KTT Ash Gray vs. Neo Lavender HE

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, preferences often hinge on the desired tactile experience and sound profile. The KTT Ash Gray switch excels in providing a tactile response that is both substantial and unobtrusive, making it ideal for users who enjoy a nuanced feedback without being overwhelmed. With its easy-to-press mechanism, mild actuation force, and neutral feedback, the Ash Gray is perfect for typing tasks that demand precision and comfort. On the other hand, the Neo Lavender HE switch offers a distinctive low sound and an innovative hall effect design, which sets it apart from traditional switches, particularly for those who appreciate the unique synergy with Wooting keyboards. This switch caters to users seeking a quieter typing experience while benefiting from the durability and responsiveness of magnetic technology. Both options cater to distinct preferences, but they each offer compelling reasons for consideration. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

$4.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials used in the KTT Ash Gray and Neo Lavender HE switches showcase significant differences in their top housings, creating distinct sound profiles during use. The Ash Gray features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material is also advantageous for RGB lighting applications due to its translucency, allowing for vibrant illumination to shine through. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE utilizes a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound. The softness of nylon generally absorbs some sound, resulting in a more muted resonance compared to the bright characteristics of polycarbonate. Thus, while both switches can deliver quality auditory feedback, the resultant sound experiences when pressing the keys will diverge notably based on the material properties of their top housings.

When analyzing the bottom housings of both switches, a similarity emerges as both the Ash Gray and Neo Lavender HE are made of nylon. This shared material results in a consistent deep and round sound profile during typing. The softness of the nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a smoother auditory experience while typing. As a result, both switches will share commonalities in the typing experience through their bottom housings, producing a mellow bottom-out sound that is characteristic of switches with nylon material. This uniformity in the bottom housing means that while the overall sound may vary during key releases due to the differing top housings, the fundamental typing experience remains relatively consistent across both models.

In summary, the switch constructions of the KTT Ash Gray and Neo Lavender HE offer different auditory experiences based on their material selections. The polycarbonate top housing of the Ash Gray provides a clearer, brighter sound, perfect for RGB environments, while the nylon top housing of the Lavender HE results in a fuller, deeper sound profile. However, both switches share the nylon bottom housing, ensuring that they will produce similar characteristics in the bottom-out sound and feel during use. This combination of differing top materials and the commonality in bottom materials creates a multifaceted experience, appealing to users with varying preferences for acoustic feedback and aesthetic considerations.

Weight

The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Ash Gray features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, positioning it as a medium-light option favored by those who enjoy a balance between lightness and feedback. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE has a slightly higher actuation force of 40 grams but a lower bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a lighter switch overall. The differences in the bottom out forces indicate that the Ash Gray provides a more pronounced resistance as you press down fully, while the Lavender HE allows for a lighter experience when bottoming out. For users who prefer longer typing sessions with less strain, the Ash Gray’s medium-light actuation may suit them well, while the Lavender HE's lower bottom out force offers a smooth and lighter keystroke experience, making it ideal for users who desire a gentler touch. Ultimately, these switches cater to different preferences: the Ash Gray favors those who appreciate a stronger tactile feedback, while the Lavender HE appeals to those looking for a lighter, effortless keystroke.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, it is clear that the Ash Gray has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Lavender HE features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference in travel distance can influence user experience; the shorter 3.5 mm travel of the Ash Gray may be preferable for gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter distances typically allow for faster actuation. Conversely, the 3.8 mm travel of the Lavender HE can provide a more pronounced feel, which some users may appreciate as it offers a sense of depth that the shorter switch might lack. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding speed and tactile feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Ash Gray switch offers a neutral tone that strikes a balance, providing a moderate auditory profile that is suitable for various environments—be it at home or the office. This makes it a versatile choice for users who need something that won’t be distracting while still delivering a satisfying click when pressed. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is characterized by a clean, low sound. This distinction gives the Lavender HE a more subdued auditory experience compared to the Ash Gray, making it ideal for users who prefer a quieter typing environment. However, it's worth noting that the actual sound produced by each switch can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used, which can either enhance or dampen their inherent qualities.

In terms of feel, the KTT Ash Gray switch excels with its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for activation. This gentle resistance makes for a comfortable typing experience, allowing users to type for extended periods without fatigue. The tactile feedback is mild yet noticeable, striking a pleasant balance that is easy to adapt to, appealing to both newcomers and seasoned typists. In contrast, the feel of the Neo Lavender HE has not been explicitly described; therefore, its characteristics remain unknown in comparison. Without specific details regarding tactile feedback or actuation force, it’s difficult to draw direct parallels with the Ash Gray's feel.

Ultimately, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch stands out for its neutral sound profile and mild yet comfortable tactile feedback, offering a well-rounded typing experience that caters to a variety of users. Meanwhile, the Neo Lavender HE boasts a clean, low sound that is distinct but lacks detailed descriptions of its tactile feel. While both switches have qualities that may appeal to different users, the Ash Gray provides a more defined experience in terms of feel and versatility, whereas the Lavender HE offers a unique auditory experience that corresponds with hall effect technology. If sound and tactile feedback are primary considerations for your keyboard choice, the Ash Gray might be the more straightforward option, while the Lavender HE could suit those who prioritize a quieter operation.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you’re searching for a tactile experience that provides satisfying feedback without being overly pronounced, the Ash Gray is an excellent choice, particularly for typing tasks that require comfort and mild pressure. Its neutral sound profile makes it a versatile option, fitting seamlessly into both home and work settings without drawing too much attention. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch and are looking for a quieter, clean typing experience, the Lavender HE will serve you well, especially if you’re using compatible Wooting keyboards. This switch excels in offering a subdued, yet precise action, ideal for those who appreciate a more refined keystroke with less resistance. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal typing style—favoring either the balanced tactile engagement of the Ash Gray or the smooth understated operation of the Lavender HE.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect

$4.50 per 10

Learn more