TTC Bluish White vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly enhance your typing experience, and the TTC Bluish White and Neo Lavender HE are two distinct options catering to different preferences. The Bluish White switch is characterized by its tactile feedback, offering a satisfyingly poppy typing sensation with a snappy sound profile that many typists find rewarding. Its features are categorized as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, polished, and low-pitched, making it an excellent choice for those who love the feel and sound of traditional mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, presents a clean and low sound, setting itself apart from other magnetic switches and specifically designed for compatibility with Wooting keyboards. This innovative switch provides a smooth, consistent keypress that appeals to gamers and writers alike. Each of these switches has its unique charm; while the Bluish White enhances your typing tactile and auditory pleasure, the Neo Lavender HE offers cutting-edge performance and versatile compatibility. 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
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the Neo Lavender HE switches, a distinct difference arises in their top housing compositions. The Bluish White switch features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's translucency enhances the RGB lighting effects, allowing colors to shine through more vibrantly. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic choice that tends to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. The nylon's softer composition absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a rounder, mellower auditory experience. This fundamental difference in material significantly influences the overall sound characteristics of each switch during use.
However, when we delve into the bottom housing of both switches, similarities emerge. Both the TTC Bluish White and Neo Lavender HE feature a nylon bottom housing, which is renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the soft plastic's ability to absorb sound. This shared characteristic means that while the top housings impart different sound qualities—one being crisper and sharper due to polycarbonate and the other being softer and rounder due to nylon—the bottom housings are aligned in their acoustic properties. Thus, both switches will offer a consistent deep sound when bottomed out, highlighting the role of the softer nylon material in both cases.
Ultimately, the combination of differing top and similar bottom housings in these switches results in unique yet complementary aural experiences. The Bluish White switch's polycarbonate top provides that crispness on release, while its nylon bottom contributes to a robust sound when pressed down. Conversely, the Neo Lavender HE's nylon top ensures a softer sound during key releases, balanced by its nylon bottom that remains consistent in providing a fuller auditory impact. Collectively, users can therefore expect different sound profiles that are influenced by the materials used, but with a consistent depth in sound thanks to the shared nylon bottom housing across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, both options present intriguing characteristics regarding their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bluish White switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Lavender HE switch features a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams, though both share the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that both switches offer a light typing experience, appealing to users who favor extended typing sessions or gaming. The Bluish White switch requires a little more force to actuate compared to the Lavender HE, which makes the latter the lighter option overall. Users who prefer a softer keystroke might gravitate towards the Lavender HE, while those who enjoy a more tactile feedback can appreciate the characteristics of the Bluish White. However, both switches share similar bottom out forces, providing a consistent feel when fully pressed down.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, we find notable differences. The Bluish White has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option between the two. On the other hand, the Lavender HE features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, indicating a slightly deeper feel. For gamers or those who seek quicker response times, the shorter travel distance of the Bluish White may be more appealing. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial and hearty depth will likely gravitate towards the Lavender HE's longer travel distance. Thus, while both switches offer viable options, their travel distances cater to different preferences in typing and gaming experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
The Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 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 TTC Bluish White switches are characterized by a snappy audio profile with a low-pitched quality that delivers a satisfying pop while typing. This aspect contributes to a more bass-heavy tone, resonating well for those who enjoy an audible response to their keystrokes. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE switches, while also recognized for their distinct auditory presence, are known for producing a clean, low sound. This cleaner tone differs from the Bluish White's snappy quality, suggesting a more subdued experience that could be preferable in shared environments. Both sound profiles are subject to influence from the keyboard construction and keycap material, meaning that nuances in sound may vary based on setup.
In the realm of feel, the Bluish White switches offer a rich tactile experience with descriptors such as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished. This combination indicates a smooth keystroke with gentle resistance and distinct tactile feedback at two stages of travel. The buttery finish ensures ease of typing, while the mild characteristics allow a safe, approachable feeling for most users. On the other hand, while details about the feel of the Neo Lavender HE are not provided, one can anticipate a unique tactile experience that may differ significantly from the more complex attribute palette of the Bluish White. Without specific descriptors, it is difficult to compare their tactile feedback directly, leaving the Lavender HE's feel as an unknown factor.
In summary, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch stands out for its snappy, low-pitched sound and rich, multi-faceted tactile feedback, making it an engaging choice for typists who enjoy auditory and tactile interactions. The Neo Lavender HE, although offering a clean sound profile, has limited information regarding its feel, leaving a gap in comparison. Depending on individual preferences for sound and the tactile experience, both switches present unique offerings, and users should consider their specific typing needs when choosing between the two.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, your decision should reflect your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you seek a typing experience that is both enjoyable and engaging, the Bluish White switch is an excellent choice, particularly if you appreciate a tactile feel combined with a snappy, low-pitched sound. Its design features a buttery, polished experience with subtle resistance that makes it approachable for extended typing sessions, making it ideal for casual users or those who enjoy a satisfying auditory feedback during typing. On the other hand, if you prioritize a clean, low sound profile and a smooth keystroke experience with minimal noise, the Neo Lavender HE switch would suit you better, especially if you're using a Wooting keyboard. This switch excels in providing a unique typing sensation, perfect for environments where quieter operation is essential. Therefore, your ideal switch choice hinges on the balance between a tactile, responsive feel with character, versus a smooth and discreet typing experience—choose the former for a lively typing experience and the latter for a more subdued, refined performance.
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