TTC Gold Silver vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Silver and the Neo Lavender HE offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The TTC Gold Silver, a linear switch, is celebrated for its rapid responsiveness and smooth keystrokes, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who prioritize speed and precision. With its shortened travel and a solid bottom-out feel, the Gold Silver delivers a satisfying tactile experience that resonates with a rich sound profile, blending speed, sound, and fluidity seamlessly. On the other hand, the Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, delivers a unique typing experience characterized by a clean, low sound which is particularly notable when used with Wooting keyboards. Known for its innovative technology and compatibility, the Lavender HE offers a distinctive feel that may appeal to users seeking a quieter, yet responsive typing 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Silver and Neo Lavender HE switches are differentiated primarily by their top housing materials, which significantly influence their overall sound profiles. The Gold Silver employs a polycarbonate top housing, which, due to the material's stiffness, produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound characterized by clarity and resonance. This quality is essential for users who seek a more defined auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the Lavender HE features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to generate a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer characteristics allow it to absorb sound, leading to a more muted and round auditory experience. The differences between polycarbonate and nylon in the top housing material mean that users will experience distinctly varied sound profiles from each switch.
However, both the TTC Gold Silver and Neo Lavender HE share a commonality in their bottom housing, with both using nylon material. This unifying factor ensures that typing experience and sound profile across both switches are significantly impacted by the soft nature of nylon, which, as noted, diminishes sharp overtones and contributes to a deeper sound. This similarity plays a crucial role in the overall feel of each switch, as the bottom housing is primarily engaged during key presses and bottoming out. As such, the deeper tonal quality of the nylon bottom housing predominates when keys are fully depressed, adding a level of consistency in sound and tactile feedback to both switches regardless of their disparate top housings.
In essence, while the TTC Gold Silver and Neo Lavender HE switches offer contrasting sound profiles due to their top housing materials, their shared nylon bottom housing ensures a level of auditory coherence within the experience. Users who prioritize a richer audio feedback may lean towards the Gold Silver for its bright, clear notes enhanced by polycarbonate, while those seeking a more rounded and full sound might prefer the Lavender HE. Nevertheless, users will find that both switches provide a satisfying typing experience through the nylon bottom housing, rendering them both effective choices depending on individual sound preferences and typing sensations.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, the actuation and bottom out forces present some interesting distinctions. The Gold Silver switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Lavender HE is slightly lighter at 40 grams. This means that for users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Lavender HE may be more suitable. However, the TTC Gold Silver's bottom out force is not specified, leaving us without a comparison for that measurement. In contrast, the Lavender HE has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a more substantial feel when the key is fully pressed down. Overall, users looking for a lighter switch will find the Lavender HE more aligned with their preferences, while those who appreciate a stronger push may gravitate towards the TTC Gold Silver, although the unknown bottom out force complicates a direct comparison in that regard.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, we find that the Gold Silver has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Lavender HE features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference positions the Gold Silver as the more responsive option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker actuation times for improved performance. On the other hand, the Lavender HE's longer travel distance might be preferable for users who enjoy a more substantial key press and deeper tactile feedback. Both switches offer distinctive characteristics suited to different preferences, with the Gold Silver catering to those who favor rapid response and the Lavender HE appealing to users who appreciate a more deliberate typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Silver for $2.90.
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 sound profile of the TTC Gold Silver switch is characterized by a thocky and low-pitched tone, creating a deep and satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. This gives the perception of a rich "thud" or soft "knock" as keys are pressed and released, which can be particularly enjoyable for users who appreciate that tactile audio cue while typing. The tonal characteristics fall into a neutral domain, making the switch versatile for different environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. In contrast, the sound profile of the Neo Lavender HE is clean and minimal, producing a low sound that can be less intrusive, especially suited for quieter spaces. However, the finer details of its sound signature remain unspecified, leaving room for curiosity about how it might compare to the more resonant qualities of the Gold Silver.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch excels with its polished and silky finish, offering an incredibly smooth typing experience. This results from the materials used and potentially factory lubrication, which reduces friction and enhances the fluidity of each keystroke. The overall typing experience with Gold Silver switches is described as mild and subtle, ensuring a gentle yet positive resistance that doesn’t overwhelm the typist. While the Neo Lavender HE switch is noted for its compatibility with Wooting keyboards and its magnetic characteristics, specific descriptors about its tactile feel remain unmentioned. This leaves uncertainty regarding how the Lavender HE stack up in terms of smoothness, resistance, or any unique textural qualities.
In conclusion, while the TTC Gold Silver linear switch is characterized by a pronounced thocky sound and a smooth, polished typing experience, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is defined by a clean low sound profile unique to its magnetic mechanism. Users seeking an engaging auditory experience might find greater satisfaction with Gold Silver, while those who prefer a more subdued sound may lean towards the Lavender HE. However, details regarding the feel of the Lavender HE are not provided, making it difficult to fully compare their tactile experiences. Overall, both switches have qualities that might appeal to different preferences, and understanding their sound and feel can significantly enhance a typist's experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you're seeking a swift and responsive typing experience, particularly for gaming or high-speed typing tasks, the TTC Gold Silver is a compelling choice. Its smooth travel, thocky sound profile, and light touch make it ideal for quick keystrokes, allowing you to enjoy a sense of closure with each press. Conversely, if you prioritize quiet operation and clean sound, especially in shared workspaces or during intensive focus sessions, the Lavender HE stands out as a favorable option. Its 50-gram bottom-out force ensures a light yet distinct feedback that can enhance the typing rhythm without being intrusive. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value rapid responsiveness and engaging acoustics or prefer a smooth, unobtrusive typing sensation.
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