Haimu Neo White vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, the Haimu Neo White and the Durock White Lotus stand out as two popular options to consider. The Neo White is a linear switch known for its medium weight and smooth actuation, providing a satisfying typing experience with slightly reduced total travel. On the other hand, the White Lotus is a tactile switch designed with a delicate tactility that caters to discerning typists, offering a perfect balance for extended typing sessions. While the Neo White is categorized as 'Mild' and 'Neutral', the White Lotus boasts a variety of characteristics including being 'Easy-to-press', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Subtle' - making it a versatile option for those who enjoy a light tactile feel. Both switches have their own unique features that could appeal to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal taste. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The Haimu Neo White and the Durock White Lotus both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. However, the White Lotus uses a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, giving it a unique and premium feel compared to the Neo White. In terms of aesthetics, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate for RGB lighting, but the White Lotus's modified blend may offer a different visual appeal.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches use nylon, a classic switch housing material that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound absorption properties. The nylon bottom housings of both the Neo White and White Lotus contribute to a duller and rounder sound compared to switches made from harder plastics. This similarity in housing materials results in a consistent typing experience for users of both switches, with a focus on sound quality and tactile feedback.
Despite their similarities in housing materials, the differences in top housing between the Haimu Neo White and the Durock White Lotus may lead to variations in sound and feel when typing. The impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced during key presses, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This distinction in how the housing materials are utilized showcases the attention to detail and customization that both switches offer to keyboard enthusiasts looking for a specific typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, we can see distinct differences. The Neo White has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is considered medium in terms of heaviness. In contrast, the White Lotus has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, making it lighter in actuation force but still within the medium range for bottom out force. This means that the White Lotus requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Neo White, which could be preferred by those who type for extended periods. However, both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of bottoming out despite the slight difference in actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is clear that the Neo White has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the White Lotus which has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Neo White's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the White Lotus's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth to the key press for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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, the Haimu Neo White linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch provides a low-pitched sound, adding a bass-heavy and mellow tone to keystrokes. Both switches offer a balanced sound experience, with the White Lotus having a slightly different tonal quality due to its low-pitched nature.
In regards to feel, the Neo White switch provides a mild typing experience with a medium weight and smooth actuation, offering a satisfying and comfortable feel for extended typing sessions. Conversely, the Durock White Lotus switch is easy-to-press, requiring minimal force for activation, making typing effortless and reducing finger fatigue. Both switches offer a gentle typing experience, with the White Lotus emphasizing ease of use and low-impact typing feel.
Overall, the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel. The Neo White provides a smooth and medium-weight typing experience with a neutral sound profile, while the White Lotus offers a light tactile feel with a low-pitched sound signature. Depending on personal preference and typing style, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience with their unique characteristics. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a smoother linear feel or a lighter tactile typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a medium weight and slightly reduced travel, along with a neutral sound profile, the Neo White switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile switch with delicate tactility, easy-to-press keys, and a low-pitched sound profile that allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, then the White Lotus switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and overall typing experience.
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