Haimu Neo White vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Neo White and Dareu Snow both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Neo White is praised for its medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, providing a distinctive typing feel that is smooth and satisfying due to the Ly stem. On the other hand, the Snow switch stands out with its innovative use of POK material for a deeper sound signature and a smooth linear feel. While the Neo White is categorized as 'Mild' and 'Neutral', the Snow switch offers a 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Bouncy' typing experience. 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
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Haimu Neo White and the Dareu Snow, we can see that both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. The Neo White's polycarbonate top housing is known for creating a sharp, high-pitched sound profile, while the Snow's POK top housing contributes to a smooth and clacky typing experience. Despite the differences in sound profile, both materials are resilient and durable, offering a reliable construction for long-term use. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Neo White allows for RGB lighting effects, whereas the wear resistance of POK in the Snow ensures longevity and strength.
When it comes to the bottom housing of these keyboards, both the Neo White and the Snow also use nylon as their material of choice. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing produces a deep and rich sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The shared use of nylon in the bottom housing of these keyboards showcases a consistency in sound quality, providing users with a satisfying typing experience. While the bottom housing may not have as much impact on the overall sound as the top housing, the nylon material contributes to a comfortable and pleasant typing sensation.
Ultimately, the decision between the Haimu Neo White and the Dareu Snow will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. The unique characteristics of each housing material offer distinct advantages, whether it be the sharpness and clarity of polycarbonate in the Neo White or the smooth and durable qualities of POK in the Snow. Both keyboards demonstrate a commitment to high-quality materials and construction, ensuring a reliable and enjoyable typing experience for users. Whether you prioritize sound, durability, or aesthetics, both the Neo White and the Snow have something to offer in the realm of keyboard housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, it is evident that the Neo White has a lower actuation force of None grams compared to the Snow's 50 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Neo White is slightly lighter at 58 grams, while the Snow requires 60 grams to bottom out. In terms of weight, the Neo White can be considered lighter due to its lower actuation force, making it a suitable choice for those looking for a less strenuous typing experience. On the other hand, the Snow provides a slightly heavier push feel, which may appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing feedback. Overall, both switches offer a medium bottom out force, but the slight differences in actuation force and bottom out force can cater to users with varying preferences for typing pressure.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Haimu Neo White linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. Gamers who prefer a more abrupt key press may favor the Dareu Snow switch with its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Haimu Neo White switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of key press feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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
When it comes to sound, the Haimu Neo White linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or experienced typists. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch produces a deep and satisfying "thocky" sound due to its innovative use of POK material in the top housing and stem. Both switches provide unique sound experiences that can be further influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel, the Haimu Neo White linear switch provides a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable for most users. With its medium weight and smooth actuation, each keystroke on the Neo White switch feels satisfying and consistent. In comparison, the Dareu Snow linear switch offers a bouncy sensation with a spring-like feedback that gives keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. This difference in feel can cater to individuals with varying preferences for typing feedback.
Overall, the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Neo White switch excels in providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Snow switch stands out with its deep "thocky" sound and bouncy feel. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, users can choose between these switches to achieve their desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality options that can enhance the overall typing experience on a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, consider the following guidelines: you should choose the Neo White switch if you prefer a medium weight switch with a smooth actuation and slightly reduced total travel for a distinctive typing feel. If you are looking for a switch with a deeper sound signature and innovative use of POK material, opt for the Snow switch. Additionally, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, go for the Neo White. On the other hand, if you enjoy a thocky sound profile and bouncy feel, the Snow switch is the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should come down to your personal preferences in terms of typing experience, sound profile, and overall feel.
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