TTC Gold Pink vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options like the TTC Gold Pink and the Neo Lavender HE, each offering distinct advantages. The Gold Pink, a linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptionally light 37g actuation force, allowing for a rapid and effortless typing experience, ideal for gamers and fast typists alike. Its clacky auditory feedback adds a layer of satisfaction for those who enjoy a lively keystroke. On the other hand, the Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, provides a quieter and more refined experience, particularly well-suited for users looking for a smooth typing feel without the noise. Designed to work seamlessly with Wooting keyboards, the Lavender HE distinguishes itself with its magnetic technology, offering reliability and precision. While both switches cater to different preferences—lightweight responsiveness versus quiet efficiency—they each have unique traits that cater to a variety of typing and gaming styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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
Stainless steel
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Pink and Neo Lavender HE switches present a fascinating comparison, particularly regarding their top housing. The Gold Pink utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is noted for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This rigidity contributes to a crisper audio experience that enhances clarity, making it ideal for users looking for precision in auditory feedback. Additionally, the polycarbonate’s translucency allows for effective RGB lighting diffusion, which is a crucial appeal for gamers and aesthetics enthusiasts. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE features a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper, fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature. The nylon absorbs more sound than its polycarbonate counterpart, resulting in a sound that is described as duller and rounder, which may appeal to users seeking a more muted auditory feedback during their typing experience.
When we examine the bottom housings of these switches, an interesting similarity arises as both the Gold Pink and the Lavender HE utilize nylon. This consistent choice of nylon for the bottom housing leads to a shared quality in sound dampening and overall feel. Both switches will produce a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out, as the softer nylon absorbs impact noise, creating a more subdued auditory experience. This parallel in the bottom housing ensures that both switches exhibit similar performance characteristics in terms of their tactile feedback and sound output during intense typing sessions, regardless of the distinct nature of their top housings.
Ultimately, while the Gold Pink and Neo Lavender HE switches differ in their top housing materials, their nylon bottom housings create a cohesive foundation for sound characteristics. The polycarbonate top of the Gold Pink provides a bright sound profile when releasing a key, while the nylon top of the Lavender HE fosters a rounder auditory experience. However, the typing experience for both switches shares a common softness attributed to the nylon used in the bottoms, resulting in a deeper bottom-out sound and a satisfying tactile response. Users seeking distinct auditory profiles on key presses may prefer one over the other, yet both switches are crafted to deliver satisfying results across their respective ranges.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, we observe some differences in weight that impact user experience. The Gold Pink switch has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Lavender HE switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that the Gold Pink switch is the lighter option overall, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions and gaming due to its lower resistance. Conversely, the heavier Lavender HE switch may appeal to users seeking a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches can be categorized as light, but the Gold Pink is the more lightweight choice, providing a potentially less fatiguing experience during long use.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch reveals distinct differences that cater to varying preferences among users. The Gold Pink features a travel distance of 4 mm, aligning with a more traditional depth that some users appreciate for its tactile feedback and satisfying key press. In contrast, the Lavender HE offers a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, appealing to gamers and others who favor quicker response times for enhanced performance. While the difference may seem minimal, the 0.2 mm gap can influence the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Ultimately, those who prefer a more pronounced key press might lean towards the Gold Pink, whereas users looking for swift actuation might find the Lavender HE more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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 Pink switch offers a clacky acoustic signature that adds a vibrant auditory feedback to your typing experience. This lively noise can be quite satisfying, especially when speeding through rapid sequences of keystrokes or during intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Neo Lavender HE switch provides a clean, low sound that is notably quieter than the Gold Pink. This makes the Lavender HE a more suitable option for shared environments or if you're seeking a more subdued auditory profile. Ultimately, while the Gold Pink excites with its pronounced clack, the Lavender HE delivers a more muted and refined soundscape, catering to different preferences.
In terms of feel, the Gold Pink linear switch is characterized by a buttery, mild sensation that's both smooth and approachable. The light 37g actuation force creates a feathery and subtle typing experience, reducing finger fatigue and delivering effortless keystrokes. Its polished quality means users can expect refined key travel, making it ideal for long periods of typing or gaming. Conversely, the specific feel characteristics of the Lavender HE remain unknown, which leaves some ambiguity in comparison. While tactile feedback is often a significant element of hall-effect switches, the precise experience would depend on the design and materials used in this specific switch.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Pink switch is a fantastic choice for users who prioritize a lightweight, lively typing experience with a clacky sound, while the Neo Lavender HE caters to those who prefer a quieter, clean sound and potentially different tactile feedback qualities that are yet to be detailed. Both switches offer their unique attributes, and your choice will depend on whether you lean towards an energetic auditory experience or a more subtle and refined one. Regardless of the option you choose, both have the potential to deliver satisfying results tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a fast, effortless typing experience with a light actuation force—ideal for rapid inputs in both gaming and typing—then the Gold Pink is an excellent choice. With its buttery, feathery feel, it provides a comfortable experience that can minimize finger fatigue during long sessions, making it particularly suited for gamers or individuals who type extensively. On the other hand, if you seek a distinctive sound profile and are interested in exploring the benefits brought by magnetic technology, the Lavender HE may be more your style. With its clean sound and appealing actuation force, it offers a refined experience that is quiet enough for shared environments. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether you value a light, lively feel with the Gold Pink or a unique, innovative typing experience with the Lavender HE.
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