Huano Elf vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Elf and Neo Lavender HE offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Huano Elf, a linear switch, is praised for its POK top housing that enhances acoustics, producing a deep sound signature paired with a medium-light actuation force, resulting in a satisfying typing experience ideal for those who favor smooth keystrokes without tactile feedback. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, delivers a clean, low sound and is optimized for use with Wooting keyboards, setting it apart from traditional mechanical switches with its unique magnetic technology. Enthusiasts might gravitate towards the Elf for its acoustic depth and linear feel, while those seeking precision and a quieter performance may prefer the Lavender HE. 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
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
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
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Neo Lavender HE, a key distinction lies in the composition of their top housings. The Huano Elf utilizes POK material—known for its exceptional smoothness, durability, and shock resistance. Its coefficient of friction is slightly higher than that of nylon, which enhances the tactile experience during keypresses. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE features a nylon top housing, which, while traditional and beloved for its sound absorption properties, does not offer the same level of structural strength and smoothness as POK. Thus, while both switches seek to provide a satisfying typing experience, the Huano Elf excels in performance due to its material's superior attributes.
Despite the differences in their top housings, both the Huano Elf and the Neo Lavender HE utilize nylon for their bottom housings, showcasing a similarity that impacts the overall sound profile of both switches. This consistency ensures that while the top of the switches may deliver differing tactile sensations and sound qualities, the bottom housing provides a deep, fuller auditory experience that is characteristic of nylon. Both switches benefit from the nylon's sound-absorbing qualities, which contribute to a deeper and duller sound when a key bottoms out. This commonality fosters a comforting familiarity for users, allowing them to experience the benefits of both styles despite the varying top housing materials.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials greatly influences the overall performance of each switch. The Huano Elf, with its POK top and nylon bottom, aims for a smoother actuation complemented by a robust acoustical response due to its nylon bottom housing. Meanwhile, the Neo Lavender HE leans into a more traditional sound profile with its fully nylon construction, delivering a softer touch overall. Each design approach brings unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their desired typing experience. Despite the differences, the nylon bottom across both switches ensures a strong baseline of sound and feel that contributes positively to their respective performances.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch to the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, the differences in actuation force and bottom out force are notable. The Elf has an actuation force of 42 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Lavender HE's actuation force of 40 grams, making the Lavender HE the lighter of the two in terms of keystroke engagement. However, the bottom out force for the Elf is unknown, while the Lavender HE has a clearly defined bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it requires a more significant push to fully depress the switch. This contrast implies that typists looking for a lighter and more responsive touch might prefer the Lavender HE, especially for extended use, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel and are comfortable with heavier forces may gravitate towards the Huano Elf. Overall, the Lavender HE provides a softer touch at the actuation point but requires a firmer push to bottom out, whereas the Elf's characteristics are less defined without the bottom out measurement.
Travel distance
The Huano Elf linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Elf the shorter of the two options, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times, as a shorter travel distance often results in more rapid actuation. On the other hand, the Lavender HE, with its greater depth, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback when pressing the key. Thus, if you're looking for a switch that offers responsiveness, the Huano Elf would be the better choice, whereas the Neo Lavender HE might cater more to those who appreciate a more traditional feel with a longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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
The Huano Elf linear switch produces a deep sound signature that many users find satisfying, thanks to its POK top housing designed to enhance acoustics. This combination of materials results in a rich auditory profile that can resonate well with those who prefer a more pronounced sound when typing. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch delivers a clean, low sound. This subtle audio characteristic is particularly appealing to those who prefer a quieter typing experience, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise might be a concern. It's worth noting that the overall sound profile of both switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used, but the Elf will lean towards a deeper resonance while the Lavender HE is designed for a more muted tone.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Elf switch is characterized by a medium-light actuation force that offers a balanced typing experience, striking a satisfying harmony between resistance and ease of travel. Users often appreciate this setup for its intuitive feedback during prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is not specifically described, leaving its feel somewhat unknown. However, given the innovative technology behind hall effect switches, it’s likely to provide a distinct tactile experience that may differ from traditional mechanical switches.
In summary, the Huano Elf and Neo Lavender HE switches cater to different preferences. The Elf stands out with its deep, rich sound and medium-light feel, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy audible feedback while typing. Conversely, the Lavender HE's clean and low sound caters to those seeking a quieter solution, although its tactile feedback remains less defined in available information. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you could find satisfaction in either switch, bringing unique qualities to your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-light feel along with an engaging acoustics profile, the Huano Elf switch is an excellent choice. It offers a unique POK top housing that enhances both the sound and smoothness, resulting in a richer auditory experience during typing. This makes it particularly appealing for users who enjoy that satisfying deep sound signature while typing at a comfortable, moderate pressure.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a lighter switch that provides a clean and low sound—ideal for quieter work environments or late-night typing sessions—the Neo Lavender HE will serve you well. With a bottom-out force of 50 grams, it strikes a nice balance between responsiveness and comfort, making it suitable for both gaming and prolonged typing tasks. Additionally, its compatibility with Wooting keyboards and hall effect technology ensures a reliable and enjoyable typing experience. Therefore, carefully consider the acoustic and tactile preferences you value most to make the best decision between these two distinct switches.
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