Dareu Master vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Master and the Haimu Neo White mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches, it's important to note their unique characteristics. The Master switch from Dareu is renowned for its medium weight and classic clacky sound signature, providing users with exceptional smoothness in operation. On the other hand, the Neo White switch from Haimu offers a slightly reduced total travel distance and a distinctive typing feel due to the rare use of a Ly stem, resulting in smooth actuation and satisfying keystrokes. While the Master switch is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Neo White switch falls under 'Mild' and 'Neutral' categories. 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Master utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile overall. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound when pressing down on the switch. Additionally, the Neo White has a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the POM material used in the Master. These differences in housing materials give each switch a unique sound characteristic that can cater to different preferences.
While the Dareu Master and Haimu Neo White have contrasting top housing materials, they both offer a pleasing and unique sound profile. The POM top housing of the Master creates a deeper sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Neo White produces a sharper sound. However, both materials contribute to an overall muted sound, showcasing a similarity in the end result despite the differences in material. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Neo White and the POM bottom housing of the Master both contribute to a fuller sound profile, providing a sense of consistency in the switch's overall sound experience.
In terms of aesthetics, the Neo White's polycarbonate top housing allows for a translucent design that is perfect for showcasing RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Dareu Master's POM material gives it a more solid and opaque appearance. This contrast in design choices may appeal to different users based on their preferences for visual appeal. Additionally, the different sound profiles created by the top and bottom housing materials of each switch offer users the opportunity to tailor their typing experience to their liking, whether they prefer a sharper and crisper sound or a deeper and fuller sound.
Weight
The Dareu Master linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Haimu Neo White linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. On the other hand, the Neo White has a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, while the bottom out force for the Master is unavailable. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Master switch would be the ideal choice, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Neo White switch would be better suited for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer different levels of resistance, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference for typing feel.
Travel distance
The Dareu Master linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both of these switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, with the Master being slightly shorter than the Neo White. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Master due to its slightly shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their key presses may opt for the Neo White. Overall, both switches offer a similar feel in terms of travel distance, so users can expect to get similar results from either option.
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 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
Overall, the Dareu Master linear switch is best known for its classic clacky sound signature and exceptional smoothness in operation, making it a popular choice for users looking for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White linear switch stands out with its medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, offering a distinctive typing feel. While the sound of the Master switch is described as clacky, the Neo White switch is considered neutral, making it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. In terms of feel, both switches are described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the Master switch is noted for its polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience, while the Neo White switch is praised for its smooth actuation due to the rare use of a Ly stem. Overall, both switches offer a smooth and satisfying typing experience, with slight variations in sound and feel that cater to different preferences. Whether choosing the Dareu Master or the Haimu Neo White, users can expect a high-quality typing experience that meets their needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Master linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch with no bottom out force and enjoy a classic clacky sound signature with exceptional smoothness, then the Dareu Master switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a distinctive typing feel with slightly reduced total travel, along with a remarkably smooth actuation, then the Haimu Neo White switch may be more suited to your needs. Consider the sound and feel descriptions as well, with the Master offering a clacky sound and a polished typing experience, while the Neo White provides a neutral sound and a mild typing experience. Ultimately, the decision is yours based on what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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