Gateron Ink Red vs. Neo Lavender HE

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Ink Red and the Neo Lavender HE offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Gateron Ink Red is a linear switch celebrated for its low actuation force, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter typing style. Users often rave about its smooth keystrokes and the satisfying, crisp clack sound that accompanies each press, creating an enjoyable and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, presents a unique alternative with its magnetic sensing technology, which provides a clean, low sound profile. This switch is particularly compatible with Wooting keyboards and stands out for its innovative design. While the Ink Red appeals to those looking for a silky, polished feel with a pronounced auditory feedback, the Lavender HE offers a quieter yet reliable typing experience that emphasizes precision over sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your typing needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Red Linear

Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$4.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Neo Lavender HE, it is evident that there are distinct differences in the compositions of their top and bottom housings. The Ink Red utilizes a proprietary INK blend, which is crafted to produce a higher-pitched and relatively sharp sound profile. This combination results in a typing experience that is typically described as satisfying and "clacky." In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE features nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon is renowned for its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller audio experience, leading to a typing feel that is softer and rounder. As a result, each switch inherently shapes the acoustic character through its materials, greatly influencing user experience.

The differences between the housing materials extend beyond just sound; they also play a significant role in the overall tactile feedback that each switch provides. The Ink Red’s INK blend allows for a sharper auditory response, making it ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced feedback when typing. Conversely, the Neo Lavender HE’s nylon composition adds a plushness to the keystroke, which can be more comfortable for extended typing sessions. While both switches can be enjoyable, the Ink Red may appeal more to users who favor clarity and precision in sound, whereas the Lavender HE is better suited for those seeking a muted and more cushioned typing sensation.

Ultimately, despite the differences in their housing materials, both the Ink Red and Neo Lavender HE can achieve a satisfying typing experience, albeit through different auditory and tactile profiles. If a user desires a blend of both characteristics, they could potentially achieve similar results by mixing keycaps or utilizing different typing techniques. For example, employing keycaps on the Ink Red that are designed to provide sound dampening could soften its pronounced clackiness, while ensuring that the Lavender HE is properly housed can accentuate its full-bodied sound. Thus, users have the flexibility to customize their typing experience, highlighting that the material composition of switch housings ultimately contributes to the diverse world of tactile experiences.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces, which significantly influence user experience. The Ink Red switch requires an actuation force of 45 grams, with a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight option. In contrast, the Lavender HE switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Lavender HE is more suitable for users seeking a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Ink Red provides a more substantial feel due to its heavier forces. Ultimately, those looking for a more tactile typing experience might prefer the Ink Red for its additional weight, while those prioritizing comfort over long periods may opt for the lighter Lavender HE switch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, the Ink Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lavender HE has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Ink Red the longer of the two switches, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial key press experience. In contrast, the Lavender HE's shorter travel distance may be advantageous for gamers who favor faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may not be significant enough for all users to notice, so both switches could offer similar tactile outcomes depending on individual preferences. Ultimately, those seeking a more responsive feel may opt for the Lavender HE, while those who enjoy a traditional and more robust typing experience may prefer the Ink Red.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch offers a distinctive profile characterized by both a crispy and clacky quality, which creates an engaging auditory experience for typists. The combination of its neutral and chirpy sound traits makes the Ink Reds versatile, suitable for varied environments whether at home or work. On the other hand, the Neo Lavender HE switch is known for producing a clean, low sound that is generally more subdued compared to the Ink Red. This can make the Lavender HE a more discreet option, particularly in quieter settings. However, the specific acoustic characteristics of the Lavender HE switch, especially its comparative sound profile, remain less defined.

In terms of feel, the Ink Red excels with an exceptionally smooth typing experience, described as silky and polished. This refined texture reduces resistance during key presses and releases, resulting in an effortless typing experience. The characteristics of the Ink Red—mild yet polished—cater to a broad range of users, ensuring an approachable typing feel that many find comfortable. In stark contrast, the feel of the Neo Lavender HE switch has not been explicitly detailed. Thus, it's challenging to compare its tactile qualities directly with the Ink Red at this moment.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Red and the Neo Lavender HE switches cater to different preferences and environments. The Ink Red boasts a more prominent sound and feel, combining engaging auditory traits with a silky typing experience, while the Lavender HE focuses on producing a quieter output. While the Ink Red's tactile characteristics are well-defined, the Lavender HE's remain less clear. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will hinge on one’s preference for sound and the nuances of typing feel, with the potential for a satisfying experience regardless of the selection, albeit with different sensory profiles.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a smooth, silky feel with a moderate bottom-out force that suits a variety of typing styles, the Ink Red is an excellent choice. It's particularly suitable if you appreciate a bit of auditory feedback, as its chirpy sound profile can enhance the typing experience and is versatile enough for both work and gaming environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force with a cleaner sound, the Lavender HE switch offers a softer typing experience, making it ideal for those who type lightly or desire a more subdued acoustic signature. Additionally, if you're integrating your keyboard with Wooting technology or other magnetic switch systems, the Lavender HE will stand out for its compatibility and unique characteristics. Ultimately, consider how you type, the environment you'll be in, and your aesthetic preferences to make the best choice between these two switches.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect

$4.50 per 10

Learn more