Dareu Mahjong vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Mahjong and the Haimu Neo White mechanical keyboard switches, both of which are linear switches, there are unique features to consider. The Dareu Mahjong is well-known for its distinct green and white color scheme and lively sound signature, providing an effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White offers a medium weight with slightly reduced total travel and a smooth actuation due to the rare use of a Ly stem. While the Mahjong is categorized as bouncy, mild, neutral, polished, the Neo White falls into the mild, neutral category. Both switches have their advantages, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
45g
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
3.40 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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and the Haimu Neo White reveals some key differences. The Mahjong features a POK top housing, known for its smoothness and durability, while the Neo White boasts a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper sound profile. While the POK material offers exceptional wear resistance and shock resistance, the polycarbonate top housing of the Neo White provides a more resonant sound profile, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics, the clear polycarbonate housing of the Neo White stands out compared to the opaque POK material of the Mahjong.
Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material between the Mahjong and Neo White ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The use of nylon in both switches emphasizes a focus on creating a satisfying typing experience with a deeper sound profile.
It is important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housings of a switch play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of typing. Whether it is the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel from the bottom housing or the influence on the sound when letting go of a key from the top housing, each material contributes uniquely to the typing experience. While the Dareu Mahjong and Haimu Neo White may differ in their top housing materials, their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a similar deep and fuller sound profile during typing. Ultimately, the choice between POK and polycarbonate top housings will depend on personal preference for smoothness, durability, or sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Mahjong linear switch to the Haimu Neo White linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Mahjong has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Neo White's actuation force is unspecified. In terms of bottom out force, the Mahjong has no specific value provided, whereas the Neo White has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is considered medium. It is clear that the Mahjong would provide a lighter typing experience compared to the Neo White, which offers a more substantial push feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preference, with some favoring the lighter actuation force of the Mahjong for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Neo White for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter compared to the Haimu Neo White linear switch with a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their faster response times. The Mahjong switch, being the shorter option, would provide a quicker and more responsive keystroke, while the Neo White switch, with a slightly longer travel distance, might offer a bit more depth and cushioning. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for either a snappier response or a more deliberate keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Mahjong has an MSRP of $8.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mahjong for $5.79.
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
In terms of sound, both the Dareu Mahjong and the Haimu Neo White switches are described as neutral, offering a moderate sound profile that is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you are using the switches at home or work. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Mahjong switch is noted for its bouncy and polished characteristics, providing a spring-like feedback sensation with a smooth and refined finish. This results in a lively and sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. With a slightly reduced total travel and the use of a Ly stem, the Neo White switch provides a smooth actuation, making each keystroke satisfying.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Mahjong and Haimu Neo White linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Mahjong switch has a livelier and poppy sound signature with bouncy and polished attributes, the Neo White switch stands out with its medium weight, smooth actuation, and gentle typing experience. Ultimately, both switches provide a pleasant typing experience, and users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel from these two linear switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you prefer a unique color scheme, lively sound signature, and bouncy feel, the Mahjong switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium weight, smooth actuation, and a slightly reduced total travel for a more refined typing experience, the Neo White switch could be the better option. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile and are suitable for various typing needs, whether you are a beginner or advanced user. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to your personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
