TTC Brother vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother and the Neo Lavender HE represent two distinct approaches to typing and gaming experiences. The TTC Brother, renowned for its clicky, tactile feedback, captures the hearts of enthusiasts with its lightweight actuation at just 37g and a satisfying crunch that resonates with each keystroke. This switch combines a distinct tactile bump with a crisp sound signature, making it an ideal choice for users who appreciate the classic clicky sensation. On the other hand, the Neo Lavender HE introduces a quieter, more understated performance with its hall effect technology, designed for those who favor a smoother typing experience without the auditory distraction. Particularly notable for its compatibility with Wooting keyboards, this switch offers precision and efficiency, appealing to gamers and typists who prioritize a seamless keystroke. While both switches provide unique benefits, the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. 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
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
17.5mm spring
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the TTC Brother and the Neo Lavender HE switches, significant differences emerge in their top housing materials. The TTC Brother features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency, contributing to a sharper and crisper sound profile when typing. This characteristic makes polycarbonate a favorable choice for those who enjoy RGB lighting in their keyboards, as the material's clear nature allows for vibrant light diffusion. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE utilizes a nylon top housing, which, by its softer composition, absorbs sound more effectively. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that tends to produce a rounder auditory experience, contrasting sharply with the crisper output of the Brother’s polycarbonate.
The bottom housing for both switches, however, employs nylon, which unifies their fundamental sound characteristics. As a classic material for mechanical switches, nylon's soft properties contribute to a deeper and fuller sound that is consistent across the two models. Each bottom housing's role is paramount in the overall typing experience, as it influences the feedback felt at bottom-out and contributes to the switch's overall sound. Since both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, users of both the TTC Brother and the Neo Lavender HE can expect similar deep sound profiles that stem from this material.
In summary, while the TTC Brother and the Neo Lavender HE differ in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—their bottom housings create a common ground in acoustic performance. The contrasting materials in the top housings lead to unique sound experiences; however, the shared nylon bottom ensures that users will still encounter a warm and resonant base to their typing experience, regardless of which switch they choose. Therefore, although the sound profiles might diverge at the top, the underlying uniformity provided by the nylon bottom housing offers a consistent depth and fullness in the overall auditory feedback between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, we observe some notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The TTC Brother switch has an actuation force of 37 grams, which makes it the lighter option compared to the Neo Lavender HE, which requires 40 grams of actuation force. However, the TTC Brother's bottom out force is unavailable, leaving us without a basis for direct comparison in that regard. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating it requires a firmer press to register the keystroke completely. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer sessions, the Brother switch would be more suitable, whereas those who appreciate a heavier push for a more tactile feel might favor the Lavender HE due to its increased actuation and bottoming out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, the TTC Brother offers a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Neo Lavender HE measures at 3.8 mm. This means that the Brother switch has a shorter travel distance, which can result in a quicker response time—ideal for gamers who prioritize speed. In contrast, the longer 3.8 mm travel distance of the Lavender HE switch provides a more substantial feedback experience, which some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Consequently, individuals who prefer a nimble feel may lean towards the Brother switch, while those valuing deeper keystrokes might opt for the Lavender HE switch. Overall, while the travel distances differ, choosing between them depends largely on personal preference for responsiveness versus depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 Brother clicky switch offers a distinctly crunchy audio profile that provides a satisfying auditory feedback, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. This clear and precise sound signature enhances the typing experience for enthusiasts of clicky switches, making every keystroke feel engaging and responsive. Conversely, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is characterized by a clean, low sound, which likely delivers a more subdued auditory experience in comparison to the Brother. This difference caters to users who prefer quieter operation while still desiring a reliable input, although it’s worth noting that the overall sound profile can be influenced by the keyboard build and keycap choice.
In terms of feel, the Brother switch excels with its lightweight actuation of just 37g, making it feel effortless to type on and reducing finger fatigue even during extended sessions. Its tactile bump is well-defined, providing a pleasant and subtle feedback that is distinctively enjoyable without being overwhelming. Furthermore, the stepped nature of the Brother switch allows for a nuanced keystroke feel, where users can sense a defined transition during activation. On the other hand, the feel characteristics of the Neo Lavender HE remain unknown, which means it may provide a different experience that needs to be explored to fully appreciate its tactile response.
In conclusion, while the TTC Brother clicky switch offers a unique sound and a notably light, tactile typing experience, the Neo Lavender HE switch presents a quieter alternative that may suit those who prefer a less pronounced auditory feedback. The Brother switch stands as a benchmark for clicky enthusiasts with its crunchy sound and easy-to-press feel, making it a go-to option, while the Lavender HE might fill a niche for users looking for lower sound profiles. Ultimately, your experience may vary based on personal preference and the specific keyboard setup you choose to pair with these switches.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and intended usage. If you crave an engaging and satisfying typing experience, the Brother switch should be your go-to option. Its lightweight actuation and crisp, crunchy feedback make it particularly well-suited for those lengthy writing sessions, gaming marathons, or simply for those who enjoy an audible click that resonates with each keystroke. Moreover, its tactile feedback strikes a delightful balance, making it enjoyable without being overwhelming. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers a cleaner and quieter typing experience, the Neo Lavender HE is an excellent choice. Its 50g bottom-out force provides a light resistance that can be particularly favorable for more focused, precise keystrokes, especially in situations where noise levels need to be minimized, such as in a shared workspace. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal typing style, sound preferences, and the overall ambiance you wish to create while using your mechanical keyboard.
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