Haimu Neo White vs. Outemu Phoenix
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the Outemu Phoenix switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Haimu Neo White and the Outemu Phoenix mechanical keyboard switches, you will find yourself faced with a decision between a linear switch and a clicky switch. The Neo White is praised for its medium weight, reduced total travel, and smooth actuation, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Phoenix stands out for its under-skirt click mechanism, offering a unique typing feel and sound profile. The Neo White is categorized as 'Mild' and 'Neutral', while the Phoenix is categorized as 'Crunchy' and 'Polished'. It ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound profile. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Haimu Neo White and the Outemu Phoenix both utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, creating a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting as it allows the light to shine through. However, the Neo White stands out with its nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature. In contrast, the Phoenix sticks with polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings, maintaining consistency in sound quality throughout the switch.
In terms of sound characteristics, the Neo White's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound than the Phoenix's polycarbonate bottom housing, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Meanwhile, both switches share the same sharp and crisp sound profile in their polycarbonate top housings. The impact of the bottom housing is felt when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. While the Neo White offers a mix of materials for varied sound experiences, the Phoenix opts for a consistent sound profile with polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings.
Ultimately, the choice between the Haimu Neo White and the Outemu Phoenix comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. The Neo White's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing provides a unique blend of sharpness and depth in sound. On the other hand, the Phoenix's overall polycarbonate construction ensures a consistent sharp and resonant sound profile throughout. Whether you prefer a switch with a mixture of sound qualities or a more uniform sound experience, both switches offer high-quality materials and construction for a satisfying typing or gaming experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, both switches have an actuation force of None grams. However, the Neo White has a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Phoenix has a bottom out force of 62 grams. This makes the Neo White slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force. Lighter switches like the Neo White may be preferred for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions, as they require less effort to press. On the other hand, the Phoenix switch may provide a more substantial typing experience due to its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the amount of force desired for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Haimu Neo White linear switch is 3.6 mm, which is longer than the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance could impact the feel of the switch when typing or gaming. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may opt for the Neo White, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes may lean towards the Phoenix. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Phoenix comes in at $4.15.
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, suitable for a wide range of typing environments and preferences. The Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, on the other hand, provides a crunchy sound experience reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. This unique sound profile may be more appealing to those seeking a distinct auditory feedback while typing. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors like the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Haimu Neo White linear switch provides a mild typing experience, making it approachable to most users due to its gentle characteristics. In contrast, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch offers a polished feel with a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Those who prefer a more refined and polished typing feel may find the Outemu Phoenix switch to be more to their liking.
Taking into account the sound and feel characteristics of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, it is clear that they offer distinct typing experiences. The Neo White switch provides a neutral sound and a mild typing feel, while the Phoenix switch offers a crunchy sound and a polished typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel during typing. Remember that the keyboard as a whole, including the keycaps and board, will also play a role in the overall typing experience, so experimentation may be necessary to find the perfect match for your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, then the Haimu Neo White linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique clicky switch with a crystalline and sparkling sound profile, then the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the feel and sound of the switch, so choose wisely based on your preferences.
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