Kailh Box White V2 vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White V2 and the Neo Lavender HE stand out for their unique characteristics and target audiences. The Box White V2 is celebrated for its clicky design, delivering a satisfying tactile feedback with a distinct audible click that many users appreciate for both typing and gaming. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more traditional typing experience and crave that audible confirmation with every keypress. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE offers a different appeal altogether, utilizing hall effect technology to provide a smooth and low sound while still maintaining a responsive feel. Designed to work seamlessly with Wooting keyboards, the Lavender HE is perfect for users who prefer a quieter setup without sacrificing performance. Both switches cater to different preferences—one thriving in its loud and tactile environment while the other promotes a more subdued yet responsive typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 and the Neo Lavender HE switches, a notable distinction lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer characteristics. This material contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile, making key presses feel crisper and more defined. The transparent nature of polycarbonate also enhances RGB lighting effects, allowing the colors to shine through vibrantly. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE has a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and rounder sound profile. The softer nature of nylon helps to absorb sound, resulting in a more muted auditory experience when typing. Thus, while the Box White V2’s polycarbonate fosters a brighter sound, the Lavender HE’s nylon generates a warmer tone, showcasing how materials can dramatically influence the typing acoustics.
The bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, which impacts the overall sound and feel during interaction. Nylon, recognized as a classic switch housing material, contributes a fuller and deeper sound due to its ability to absorb sound waves more effectively than stiffer plastics. As a result, both switches will provide a somewhat similar underlying auditory experience during key presses, as they share the same bottom housing material. This means that while the nuances of sound may diverge due to the differences in top housing materials, the bottom housing of both switches will create a more rounded and subdued bottom-out sound. The collaboration between the two different top-housing materials and the shared nylon bottom creates a unique contrast in auditory experiences from both switches.
In conclusion, the differentiation between the Kailh Box White V2 and Neo Lavender HE primarily stems from the variance in their top housing materials while sharing a common bottom housing material. The polycarbonate top of the Box White V2 offers a bright and clear typing experience, which complements the deeper tones provided by its nylon bottom. Conversely, the Lavender HE's nylon top contributes to a more mellow sound profile while maintaining similar bottom-out characteristics to the Box White V2. If you desire a combination of defined upper sounds and muted lower tones, both switches can deliver satisfying outcomes, yet each will offer unique sound experiences when engaged.
Weight
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch offer distinct actuation forces while sharing a similar bottom out force. The Box White V2 has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Lavender HE features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This means that typists and gamers who prefer less force when triggering a keystroke might find the Lavender HE to be the more comfortable option for longer sessions. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that once fully pressed down, they deliver a consistent resistance. Therefore, regardless of the variances in actuation forces, users will experience a similar weight when bottoming out, which can provide a robust typing experience. Overall, while the Box White V2 offers a slightly heavier feel, the Lavender HE is the lighter switch, catering to those who favor a gentler touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, the differences are notable. The Box White V2 features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lavender HE has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that for users seeking a more responsive experience, the Box White V2 would be preferable due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate faster response times. Conversely, those who appreciate a more pronounced depth when typing might gravitate towards the Lavender HE, as its longer travel distance offers a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box White V2 switch is well-known for its crisp and sharp audible click, which provides a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists and gamers find enjoyable. This pronounced clicking sound enhances the overall typing experience, making each keystroke feel more engaging. Conversely, the Neo Lavender HE switch produces a clean, low sound, which offers a much more subdued auditory experience compared to the Box White V2. The relatively quieter nature of the Lavender HE can appeal to those who prefer less noise while typing, contributing to a more discreet environment.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White V2 is characterized by its tactile feedback that is both pronounced and defined, allowing users to know precisely when the actuation point has been reached. This tactile quality can help improve typing accuracy and provide a more responsive feel overall. In contrast, the feel of the Neo Lavender HE switch is not detailed here, leaving some uncertainty about how it compares with the tactile engagement of the Box White V2.
In summary, the Kailh Box White V2 excels in producing a loud and distinctive click along with a tactile feedback that many find satisfactory for both typing and gaming. The Neo Lavender HE, on the other hand, is distinguished by its clean and low sound profile, possibly making it suitable for quieter settings although its tactile qualities remain unspecified. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences: one for those who enjoy pronounced click sounds and tactile responses, and the other for individuals who favor quieter operations without a detailed tactile description. Depending on your priorities—whether sound or feel—you will find unique qualities in these switches to suit your typing needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, consider your typing preferences and the type of experience you're seeking. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a pronounced audible click, the Kailh Box White V2 is an excellent choice, especially for tasks that require clear feedback, like typing or gaming. The satisfying click and tactile bump can enhance your interaction and make typing feel engaging, particularly if you thrive on that auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter and smoother experience with a more refined actuation feel, the Neo Lavender HE is the way to go. Designed for a low sound profile and optimized for use with Wooting keyboards, its magnetic actuation system provides a unique typing experience that can be more forgiving during longer typing sessions. Both switches have a light bottom-out force of 50 grams, making them easy on the fingers, but the choice ultimately comes down to whether you prioritize tactile and audible feedback or a smooth and silent operation.
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