Dareu Holly vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Holly and Haimu Neo White are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct typing experiences. The Holly, a tactile switch, is praised for its unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing feel for users. On the other hand, the Neo White, a linear switch, stands out with its smooth actuation due to the rare use of a Ly stem, offering a satisfying typing experience. While the Holly caters to those looking for a tactile feedback with a medium 50g actuation force, the Neo White appeals to users seeking a smooth and slightly reduced total travel. 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
50g
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 Holly and the Haimu Neo White both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, while both switches share the same material for the top housing, they may differ in terms of design or color.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Holly and the Neo White utilize nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other materials. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite having the same bottom housing material, the switches may still offer unique typing experiences due to differences in key design or construction.
While both switches may share similar characteristics based on their housing materials, the split design of having different materials for the top and bottom housings can offer a more nuanced typing experience. The qualities of each material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting both the sound and feel of typing. The bottom housing material will influence the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material will affect the sound when releasing a key. This dual-material design adds another layer of complexity to the overall typing experience of each switch.
Weight
In comparing the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in the typing experience. The Holly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes swiftly. In contrast, the Neo White linear switch has a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. The Holly switch lacks information on its bottom out force, while the Neo White switch does not disclose its actuation force. Despite the lack of specific values, it can be assumed that the Holly switch would offer a lighter typing experience overall, while the Neo White switch would have a heavier and more tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences regarding typing force.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Holly offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the Neo White's shorter travel distance may appeal to those seeking a faster response time, such as gamers. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Holly being slightly longer than the Neo White. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for either a deeper key press or a quicker response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Holly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holly 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
The Dareu Holly tactile switch is known for its unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile. The clickiness of the Holly switch may appeal to users looking for a more pronounced auditory feedback, while the Neo White switch provides a quieter and more subtle typing experience, suitable for various environments.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the information provided for the Holly is unknown, while the Neo White switch is described as providing a mild and gentle typing experience. The smooth actuation of the Neo White switch, enhanced by the Ly stem, offers a satisfying and approachable feel for users who prefer a more subtle tactile feedback compared to the potentially more pronounced feel of the Holly switch.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holly switch caters to those seeking a unique and clicky typing experience, while the Neo White switch provides a smoother and quieter alternative. Depending on personal preference and typing habits, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, you should consider your preferences in terms of typing experience. If you enjoy a unique sound signature combining chirpy and clacky elements, along with a medium 50g actuation force, then the Holly switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and satisfying typing feel with a slightly reduced total travel and a medium bottom out force of 58 grams, then the Neo White switch would be a better fit for you. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to your personal preference in sound and feel while typing.
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