KTT Cream Yellow vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow 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 influence your typing experience, and two standout options are the KTT Cream Yellow and the Neo Lavender HE. The KTT Cream Yellow switch is celebrated for its vibrant, clacky sound profile and a distinctly bouncy feel, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem that enhances audio feedback and responsiveness. This makes it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a tactile and auditory typing experience. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE offers a quieter and cleaner sound profile, distinguished by its innovative hall effect technology that pairs seamlessly with Wooting keyboards. While both switches cater to different preferences—those seeking an expressive clack versus those who prefer a subdued feel—they each bring unique characteristics to the table. 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
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
18mm spring
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the Neo Lavender HE, we observe notable differences, particularly in the composition of their top housings. The KTT Cream Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This results in a sharper and crisper sound profile, enhancing the clarity of audio feedback during typing, particularly when RGB lighting is in play. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE employs a nylon top housing that is softer and absorption-oriented, producing a deeper and rounder sound profile. This stark difference in material plays a significant role in the overall acoustic character of each switch, with the Cream Yellow favoring brightness and resonance while the Lavender HE emphasizes warmth and fullness.
Moving to the bottom housings, both the KTT Cream Yellow and Neo Lavender HE utilize nylon material, which brings a consistent element of auditory performance to both switches. The nylon bottom housing in each of these switches facilitates a fuller sound profile that absorbs noise effectively. This shared characteristic means that regardless of the contrasting top housing materials, both switches will produce a similar sound experience when bottoming out due to the soft nature of nylon's absorption properties. This highlights how the bottom housing can merge the auditory qualities of both switches, leading to a cohesive experience when typing that emphasizes a deeper sound.
In essence, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon materials in the KTT Cream Yellow and the all-nylon construction of the Neo Lavender HE lead to distinct sound profiles influenced by the top housings while maintaining a similar auditory experience when it comes to bottoming out due to the nylon used in both bottom housings. Thus, while the two switches demonstrate varying characteristics in their top housing sound profiles—sharp clarity versus warm fullness—the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver enjoyable and consistent performance during use. Typing on either of these switches can be a rewarding experience, dependent upon the user's preference for brightness or depth while also ensuring a familiar, rounded sound when the keys are fully pressed down.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Cream Yellow requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and has a bottom out force of 58 grams, both of which fall into the medium range, providing a more substantial feel during typing. In contrast, the Lavender HE switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a softer touch, particularly beneficial for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Thus, the Cream Yellow switch offers a heavier overall resistance compared to the Lavender HE, making it ideal for users who enjoy a stronger push feel in their typing experience. Conversely, if one is looking for a lighter keystroke, the Neo Lavender HE would be the preferable option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, we find that the Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Lavender HE has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Cream Yellow offers a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more responsive for those who favor quicker key presses—ideal for gamers who seek faster response times. In contrast, the Lavender HE, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a deeper keypress experience, which can feel more substantial and satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, as the Cream Yellow's shorter travel distance could lead to speedier execution of commands, while the Lavender HE's longer travel distance might provide a more traditional and hearty typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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 KTT Cream Yellow switch delivers a distinctly clacky auditory experience characterized by its crisp and percussive tones. This sharp, bright sound comes from its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, which create a resonant audio feedback during keystrokes. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is known for producing a clean, low sound, though specific descriptors for its acoustic profile are less defined. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences; however, external factors like the keyboard build and keycap material will ultimately influence how these sounds translate in real-world usage.
In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch is acclaimed for its bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like feedback that adds an energizing quality to typing. This lively feel, enhanced by a longer spring, ensures that you experience a gratifying rebound with every keystroke. On the other hand, details concerning the tactile feedback of the Neo Lavender HE switch are not provided, leaving its specific feel unknown. Without personal experience or detailed user feedback on the Lavender switch's tactile qualities, it's challenging to make a direct comparison to the Cream Yellow.
In conclusion, both the KTT Cream Yellow and Neo Lavender HE switches present distinct auditory and tactile experiences, although the specifics of the Lavender switch's feel remain uncertain. If you're leaning towards a switch with an engaging sound and bouncy typing feel, the Cream Yellow is a solid choice, providing that crisp clack and responsive feedback. Meanwhile, the Neo Lavender HE offers a quieter, smoother typing experience, catering to those who prefer a more subdued acoustic profile. Depending on your typing preferences and the overall setup, both switches can deliver enjoyable results, albeit in markedly different ways.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a more tactile and auditory experience, the Cream Yellow is an excellent choice with its distinctive clacky sound and bouncy feedback, making it ideal for enthusiastic typists, gamers, or anyone who appreciates the energetic sensation of a lively keyboard. Its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams ensures a balanced feel, suitable for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. Conversely, if you prefer a quieter, smooth keystroke with a lighter actuation force, the Neo Lavender HE is the way to go. Its clean, low sound is perfect for quieter environments, and the 50-gram bottom-out force allows for effortless typing, making it a fitting option for those who prioritize silence and comfort over sound feedback. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what you value more in your keyboard experience—whether it be the engaging auditory cues and bounce of the Cream Yellow or the subtlety and ease of the Lavender HE.
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