TTC Flaming Pink vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, the choice of switch can greatly influence the typing experience. The TTC Flaming Pink switch is celebrated for its smooth, linear action that delivers a responsive feel and a satisfying bottom-out sound, making it an excellent option for both gaming and everyday tasks. Its bright yet not overly loud sound profile allows for a pleasant typing experience without being too intrusive. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE switch utilizes hall effect technology, offering a clean and low sound that sets it apart from traditional magnetic switches. Its unique compatibility with Wooting keyboards can provide a distinct edge for users seeking versatility in their setups. Each switch has its own strengths; the Flaming Pink is perfect for those who appreciate a classic, tactile experience, while the Lavender HE appeals to those looking for innovative features and quieter operation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Pink and the Neo Lavender HE switches exhibit distinct characteristics based on their housing materials. The Flaming Pink's top housing is made from polycarbonate, a material known for its stiffer properties, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Lavender HE features a nylon top housing, a classic material that tends to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its inherent softness. This difference in housing materials ultimately affects the auditory experience users will encounter; while the Flaming Pink is likely to resonate with a more vibrant sound ideal for RGB setups, the Lavender HE provides a more subdued auditory experience.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, however, a significant similarity arises. Both the Flaming Pink and the Lavender HE utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which ensures that they share a deeper and fuller sound profile elicited from this softer plastic. As nylon absorbs more sound than the stiffer polycarbonate, both switches will generate a similar bottom-out sound that is rounder and more muted. This commonality in the bottom housing implies that regardless of the differences in the top materials, users can expect a comforting and consistent auditory feedback upon actuation.
Overall, while the Flaming Pink and the Lavender HE differ remarkably in their respective top housing materials, they present a harmonious balance in the bottom housing, leading to comparable sound qualities during keypresses. The stiffer polycarbonate top of the Flaming Pink creates a bright and engaging sound on release, while the softer nylon bottom ensures a consistent depth in sound across both switches when bottomed out. Ultimately, these materials guide the unique acoustic profiles of each switch, but both share a resonant and satisfying experience, especially when considering the interacting characteristics of their housings.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to users who prefer a softer typing experience. The Flaming Pink has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Neo Lavender HE is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 40 grams, yet matches the Flaming Pink with a bottom out force of 50 grams. Consequently, both switches provide a similar bottoming out experience, ensuring that users enjoy a consistent feel when fully pressing the keys. For users who favor a lighter setup for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Neo Lavender HE is the better choice due to its lower actuation force, while the Flaming Pink offers a slightly heavier actuation for those who prefer a more substantial push feel. Ultimately, the Flaming Pink is the heavier option of the two with regard to the actuation force, but both switches remain in the lighter category overall.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, notable differences emerge. The Flaming Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Lavender HE measures a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is longer. For gamers seeking quicker response times, the Flaming Pink may provide a more responsive experience due to its shorter travel distance. Conversely, those who prefer a more pronounced feel when pressing down on keys might lean towards the Lavender HE, as its longer travel distance offers a deeper and more satisfying actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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
The TTC Flaming Pink switch produces a bright yet not overly loud sound profile, striking a balance that makes it suitable for both gaming and everyday typing. Its bottom-out sound is satisfying and contributes to a premium typing experience, making it enjoyable for long sessions at the keyboard. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE offers a clean, low sound that distinguishes it from traditional mechanical switches. Both switches generate sound that can be influenced by the keyboard they are used with and the choice of keycaps, but the distinct tonal characteristics of each switch offer unique auditory experiences.
In terms of feel, the Flaming Pink switch is renowned for its smooth and responsive action, providing a fluid typing experience that many users appreciate. This linear switch design reduces tactile bumps, enabling rapid key presses perfect for gaming and typing alike. The Lavender HE, being a hall effect switch, is also expected to deliver a smooth feel. However, specific details regarding its tactile feedback and responsiveness compared to traditional linear switches are unknown. While both switches promise a smooth typing experience, individual preference may influence how each is perceived in practice.
In conclusion, both the TTC Flaming Pink and the Neo Lavender HE switches provide appealing qualities that cater to various typing preferences and usages. The Flaming Pink's satisfying sound and smooth feel make it a solid choice for gamers and typists seeking quality, while the Lavender HE's distinct low sound and unique hall effect design offer a different tactile experience. Ultimately, both switches can lead to enjoyable typing experiences, whether you favor the brightness of the Flaming Pink or the cleanliness of the Lavender HE.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, it ultimately depends on your specific preferences and use cases. If you're looking for an engaging typing experience that balances both gaming and everyday tasks, the Flaming Pink is a strong contender; its smooth and responsive feel, coupled with a satisfying sound profile, makes it suitable for users who appreciate subtle audio feedback during typing. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a quieter typing experience and perhaps utilize a Wooting keyboard, the Neo Lavender HE might be the better choice for you. Its clean and low sound, along with the unique benefits of magnetic actuation, can provide a different tactile experience that stands out from traditional mechanical switches. Therefore, consider how much you value sound and responsiveness in your typing experience, as well as whether you're leaning more towards a casual typing feel or the precision that hall effect switches offer. Ultimately, both switches present a well-rounded option for light actuation forces, so it comes down to your personal needs and preferences.
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