound qualities when bottoming out. The distinct top housing materials create divergent sound profiles, with the Neo White favoring clarity and brightness, while the Weightlessness leans towards depth and warmth. Users seeking sharp, vibrant sounds may gravitate toward the Neo White, whereas those preferring a more subdued auditory experience might find the Gateron Weightlessness more appealing. Regardless, the shared nylon bottom ensures a consistently rich typing experience across both switch options.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we find some notable differences. The Haimu Neo White boasts a bottom out force of 58 grams, indicating a medium resistance when fully pressed down. However, its actuation force remains unknown. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness has a defined actuation force of 50 grams, suggesting it requires a moderate amount of pressure to register a keystroke. The bottom out force for the Weightlessness switch is unknown, which makes it challenging to fully compare its overall resistance profile. Because of the known values, we can conclude that the Gateron Weightlessness switch is the lighter option due to its actuation force of 50 grams, while the Haimu Neo White is heavier at the bottom out level of 58 grams. For users favoring lighter switches for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Gateron Weightlessness would be a compelling choice, while those who appreciate a heftier feel might opt for the Haimu Neo White based on its bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, it becomes clear that there is a distinction between the two. The Neo White switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Weightlessness switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Gateron Weightlessness will provide a quicker response, making it more suitable for gamers who prefer shorter distances for faster action. Conversely, the Haimu Neo White, with its longer 3.6 mm travel distance, might offer a more pronounced feel for those who appreciate a deeper keypress. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you favor the snappier feel of the Gateron Weightlessness or the more substantial depth provided by the Haimu Neo White.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 linear switch delivers a neutral audio profile, characterized by a balanced and moderate sound level that suits a variety of environments, from home to office use. Its sound is not overly loud or soft, making it versatile for both beginners and seasoned users. While specific auditory characteristics of the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch haven't been detailed, it is known to have a balanced sound profile that complements its tactile feel. This suggests that while the Neo White offers a more neutral experience, the Weightlessness may provide a different auditory signature that aligns well with its tactile characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Neo White switch offers a mild typing experience, featuring a medium weight and slightly reduced total travel that creates a smooth and satisfying keystroke. This helps to make it approachable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch provides a subtle to moderate tactile feedback. While the specifics of its tactile feel aren't described in detail, it is generally positioned as a switch that balances typing comfort and responsiveness well, potentially offering a different but equally satisfying experience when compared to the Neo White.
In summary, both the Haimu Neo White and Gateron Weightlessness switches provide unique typing experiences catering to different preferences. The Neo White's neutral sound and mild feel make it accessible to a variety of users, while the Weightlessness delivers a more nuanced tactile feel paired with a balanced sound profile. Although their characteristics differ, both switches are designed to offer an enjoyable typing experience, ensuring that users can find satisfaction regardless of which option they choose.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, consider what you prioritize in your typing experience. If you prefer a switch that offers a smooth and satisfying key press with medium resistance and a slightly reduced travel distance, the Neo White is likely your best bet. This switch excels in providing a neutral sound profile and a mild typing feel, making it a versatile option ideal for both work and casual typing, regardless of your proficiency level. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more nuanced tactile feedback without overwhelming resistance, the Gateron Weightlessness might be more aligned with your needs. While it features a subtle to moderate tactile bump, it is somewhat lower in actuation force, which can enhance comfort during extended typing sessions. Ultimately, choosing between these switches boils down to whether you desire a smooth linear feel or a gentle tactile response to elevate your typing enjoyment.
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