Gateron Aliaz vs. Neo Lavender HE

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the Gateron Aliaz and the Neo Lavender HE have unique qualities that cater to different preferences and environments. The Gateron Aliaz switches are particularly suited for quieter settings, like offices, where their silent design ensures minimal noise while providing a medium-heavy weight that delivers a gratifying tactile feel with each keystroke. This makes them ideal for users who enjoy a pronounced feedback while maintaining a serene atmosphere, fitting descriptions such as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE switches offer a clean, low sound profile and are designed to work seamlessly with Wooting keyboards, setting them apart as a distinct choice among magnetic switches. Their hall effect technology provides consistent performance and a smooth typing experience, appealing to gamers and typists who appreciate precision and durability. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Aliaz Tactile

Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect

$8.00

$5.50 per 10

$4.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Aliaz and the Neo Lavender HE represent two distinct approaches to switch housing materials, each significantly influencing the auditory and tactile experience of typing. The Aliaz features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its durability and rigidity. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE utilizes a nylon top housing, celebrated for its softer texture that yields a deeper, fuller sound profile. The nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a more subdued but rounder auditory experience. Thus, while the Gateron Aliaz excels in clarity and resonance, the Neo Lavender HE focuses on warmth and richness in its sound.

When examining the bottom housings, the Gateron Aliaz maintains the same polycarbonate composition, reinforcing a consistent higher-pitched sound that corresponds with its top housing. This combination ensures that users experience a clear and consistent sound quality from both ends of the switch. Conversely, the Neo Lavender HE employs a nylon bottom housing, which further aligns with its emphasis on creating a soft, rounded sound. The contrasting materials result in a more pronounced divergence in auditory experience; while the Aliaz provides a crisp sound from both the top and bottom, the Lavender HE showcases a deeper character due to the softer nylon in both components.

Given these differences in housing materials, the overall typing experience for each switch will vary significantly. The Aliaz's combination of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom offers a unified, clear auditory profile perfect for those who enjoy a bright and sharp typing sound. In contrast, the Lavender HE's nylon dual-housing design ensures a more complex sound character, with greater focus on a warm and rounded auditory feedback. Users seeking a more vibrant and immediate sound may gravitate towards the Aliaz, while those who appreciate a full, smoother sound profile may find the Lavender HE to be more to their liking. Despite the differences, if both switches were outfitted similarly, one could expect them to perform within their respective realms effectively but with distinctly different tonal qualities.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch to the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Aliaz has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, providing users with a more substantial typing experience that some may prefer for its tactile feedback. In contrast, the Lavender HE boasts a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who favor a more effortless typing experience, especially during long work sessions or gaming marathons. This means that while both switches differ significantly in weight, with the Aliaz being the heavier option and the Lavender HE being the lighter one, they will offer distinctly different user experiences. The Aliaz might feel more demanding to press, whereas the Lavender HE will cater to those looking for a lighter touch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, it is clear that the Aliaz, with a travel distance of 4 mm, offers a more pronounced and deeper keypress experience. In contrast, the Lavender HE has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. While both switches are relatively close in travel length, the Aliaz provides a fuller depth that may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Lavender HE's shorter travel distance may better cater to gamers seeking quick and responsive actions, allowing for faster key presses without the more pronounced bottom-out sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on individual preferences for depth and responsiveness, with the Aliaz being the longer option and the Lavender HE being the shorter.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is designed for quiet operation, making it ideal for office environments or any setting where minimal noise is preferred. These switches produce a muted sound profile, offering a softer and quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is known for its clean, low sound, which sets it apart from typical switches. Both switches cater to users looking to reduce auditory distractions, though the exact nature of the Lavender HE's sound is less defined and may be influenced by the keyboard and keycap configurations used.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Aliaz switches deliver a notably silky and polished typing experience. This smoothness is a result of either the high-quality materials used or factory lubrication, ensuring a refined feel with reduced friction and resistance during key presses. The substantial weight of the Aliaz imparts a more pronounced feedback without compromising on comfort. The Neo Lavender HE switch, while distinct in its mechanism, lacks detailed descriptions of its tactile feel, leaving its overall sensation relatively unknown compared to the well-rounded feedback offered by the Aliaz.

In summary, while both the Gateron Aliaz and Neo Lavender HE switches aim to provide a quiet typing experience, the Aliaz excels with its muted sound and tactile feedback. Users seeking a silky, polished feel will find the Aliaz particularly appealing, whereas the feel of the Lavender HE remains less defined. Ultimately, both options can cater to users desiring a more subdued auditory experience in a mechanical keyboard, though the Aliaz provides a more comprehensive tactile experience when it comes to the physical sensation of typing.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between Gateron Aliaz tactile switches and Neo Lavender HE hall effect switches ultimately hinges on your preferences regarding typing experience, sound level, and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you work in a quiet office or need a switch that minimizes noise while providing a satisfying tactile feedback, the Aliaz, with its heavier bottom out force of 75 grams, will suit you well. Its muted sound profile and silky, polished feel create an ideal typing atmosphere where distractions are kept to a minimum. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a more responsive feel while enjoying the benefits of a clean and low sound, the Neo Lavender HE switches are the way to go. With a bottom out force of only 50 grams, they allow for a swift typing experience, particularly advantageous in gaming scenarios, and their compatibility with Wooting keyboards adds versatility. Ultimately, your decision should reflect the balance between the tactile feedback you desire and the acoustic environment you’re working within.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Aliaz Tactile

$8.00

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect

$4.50 per 10

Learn more