Haimu Neo White vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Haimu Neo White and the Outemu Purple. The Neo White is a linear switch known for its medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, providing a unique typing experience. With the rare use of a Ly stem, this switch offers smooth actuation, making each keystroke satisfying. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple is a tactile switch that offers a different typing experience. While there isn't specific information available about the Purple switch, tactile switches are generally favored for the tactile bump feedback they provide. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Haimu Neo White and Outemu Purple both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, despite these similarities, the two switches may differ in terms of their bottom housings. The Neo White utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Purple also has a nylon bottom housing, suggesting that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality.
One key difference between the Haimu Neo White and Outemu Purple lies in their bottom housings. While both switches feature nylon bottom housings, the impact of the bottom housing on the overall sound and feel of the switch is significant. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. When typing on switches with nylon bottom housings, users may notice a deeper and fuller sound compared to switches with harder plastics. This distinction showcases how housing materials can influence the overall typing experience and sound quality of a switch.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Haimu Neo White and Outemu Purple play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for users looking for a more high-pitched typing experience. Additionally, the nylon bottom housings of both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. Overall, while the two switches may differ in their overall design and aesthetics, their housing materials ultimately contribute to a comparable typing experience in terms of sound quality.
Weight
The Haimu Neo White linear switch has a bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a medium level of resistance for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Purple tactile switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it slightly lighter in comparison. However, since the actuation force of the Neo White is not specified, it is difficult to directly compare the two in terms of actuation force. Both switches offer different advantages – the Neo White may be preferred for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the Purple may be favored by those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Haimu Neo White linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Purple tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Neo White offers a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those seeking a quicker response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Purple switch provides a slightly deeper keypress, which some may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Purple switch being on the longer side. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70, whereas the Outemu Purple comes in at $3.10.
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 profile that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Purple tactile switch is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be affected by external factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Neo White switch provides a mild typing experience that falls in a safe middle ground, making it approachable to most users. The use of a Ly stem in the Neo White contributes to its smooth actuation, resulting in a satisfying typing feel. Unfortunately, details about the tactile feel of the Outemu Purple switch are not available, making it hard to contrast the two switches in terms of feel.
In conclusion, the Haimu Neo White linear switch stands out for its medium weight, slightly reduced total travel, and smooth actuation, offering a distinctive and satisfying typing experience. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Purple tactile switch remain unknown, it is important to consider personal preferences and factors like sound and feel when choosing between the two switches. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics, so selecting the right switch will depend on individual preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, consider your preference for key weight and typing experience. If you prefer a medium weight switch with a smooth actuation and slightly reduced total travel for a distinctive typing feel, then the Neo White may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with no bottom out force and a unique typing experience, the Purple switch could be a good choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and what qualities you value in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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