Keygeek Keylin vs. Neo Lavender HE

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Keylin and the Neo Lavender HE represent two distinct yet appealing options for different types of users. The Keylin, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and rich acoustics, offering a premium typing experience that many enthusiasts crave. Its design, utilizing new molds from Keygeek, ensures minimal tactile resistance, making it ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a fluid motion without bump feedback. On the other hand, the Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, stands out with its clean, low sound profile and unique compatibility with Wooting keyboards. The magnetic technology employed in the Lavender HE not only enhances durability but also provides a noticeable difference in responsiveness, appealing to users who appreciate innovation and quieter clicks. While the Keylin excites with smoothness and rich soundscapes, the Lavender HE impresses with its advanced engineering and low noise levels. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Keygeek Keylin Linear

Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$4.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Keygeek Keylin and the Neo Lavender HE keyboards share a significant similarity in their housing materials, boasting both top and bottom housings made from nylon. This choice of material yields a deeper and fuller sound profile across both models, largely due to nylon's characteristic softness. Unlike harder plastics, nylon absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a sound that is both duller and rounder. Consequently, users who favor the acoustic properties of a keyboard switch can expect a comparable auditory experience from both keyboards. The consistency in using nylon for both the top and bottom housing ensures that the overall sound signature remains cohesive, delivering a satisfying tactile and auditory experience when typing.

While both keyboards utilize nylon, their sound profiles depend on the interaction between the top and bottom housings. In both the Keylin and the Lavender HE, the qualities introduced by each housing are distinct but complementary. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound perceived when releasing a key. This means that, collectively, the nylon constructions create a balanced auditory experience. Users can expect similar results, as the integration of the two housings contributes to a total experience where sound quality and tactile feedback harmonize effectively.

However, if there were to be variations in the housing materials between the Keylin and Lavender HE, the tonal characteristics and feel during typing could diverge. If either keyboard utilized differing materials for the top or bottom housing, users might notice a shift in the overall acoustic properties and tactile sensations due to the varying contributions of each material. Nonetheless, with both keyboards featuring nylon throughout, users can confidently enjoy a similar performance that emphasizes the advantages of this classic switch housing material, allowing for a rich auditory experience that caters to both typing enthusiasts and casual users alike.

Weight

The Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch exhibit similar characteristics in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces, yet they do have slight differences that could influence user preference. The Keylin switch has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Lavender HE switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches are classified as light, making them suitable for extended typing sessions without fatigue. However, the Keylin is marginally lighter overall, appealing to those seeking effortless keystrokes, while the Lavender HE offers a slightly more pronounced resistance for users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Consequently, if you desire an easier actuation, the Keylin switch may be the preferable choice, whereas the Lavender HE switch provides a touch more weight, appealing to those who favor a stronger push feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, the Keylin measures at 3.6 mm, while the Lavender HE has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. As the Keylin offers a shorter travel distance, it may provide a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers who value quick key presses for faster reaction times. In contrast, the Lavender HE, with its longer travel distance, tends to offer a more substantial experience, ideal for users who prefer a deeper, richer tactile feedback when typing. Thus, while both switches serve different preferences, the Keylin is the more responsive option, whereas the Lavender HE caters to those who enjoy a heftier key press sensation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch is celebrated for its rich acoustics, which contribute to a satisfying auditory experience while typing. This quality resonates well with users who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic profile. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch offers a clean, low sound that is less intrusive, catering to those who prefer a quieter typing experience. It's worth mentioning that the overall sound produced by either switch can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, making it essential to consider these factors for achieving the desired auditory output.

When it comes to feel, the Keylin linear switch is known for its exceptional smoothness, creating a luxurious tactile experience that many enthusiasts find appealing during extended typing sessions. Meanwhile, the Lavender HE, while also a linear switch, offers a different tactile feedback characterized by its unique magnetic actuation method. This distinction may result in a different sensation while typing, providing users with an alternative feel that may suit their preferences better.

Overall, both the Keygeek Keylin and Neo Lavender HE switches cater to distinct user preferences in sound and feel, enabling mechanical keyboard enthusiasts to choose based on their individual typing style. The Keylin excels in rich acoustics and smoothness, appealing to those who enjoy a more vibrant typing experience, while the Lavender HE offers a quieter option with its clean sound profile and magnetic actuation. Depending on your personal preferences, either switch can provide a delightful typing experience, but the inherent differences in their characteristics may guide you toward the one that best suits your needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, you should carefully consider your typing preferences and what kind of experience you're seeking when choosing between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch. If you prioritize a premium and smooth typing experience combined with rich acoustics, then the Keylin switch is your go-to option. Its lighter bottom-out force of 48 grams can enhance your overall comfort, especially during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, if you desire a clean, low sound profile and are looking for a switch that stands out with magnetic technology, the Lavender HE might be the better choice for you. With a slightly firmer bottom-out force of 50 grams, it can provide a different tactile experience that many users enjoy, particularly those who appreciate a bit more resistance. Ultimately, your decision will come down to whether you prefer the smooth, acoustically rich feel of the Keylin or the unique sound and feel of the Lavender HE.

Mentioned in this article

Keygeek Keylin Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect

$4.50 per 10

Learn more