Dareu Aqua vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, preferences can vary significantly based on typing style and desired feedback. The Dareu Aqua linear switch is notable for its super light 37g actuation force, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a lighter touch and a more playful sound signature. users often appreciate its chirpy and clacky auditory feedback, which adds character to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White switch strikes a balance with its medium weight actuation and slightly reduced total travel, appealing to typists who favor a smooth and satisfying keystroke. Thanks to its rare Ly stem design, the Neo White offers a uniquely smooth actuation that enhances overall typing efficiency. Ultimately, whether you're drawn to the feather-light feel of the Aqua or the balanced precision of the Neo White, both switches have their merits for different users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities, so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your unique typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and the Haimu Neo White both feature polycarbonate top housings, which significantly contributes to the clarity and sharpness of their sound profiles. Polycarbonate, known for its rigidity, enhances the overall sound experience by allowing for a higher-pitched and crisper audio quality. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for users who favor a pronounced auditory feedback from their mechanical keys. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate not only aids in delivering a clearer sound but also makes both switches highly compatible with RGB lighting, effectively illuminating the aesthetics of a keyboard setup. Consequently, whether one opts for the Aqua or the Neo White, they can expect a similarly vibrant and resonant sound due to this shared material in the top housing.
In contrast, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, which lends a deeper and fuller sound profile to key presses. Nylon's softer nature absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience when typing. This balance between the stiffer, clearer sound produced by the polycarbonate top and the sonorous, richer tones introduced by the nylon bottom creates a unique acoustic experience that blends the two materials' properties. As both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect a consistent performance across both models, focusing on the tactile feel and bottom-out sound that this classic material delivers.
Ultimately, while the Dareu Aqua and Haimu Neo White showcase similarities in their choice of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, the interplay of these materials plays a critical role in defining their audio profiles. The stiffer polycarbonate promotes a crisp release sound while the softer nylon softens the impact of keystrokes, leading to a balanced and satisfying typing experience. Therefore, users can reasonably anticipate similar results in terms of sound quality and tactile feedback, regardless of the specific model they choose, reinforcing the emphasis on material composition in achieving the desired keyboard performance.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, we find a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces, though the Aqua's bottom out force is not specified. The Aqua switch features a light actuation force of 37 grams, which makes it an excellent choice for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Neo White switch has a bottom out force of 58 grams, indicating a more substantial feel when the key is fully pressed down, though its actuation force remains unspecified. This suggests that the Neo White may require a stronger push overall, catering to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Consequently, users seeking a lighter switch should gravitate towards the Dareu Aqua, while those desiring more resistance and a heavier feel at the bottom should consider the Haimu Neo White. Without knowledge of the actuation force for the Neo White, we can't make a complete comparison of their typing dynamics, but it is clear that the Aqua is positioned as the lighter option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, the Aqua features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Neo White has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Aqua switch offers a more traditional and deeper feel, which might appeal to users who appreciate a hearty depth when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Neo White's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those who prefer a quicker response time typically favored by gamers, as shorter travel distances can enhance overall efficiency. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that provides a more pronounced tactile experience, the Aqua is the better option with its longer travel distance, while the Neo White offers a more immediate and responsive action.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Aqua has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua for $3.76.
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 Dareu Aqua linear switch produces a distinctive chirpy and clacky sound signature. This unique acoustic quality is characterized by a little squeak and a sharp, snappy noise, lending it a crisp and bright profile that can be satisfying for users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White switch is known for its neutral sound, providing a moderate acoustic experience that doesn’t draw too much attention to itself. This makes the Neo White versatile for various environments, whether you're at home or in a professional setting, where subtlety may be preferred. Depending on your keyboard and keycap choice, the overall sound can vary, but expect the Dareu Aqua to stand out more in terms of auditory character than the more subdued Haimu Neo White.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Aqua shines with its super light 37g actuation force, delivering an easy-to-press and feathery experience. This design allows for minimal finger exertion, making it comfortable for prolonged typing sessions while reducing fatigue. The switch's gentle resistance contributes to a responsive typing experience that many users find enjoyable and effortless. The Haimu Neo White, on the other hand, offers a mild typing experience that strikes a balance without being overly pronounced in either direction. While it may lack the extreme lightness of the Aqua, it still provides a gentle typing feel that many users can appreciate. Both switches cater to those who prefer a lighter touch, but the Aqua takes it further with its ultra-light actuation.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Aqua and Haimu Neo White linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Aqua’s distinctive chirpy and clacky sound, combined with its ultra-light and easy-to-press feel, makes it particularly suited for users who crave auditory feedback and a minimal typing effort. Meanwhile, the Neo White appeals to those who seek a more neutral sound and a mild typing experience that fits a variety of settings. Depending on what you prioritize—sound or feel—you’ll find appealing options in both switches, though the Aqua may offer a more pronounced auditory and tactile engagement compared to the Neo White's more subdued characteristics.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, you should consider your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a lighter key feel and a sound that is both chirpy and clacky, the Dareu Aqua is your best bet, especially for activities like gaming or casual typing where a quick, responsive keystroke is key to your experience. Its low actuation force makes it easy to press and reduces finger fatigue, making it suitable for long gaming sessions or marathon typing tasks. On the other hand, if you want a sturdy, all-around switch that provides a balanced feel and sound profile, the Haimu Neo White would be more appropriate. Its medium actuation force and smooth actuation, complemented by its neutral sound, make it ideal for both work and leisure, appealing to users who appreciate a versatile typing experience. In essence, choose the Aqua for a feather-light, dynamic response, and the Neo White for a dependable, smooth feel that can comfortably transition between tasks.
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