Haimu Neo White vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Neo White, a linear switch, and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, a tactile switch, offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience. The Neo White switches stand out with their medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, providing a smooth and satisfying feel with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switches offer a medium tactility with a light touch and neutral sound, making them a well-balanced option for those looking for a tactile experience. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, with the Neo White being more mild and neutral, while the Violet Gold Pro is categorized as having a stepped and neutral feel. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Haimu Neo White and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it ideal for those looking to customize their keyboards with colorful lighting. While both switches offer similar sound profiles due to their polycarbonate top housings, the aesthetic differences between the two may appeal to different preferences.
In terms of bottom housing material, both the Neo White and the Violet Gold Pro feature nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for its softer properties, which help to absorb more sound and create a duller, rounder overall sound. Despite the similar use of nylon in their bottom housings, slight nuances may still be present in the sound and feel of each switch due to other factors such as stem design and spring weight.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Neo White and the Violet Gold Pro results in switches that offer a balance of sharp, crisp sound profiles with deep and full characteristics. While both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, subtle differences in sound and feel may be present due to their unique designs and constructions. Whether you prefer the aesthetic appeal of the Neo White or the functionality of the Violet Gold Pro, both switches showcase the benefits of using high-quality housing materials for an enhanced mechanical keyboard experience.
Weight
In comparing the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that their actuation and bottom out forces vary. The Neo White has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it does not require any specific force to trigger a keystroke, while the Violet Gold Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams. On the other hand, the Neo White has a bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a medium level of resistance when pressing all the way down, whereas the bottom out force of the Violet Gold Pro is unknown. In terms of weight, the Neo White is heavier due to its higher bottom out force, while the Violet Gold Pro is lighter based on its lower actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with some favoring a lighter touch for extended typing and gaming sessions, while others may prefer a heavier push for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, we find that the Neo White has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Violet Gold Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for quicker response times. The Neo White offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Violet Gold Pro, making it ideal for those seeking a more responsive feel. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more substantial key press for those who prefer a bit more depth in their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro 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
In terms of sound, both the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they offer a moderate sound level and actuation force, making them suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Ultimately, the choice of board and keycaps may also influence the resulting sound of the switches.
When it comes to feel, the Neo White linear switch is known for providing a mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch is described as stepped, giving it a two-stage tactile feedback that feels more mild compared to hyper-tactile switches. Users can expect to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel with the Violet Gold Pro.
Considering all the available information, both the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer unique qualities that make them stand out in the mechanical keyboard switch market. While the Neo White provides a smooth and satisfying typing experience with its medium weight and reduced total travel, the Violet Gold Pro offers a balanced and neutral tactile feel with a light touch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and sound profile, but users can expect a high-quality typing experience from either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider your preference for typing feel and actuation force. If you prefer a smooth and slightly reduced total travel with a medium weight, the Neo White would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced typing experience with medium tactility and a light touch, the Violet Gold Pro would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
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