TTC Gold Red vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red 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 Red and the Neo Lavender HE present distinct experiences for typists and gamers alike. The Gold Red linear switches are celebrated for their buttery smooth actuation and light-medium resistance, providing a seamless typing experience that's both satisfying and efficient. Their snappy yet subtle sound profile enhances the ambiance of your setup without being overly intrusive, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a polished and refined touch. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE utilizes hall effect technology, featuring a clean, low sound that sets it apart from conventional mechanical switches. Designed to work seamlessly with Wooting keyboards, these switches offer a unique feel and responsiveness that cater to niche users looking for more specialized applications. Each switch brings its own strengths to the table—whether you lean towards the silky experience of the Gold Red or the innovative approach of the Lavender HE. 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
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 Red and the Neo Lavender HE switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their acoustic profiles and overall feel during use. The Gold Red features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper and higher-pitched sound. This stiffness allows for greater resonance and clarity, making it particularly appealing for users who favor a bright and pronounced auditory feedback when typing. The translucency of polycarbonate also serves a dual purpose; it enhances the aesthetic appeal, especially when RGB lighting is employed, allowing for vibrant lighting effects to shine through. In contrast, the Lavender HE's top housing is made from nylon, a softer plastic that is characterized by its ability to absorb sound more effectively. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, creating a more muted auditory experience. Consequently, users of the Lavender HE can expect a more rounded and subdued acoustic when typing, catering well to those who favor a quieter workspace.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Gold Red and the Lavender HE utilize nylon, thereby sharing some acoustic characteristics that are independent of the top housing material. With both switches employing nylon for the bottom, they will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile upon bottoming out, producing a more softened auditory feedback that contrasts with the sharper tones associated with polycarbonate. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that, despite their differences in top housing, both switches yield a comparable experience when a key is fully pressed. For those who prefer a cushioned feel and sound when typing, the nylon bottom housing serves to mute sharp keystrokes, creating a consistent auditory experience between the two models in that regard.
Ultimately, the distinct choice of materials for the top housings of the TTC Gold Red and Neo Lavender HE switches yields contrasting acoustic profiles while their nylon bottom housings provide a common ground. Users who appreciate a bright and clear sound might gravitate towards the Gold Red, while those who enjoy a more subdued and resonant sound may prefer the Lavender HE. Nevertheless, when both switches are pressed to their bottoms, the nylon delivers a familiar auditory experience, showcasing how varying top materials can uniquely enhance or dampen the overall typing experience without compromising the comforting sound attributed to the nylon bases. Thus, regardless of their differences, users can find satisfaction in both switches, depending on what sound profile matches their typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, both switches exhibit similar bottom out forces at 50 grams, indicating that they provide a consistent feel when pressed fully down. However, their actuation forces differ slightly, with the Gold Red switch requiring an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Lavender HE switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This means the Lavender HE switch is the lighter option, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it requires less force to initiate a keystroke. In contrast, the Gold Red switch, being slightly heavier, may offer a more substantial typing experience that some users prefer. Overall, while both switches are light, the Lavender HE provides a marginal advantage for those seeking a softer touch.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red linear switch boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, which has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. While the difference is subtle, the Gold Red's travel aligns more closely with the traditional 4.0 mm standard, which may provide a more pronounced tactile experience for users who prefer a deeper key press. On the other hand, the Lavender HE's shorter travel distance caters to those seeking quicker response times, a feature often favored by gamers. Ultimately, if you gravitate towards a more responsive feel, the Lavender HE might be your go-to, whereas the Gold Red can offer a more substantial press for users who appreciate a greater depth in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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 comparing the sound profiles of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, you'll find distinct characteristics that cater to different auditory preferences. The Gold Red offers a thocky, low-pitched sound that produces a satisfying deep "thud" when pressed, making it enjoyable for users who appreciate a richer acoustics while typing. This low-pitched and neutral sound profile contributes to a pleasant and subtle ambiance, suitable for both home and professional environments. In contrast, the sound signature of the Lavender HE is characterized as clean and low, prioritizing clarity without the added resonance common in some mechanical switches. While the Gold Red presents a more pronounced auditory experience, the Lavender HE offers a quieter and more unobtrusive soundscape, making it ideal for settings where minimal noise is preferred.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Red is truly in a league of its own, delivering a light-medium resistance that is approachable for various users, ranging from beginners to seasoned typists. Its mild and silky characteristics result in an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhanced by a subtle resistance that remains comfortable across prolonged use. The polished quality of the switch further reduces friction, providing a fluid key travel that many enthusiasts cherish. While the exact feel of the Lavender HE is not defined in provided details, the nature of hall effect switches often leads to an exceptionally smooth actuation as well. If the Lavender HE maintains that hallmark quality, it might still provide a different tactile sensation that could stand in contrast to the more familiar feel of the Gold Red.
In conclusion, while both switches offer unique qualities tailored to different user preferences, they can cater to distinct types of typists. The TTC Gold Red presents a rich auditory experience coupled with a silky feel, making it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more tactile and acoustic feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Neo Lavender HE, being clean and low in sound, may attract users who prioritize a quieter typing experience with potentially smooth actuation. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you lean more towards pronounced auditory satisfaction or a subtle, peaceful typing environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch ultimately depends on your specific typing needs and preferences. If you are looking for a smooth, universally appealing typing experience, the Gold Red is an excellent option. Its light 50-gram actuation force, combined with its mild and silky feel, makes it suitable for both casual and professional settings. Plus, the thocky and low-pitched sound profile strikes a nice balance, making it appropriate for shared spaces without being too intrusive. On the other hand, if you want to explore innovative technology and enjoy a unique sound while typing, the Neo Lavender HE could be the way to go. Its compatibility with Wooting keyboards and its clean, low sound set it apart from traditional mechanical switches. This option may be favorable if you prioritize a distinct acoustic experience combined with a subtle touch in resistance. Overall, consider your priorities—whether it’s the smoothness and versatility of the Gold Red or the unique characteristics of the Lavender HE—when making your selection.
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