Neo Lavender HE vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Neo Lavender HE and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 present two distinct yet compelling options for different user preferences. The Neo Lavender HE, recognized for its clean and low sound, utilizes hall effect technology found in Wooting keyboards, offering a unique tactile experience that separates it from more traditional switches. Its subtle acoustics make it ideal for users who prefer a quieter setup while still enjoying a responsive feel. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 stands out with its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, delivering a more vibrant auditory feedback that many typists and gamers find satisfying. Manufactured by Haimu, these switches promise a silky, seamless typing experience, and their light diffuser feature enhances RGB lighting for a visually striking keyboard setup. While both switches have their merits—silent efficiency versus dynamic auditory feedback—they cater to different tastes and requirements. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Neo Lavender HE and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 utilize different materials in their switch housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Lavender HE features nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon, being a softer plastic, tends to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This characteristic is especially pronounced when the switch is activated, as the material dampens the sound and creates a more rounded tone. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 is constructed with polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, leading to a crisper and more resonant sound profile. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer material, enhances the higher-pitched frequencies, creating a sharper typing experience that resonates clearly, particularly beneficial for users who enjoy a bright sound when typing or gaming.
While both switches are designed for optimal performance, the differences in their housing materials reveal contrasting effects on sound and feel during usage. The Lavender HE's nylon housing dampens vibrations and absorbs sound, making the typing experience more muted and pleasant for those who prefer softer auditory feedback. This feature can create an ideal environment for working in quieter settings or for users who prefer a less jarring sound when they type. Conversely, the polycarbonate in the Lightning Silver V3 allows for a more pronounced auditory response, appealing to users who enjoy tactile and auditory feedback that is sharp and uplifting. This makes it well-suited for gaming or environments where a more dynamic sound profile is desired.
In terms of aesthetic appeal and functionality, both housing materials offer unique advantages. The translucent nature of polycarbonate used in the Lightning Silver V3 enhances RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant light effects that can elevate the overall aesthetic of a keyboard setup. Meanwhile, the more subdued appearance of the Nylon in the Lavender HE might not offer the same visual flair but compensates with its richer sound profile. Ultimately, although the two switches employ different materials in their housings, both can deliver satisfying results depending on the user's preference, whether it be the fuller sound of nylon or the sharp clarity of polycarbonate.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lavender HE features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize prolonged typing comfort, as its lighter touch can reduce finger fatigue during long sessions. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Thus, for those who enjoy lighter switches, the Neo Lavender HE is the better option, while individuals seeking a heavier key feel would find the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 more suitable. Overall, these differences result in distinct typing experiences that can influence user preference based on typing style and comfort needs.
Travel distance
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Lavender HE the longer of the two switches, providing a more substantial and deeper keypress experience. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a quicker travel distance that might be more appealing for gamers seeking rapid response times. If you are looking for more of a tactile feedback and a feeling of depth in your keystrokes, the Lavender HE switch may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer fast actuation and a more abrupt feel, the Lightning Silver V3 would be advantageous. Hence, while the two switches cater to different user preferences, they both aim to enhance the typing or gaming experience in their unique ways.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 Neo Lavender HE and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches, distinct characteristics emerge. The Neo Lavender HE produces a clean, low sound that sets it apart, especially when integrated with Wooting keyboards, offering a subtle auditory experience. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound, which creates a sharp and lively auditory signature. This higher-pitched quality delivers a brighter, more percussive feedback that can energize your typing experience. The pronounced differences imply that users will experience a contrasting sound atmosphere, with the Lavender HE favoring tranquility while the Lightning Silver V3 enhances the briskness of each keystroke.
Regarding the feel of these switches, the Neo Lavender HE's qualities are unspecified, leaving some uncertainty about its tactile characteristics. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 is praised for providing a silky typing experience, minimizing resistance and enhancing smoothness when pressing keys. The tactile feedback of the Lavender HE remains unknown, which could be a deciding factor for those who prioritize a specific feel in their typing. The silky sensation of the Lightning Silver V3 is likely to appeal to users seeking a seamless interaction with their keyboards.
In conclusion, while the Neo Lavender HE offers a low and clean sound that may suit users looking for a more subdued experience, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 presents a lively auditory signature along with a silky feel that enhances typing smoothness. The choice between these two switches hinges on personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback; if you prefer a quieter and potentially unquantified feel, the Lavender HE may be ideal, while those desiring a bright, clacky experience could gravitate towards the Lightning Silver V3. Both options cater to different user needs, demonstrating the diverse landscape of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch should be based on your specific typing preferences and the experience you wish to achieve. If you favor a lighter touch with a clean, low sound, the Lavender HE is an excellent option, particularly if you appreciate the advanced technology of hall effect switches and seek a quieter workspace. This switch is ideal for gaming environments or intense typing sessions where speed and precision are paramount, especially if you're using a Wooting keyboard. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile experience with a medium bottom-out force and are drawn to a clacky, high-pitched sound signature, the Lightning Silver V3 will likely be your go-to. Its silky feel not only enhances typing comfort but also complements vibrant RGB setups thanks to its light-diffusing capabilities. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you prefer the silent efficiency of the Lavender HE or the expressive auditory feedback and smoothness of the Lightning Silver V3.
Mentioned in this article
