Neo Lavender HE vs. Dareu Master
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Dareu Master switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to finding the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often hinges on personal preference, play style, and tactile feedback. The Neo Lavender HE, a cutting-edge hall effect switch, is celebrated for its clean, low sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who desire a quieter typing experience without sacrificing performance. Designed for compatibility with Wooting keyboards, the Lavender HE stands out in the realm of magnetic switches, appealing to gamers and typists who appreciate innovation in switch technology. Conversely, the Dareu Master switch offers a traditional, polished experience with its all-POM linear design. This medium-weight switch provides a satisfying clacky sound signature and remarkable smoothness in operation, catering to users who enjoy a more tactile and audible response during their typing sessions. Each switch has its unique appeal—whether you're after the futuristic quiet of the Lavender HE or the classic, responsive feel of the Master. 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
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the Dareu Master switches showcase distinct characteristics that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Lavender HE utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, a material that is renowned for its softer texture, which allows for an absorption of sound that leads to a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This softness helps to create a more muted and round sound, particularly noticeable when typing. In contrast, the Dareu Master employs POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its housing, both top and bottom. POM is known for its rigid structure, yet it also offers its own unique sound profile that is deep and somewhat muted, but in a different manner than nylon. While both materials aim for a pleasing auditory experience, the approach differs significantly due to their inherent properties.
While the materials differ, the end result in terms of sound character shows that both the Neo Lavender HE and the Dareu Master favor deeper acoustic profiles conducive to a more enjoyable typing experience. The Nylon construction of the Lavender HE focuses on sound absorption to achieve its effect, causing it to emphasize a rounder bottom-out sound, whereas the POM housing of the Master creates a distinct auditory output through its rigidity, leading to a somewhat unique resonance when keys are released. Despite their differences, both designs serve the same purpose, prioritizing a sound that enhances typing satisfaction, albeit through different mechanisms.
Beyond the audial qualities, the physical touch experiences of both switches will also differ based on their housing material compositions. With the Lavender HE's nylon, users might notice a softer bottoming-out feel, allowing for a more cushioned keypress, contrasting with the potentially sharper feedback of the Dareu Master's POM material. Despite these tactile differences, both switches maintain a consistent approach towards delivering a full and satisfying typing experience. This means that while users will experience different feels and sounds during use, both the Neo Lavender HE and the Dareu Master can deliver comparable results in terms of typing enjoyment and performance, meeting the needs of various typists.
Weight
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Dareu Master linear switch exhibit notable differences in actuation force, influencing user preference significantly. The Lavender HE has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less force to activate. In contrast, the Dareu Master features a higher actuation force of 45 grams, though its bottom out force remains unspecified. The increased actuation force of the Master switch may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, without a defined bottom out force for the Master switch, direct comparisons on overall weight feel are limited. Ultimately, the Neo Lavender HE's lighter profile caters well to users seeking a gentler touch, while the Dareu Master leans towards a firmer feel for those who appreciate a stronger push sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, the differences are quite pronounced. The Lavender HE has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Master measures at 3.4 mm. This makes the Master the shorter of the two, appealing to gamers and users who prefer a quicker response time. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Lavender HE, at 3.8 mm, may be more suitable for those who appreciate a deeper, more pronounced key press, offering a more tactile experience. For individuals who prioritize responsiveness, opting for the Master would be advantageous due to its shorter actuation distance, whereas those favoring a richer depth of feel would benefit from the Lavender HE's longer travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
The Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 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
In terms of sound, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is recognized for its clean and low profile sound, making it a more understated choice that avoids the more pronounced auditory feedback typical of many mechanical switches. In contrast, the Dareu Master linear switch features a clacky sound signature, characterized by a sharp and snappy noise that is bright and percussive. This distinction creates a clear audio experience; the Lavender HE delivers a subtle typing ambiance while the Master switch boasts a lively tone that can be quite satisfying for those seeking a more pronounced auditory cue while typing. However, it's important to remember that the overall sound experience can be influenced by the type of keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving to the feel of these switches, the Neo Lavender HE's characteristics are currently unknown, offering a bit of mystery regarding its tactile qualities. On the other hand, the Dareu Master switch is described as having a mild feel, providing a gentle typing experience that is suitable for a wide range of users. Its polished finish contributes to a notably smooth and refined operation, minimizing friction and elevating the overall tactile satisfaction. The Master is designed to appeal to those who appreciate a balanced approach, blending comfort with performance, while the specifics of the Lavender HE's feel remain to be explored.
Overall, if you're weighing the options between the Neo Lavender HE and the Dareu Master linear switch, it's clear they cater to different preferences. The Lavender HE offers a quieter typing experience that may appeal to users who prefer a more discreet sound profile, while the Master boasts a distinct clacky ambiance and a gentle, smooth feel. Ultimately, both switches present the opportunity for quality typing experiences, although their specific characteristics will cater to different needs and preferences within the keyboard community.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, your choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing requirements. If you gravitate towards a light touch with a clean, low sound profile and are using a Wooting keyboard, the Neo Lavender HE might be the ideal choice for you. Its gentle actuation and smoothness make it suitable for extended typing sessions, particularly if you prefer an almost silent experience. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more audible feedback with a classic clacky sound, along with a polished and mild typing feel, the Dareu Master would be a great fit. This switch offers a balanced experience, combining crisp sound with smooth operation, making it enjoyable for both typing and gaming. Ultimately, consider what you value more: a quieter, lighter feel versus a richer auditory experience, and choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style.
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