TTC Gold Brown vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown and the Neo Lavender HE present two distinct yet compelling options, catering to different user preferences. The Gold Brown switches are renowned for their balanced performance, featuring a slight tactile bump that offers satisfying feedback without being overly harsh. This makes them an excellent choice for users seeking a touch of tactility in their typing experience, complemented by a moderately weighty feel and a rounded, soft sound profile. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE switches bring a unique twist with their Hall effect technology, resulting in a clean, low sound that sets them apart from traditional mechanical switches. These switches are designed to work seamlessly with Wooting keyboards, appealing to gamers and typists alike who prioritize precision and innovation. While both switches have their strengths—tactile satisfaction in the Gold Brown and advanced responsiveness in the Lavender HE—each offers a different feel and auditory experience. 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
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 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
Stainless steel
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown and Neo Lavender HE switches are distinguished by their distinct top housing materials, resulting in contrasting sound profiles. The Gold Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer composition and inherent translucency. This characteristic contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound quality, making it ideal for users who prefer more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE utilizes a nylon top housing, which is a softer material that absorbs sound and produces a deeper, fuller sound profile. Users of the Lavender HE can expect a rounder sound that lends itself to a more muted acoustic experience, emphasizing what many typists find to be a satisfying tactile feedback without the more aggressive crispness that polycarbonate provides.
Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material, made of nylon in both the Gold Brown and Lavender HE. This similarity in bottom housing results in a deeper and rounder sound profile for both switches when bottoming out. Given that nylon is traditionally known for its ability to absorb sound, the bottom-out experience in both switches will be shaped by the plush qualities of the nylon, regardless of the contrasting tops. This means that while users can expect differing sounds upon key release due to the different top materials, the overall depth and fullness when the keys are pressed down will feel familiar and consistent across both models.
Ultimately, the differences in sound profile are primarily due to the top housing materials, leading to a unique auditory experience with the Gold Brown and Lavender HE switches. While the polycarbonate of the Gold Brown creates a more striking auditory feedback, the nylon top of the Lavender HE produces a subtle, rounded sound. However, when bottoming out, both switches provide a similar, fuller sound experience, thanks to their common nylon bottom housing. For users who seek a pronounced auditory experience without sacrificing the depth in sound when keys are pressed, experimenting with either switch will yield satisfactory results, while still catering to different auditory preferences.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch showcase distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, reflecting their suitability for varied typing preferences. The Gold Brown features a medium actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a satisfying resistance that some typists favor for a substantial feel. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE is noticeably lighter, with an actuation force of only 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This reduced resistance makes it ideal for those who prefer effortless typing, especially during extended sessions at work or gaming marathons. Overall, while the Gold Brown offers a heavier, more tactile experience, the Lavender HE caters to users seeking a lighter touch, emphasizing comfort and ease during prolonged use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, the Gold Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lavender HE measures slightly shorter at 3.8 mm. This difference in travel distance caters to different preferences among users: the longer 4 mm travel of the Gold Brown offers a more traditional and pronounced tactile experience, which many users appreciate for its depth and feedback during key presses. In contrast, the 3.8 mm travel of the Lavender HE may appeal to those who favor quicker response times, especially in gaming scenarios where speed is essential. Therefore, if you prefer a more responsive feel with less travel distance, the Lavender HE would be the better option, while the Gold Brown is ideal for those who enjoy a more substantial actuation. Overall, the Gold Brown is the longer switch, while the Lavender HE is shorter.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 Gold Brown tactile switch produces a rounded and moderate sound profile, which is softer than many other mechanical switches but still audible. This neutral acoustics make the Gold Brown suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in an office setting, appealing to both beginners and seasoned users alike. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is characterized by a clean, low sound. This unique acoustic quality sets it apart from more typical magnetic switches, although specific details regarding the sound profile are less defined. Ultimately, both switches provide options for a quieter typing experience, but the Gold Brown leans towards a rounded softness, while the Lavender HE offers a distinct low note.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown switches are noted for their mild and buttery characteristics, providing a gentle and smooth typing experience. The tactile bump feels accentuated without being overwhelmingly pronounced, making them approachable for users seeking a comfortable mid-range tactile sensation. Their polished feel enhances the experience, allowing for smooth key presses with minimal friction. Conversely, the feel qualities of the Neo Lavender HE switch are unknown, leaving us to speculate about their tactile feedback and overall keystroke experience. Without specific details, a direct comparison remains elusive.
In summary, both TTC Gold Brown and Neo Lavender HE switches have their distinct strengths, particularly in sound, where Gold Brown offers a softer rounded tone and the Lavender HE presents a clean low profile. Feel-wise, the Gold Brown is celebrated for its gentle and smooth experience while the tactile characteristics of the Lavender HE remain undefined. For those who prioritize a balanced and polished typing experience, the Gold Brown is an excellent choice, whereas the Lavender HE may appeal to those looking for a unique sound profile in a magnetic switch. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preferences in sound and feel, and both options can yield satisfying results in different ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you desire a balanced typing experience that combines a satisfying tactile bump with a moderate sound profile, the Gold Brown is an excellent choice. Its slightly increased bottom-out force provides a level of control that many typists find advantageous, especially in office environments or for general use where a blend of comfort and feedback is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a smoother actuation, the Neo Lavender HE may be more suited to your needs. Its clean, low sound and reduced force make it ideal for fast-paced gaming or for users who want to minimize finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. In summary, consider your personal comfort and the environments in which you'll be using the keyboard to make the best selection for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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