Dareu Dream vs. Neo Lavender HE

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two intriguing options to consider are the Dareu Dream and the Neo Lavender HE. The Dareu Dream is celebrated for its incredibly light linear feel, making it easy to press and offering a satisfying clack with each keystroke. Its attractive price point adds to its appeal, positioning it as a favorite among enthusiasts who prioritize both quality and affordability. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE utilizes hall effect technology, providing a clean, low sound that sets it apart from traditional magnetic switches. This switch is designed to work seamlessly with Wooting keyboards, catering to users who may appreciate its unique capabilities. While the Dareu Dream excels in providing a familiar and tactile typing experience, the Neo Lavender HE offers a more distinct, responsive benefit that may appeal to a different audience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Dareu Dream Linear

Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

$4.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the Neo Lavender HE switches, a distinct contrast emerges between their top housing materials. The Dareu Dream features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is characterized by clarity and resonance. This is largely attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing for a more defined auditory experience. Additionally, its translucency makes polycarbonate ideal for RGB lighting setups, enhancing the aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE employs a nylon top housing which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon’s softer nature tends to absorb sound, producing a duller and rounder acoustical response, thus creating a more muted typing experience. This fundamental difference in materials significantly influences the auditory feedback and overall tactile experience of each switch.

However, when we turn to the bottom housing of both switches, we discover a noteworthy similarity. Both the Dareu Dream and the Neo Lavender HE utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which is recognized as a classic switch housing material. The use of nylon here results in a profound consistency: it elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics like polycarbonate. As such, when typing on either switch, users will experience the lush and well-rounded sound that is characteristic of nylon. This consistency allows both switches to maintain similar tactile feedback in their bottoming-out sensations, fostering a cohesive experience across either model despite the differences found in their respective top housings.

The interplay between the top and bottom housing materials is crucial in determining the overall sensory experience when using these switches. In the case of the Dareu Dream, the sharpness derived from polycarbonate in the top housing combines with the fullness of nylon in the bottom housing, resulting in a balanced performance that offers both clarity when releasing keys and depth when pressing down. Meanwhile, the Neo Lavender HE, with its nylon top housing, maintains a more consistent profile throughout, focusing on warmth and fullness. As a result, while both switches offer distinct sound profiles stemming from their top housings, the nylon bottom allows for a shared foundation of auditory characteristics, demonstrating how different materials can lead to varied yet harmonizing auditory experiences in mechanical switches.

Weight

When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, both switches feature the same actuation force of 40 grams, leading to a similar typing feel when initiating a keystroke. However, the contrast lies in the bottom out force, where the Lavender HE has a specified bottom out force of 50 grams, while the bottom out force for the Dream switch is unavailable. This means that, while both switches start with the same light actuation force, the Lavender HE requires a bit more pressure to fully depress, resulting in a heavier feel overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience suitable for prolonged use, the Dareu Dream may be more appealing. Conversely, the Neo Lavender HE, with its heavier bottom out force, would cater to those who favor a more substantial and tactile typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, we find that the Dream has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lavender HE measures at 3.8 mm. This makes the Lavender HE the shorter option, offering a slightly more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. Conversely, the Dareu Dream, with its 4 mm travel distance, provides a more substantial keypress that some users may prefer for its tactile depth. Ultimately, if you prioritize speed, the Lavender HE might be more suitable, whereas the Dream offers a more traditional and hearty experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Dareu Dream linear switch delivers a distinct and clacky auditory experience. This type of sound is characterized by its sharp and snappy quality, making each key press feel engaging and providing a satisfying auditory feedback. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is noted for its clean, low sound. While the specific sonic qualities of the Lavender HE are less detailed, users can expect a more subdued and smooth auditory experience, perhaps leading to a quieter typing environment, depending on the setup.

Regarding feel, the Dareu Dream switches shine with their easy-to-press characteristics. This switch design requires minimal force to activate, offering gentle resistance that enhances comfort during prolonged typing sessions. The mild nature of the Dream switches ensures that their tactile feedback is approachable and not overwhelming, making them suitable for a wide range of users. However, the feel of the Neo Lavender HE is currently unspecified; thus, it’s difficult to draw a direct comparison in this aspect.

In summary, the Dareu Dream linear switch stands out with its clacky sound and light actuation feel, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate a responsive typing experience at an affordable price. Meanwhile, the Neo Lavender HE offers a quieter sound profile that may cater to users seeking a more subdued auditory experience. While the Dareu Dream provides clear qualities in both sound and feel, the Lavender HE’s feel remains a mystery. Ultimately, both switches have their unique strengths, and your choice will depend on which qualities align with your typing preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you're looking for a switch that offers a very light actuation, allowing for effortless typing and minimal finger fatigue, the Dream is an excellent choice. Its clacky sound adds a distinct auditory feedback, which can enhance your typing experience, especially if you enjoy a percussive sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you value a clean, low sound profile and prefer a slightly firmer feel, the Lavender HE may be better suited for you. Its 50-gram bottom-out force offers a tad more resistance, making it ideal for users who desire a bit of feedback without sacrificing comfort. Furthermore, the Lavender HE's compatibility with Wooting keyboards and its unique magnetic technology provide a different typing experience that stands out among other options. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you lean towards a more playful, lightweight typing experience or a streamlined, authoritative feel.

Mentioned in this article

Dareu Dream Linear

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

Learn more

Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect

$4.50 per 10

Learn more