Haimu Neo White vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Haimu Neo White and the HMX Xinhai are two popular options to consider. The Neo White stands out for its medium weight and reduced total travel, providing a unique typing experience with a smooth actuation thanks to its Ly stem. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch offers a softer acoustics profile with its PA12 top housing and a crisp, higher-pitched resonance due to its POM stem. While the Neo White is categorized as mild and neutral, the Xinhai is described as bouncy, clacky, and creamy. Each switch has its own characteristics that appeal to different preferences and typing styles. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
45g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Haimu Neo White and the HMX Xinhai feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate plastic. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal material for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Neo White offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Xinhai's nylon bottom housing, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
The differences in housing materials between the Neo White and the Xinhai can be felt when typing on the switches. The top and bottom housing materials play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing, whether nylon in the case of the Neo White or the Xinhai, has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing, which is polycarbonate for both switches, influences the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials showcases how the qualities of each material can be utilized in different aspects of the switch's performance.
Overall, both the Haimu Neo White and the HMX Xinhai utilize a combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials to create unique sound profiles. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound profile, the differences lie in the bottom housing material. The Neo White's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Xinhai's nylon bottom housing provides a duller and rounder sound. These variations highlight how the choice of housing materials can impact the overall typing experience and sound quality of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The Haimu Neo White linear switch has a bottom-out force of 58 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is lighter with a bottom-out force of 45 grams. The actuation force of the Neo White is unknown, while the Xinhai has an actuation force of 37 grams, which suggests it requires a lighter touch to register a keypress. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Xinhai may be the better choice, as it requires less force to actuate the keys. On the other hand, if a more substantial keystroke feel is preferred, the Neo White may be more suitable despite its heavier bottom-out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, we can see that the Neo White has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Xinhai has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Neo White has a slightly longer travel distance than the Xinhai. In terms of preference, shorter travel distances are preferred by gamers for faster response times, making the Xinhai a good choice for gaming. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may prefer the Neo White with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer relatively short travel distances compared to traditional switches, providing similar results in terms of responsiveness and feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $2.99.
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 offers a neutral sound profile that is moderate and suitable for various uses, making it a versatile option for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch provides a clacky sound that is sharp, bright, and percussive, giving it a distinctively crisp and lively acoustics profile. The sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Haimu Neo White linear switch delivers a mild typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone, catering to a wide range of users with its gentle characteristics. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai linear switch offers a bouncy feel that provides a spring-like feedback sensation, giving keys a lively bounce when pressed. Additionally, the Xinhai switch is described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience, which could be due to lubricant applied in the switch or specific materials used.
Overall, the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Neo White provides a neutral sound and mild feel, the Xinhai switch delivers a clacky sound and bouncy, creamy feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired. However, both switches promise a satisfying and smooth typing experience, ensuring that users will achieve similar results in terms of quality and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium weight switch with a smooth actuation and slightly reduced total travel for a satisfying typing experience, then the Neo White would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a light switch with a unique PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, then the Xinhai switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Additionally, if you prefer a neutral sound and a mild typing experience, the Neo White would be fitting, while the Xinhai offers a clacky sound and a bouncy, creamy typing sensation. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to your personal preferences for weight, sound, and feel.
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