Neo Lavender HE vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Neo Lavender HE and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) presents a fascinating comparison of attributes, benefits, and experiences. The Neo Lavender HE, distinguished by its clean, low sound profile and compatibility with Wooting keyboards, offers a unique typing experience due to its hall effect technology, which promises durability and precision. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) boasts a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g and a bright, resonant sound that gives each keystroke a delightful bounce, making it an attractive option for those who prefer a linear switch with tactile feedback. While the Lavender HE may appeal to users seeking a quieter and more nuanced experience, the Lotus (Heavy) caters to users who value acoustic feedback and a satisfying keystroke feel. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Neo Lavender HE and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings, resulting in a similar auditory experience when typing. This common material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile across both switches, as nylon's softer plastic characteristics help absorb sound more effectively than harder materials. Consequently, both switches produce a duller and rounder sound, making them well-suited for users seeking a less abrasive auditory feedback during their typing sessions. The use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings ensures consistency in sound quality, making these switches an appealing option for enthusiasts looking for uniform performance.
While both switches share the same materials for their housings, the impact of the overall switch feel and sound can still vary slightly depending on other design elements. For instance, the qualities of the bottom housing primarily influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing the switch, while the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced upon releasing a key. This distinction means that, despite using identical nylon materials, the overall typing experience can differ subtly based on the specific tuning and configuration of the switches’ internals. Nonetheless, users can expect similar sound dampening and tonal characteristics as a result of the shared nylon housing.
In conclusion, both the Neo Lavender HE and HMX Lotus (Heavy) present a commendable choice for keyboard enthusiasts who appreciate deeper sound profiles and a softer touch. The consistent use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings results in comparable auditory qualities across the two switches, providing them with a shared foundation for sound absorption and texture. As users explore the tactile sensations while typing, they may notice the nuances introduced by the switches' inner mechanisms, but the fundamental acoustic character remains harmoniously aligned due to the identical housing materials.
Weight
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Lavender HE features a lightweight actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an appealing option for users who prioritize comfort during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, giving it a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Therefore, while the Lavender HE is regarded as the lighter option, the Lotus (Heavy) provides a heavier and firmer push. This contrast highlights the different user preferences: those who enjoy lighter switches for prolonged use versus those who favor the resistance of heavier switches for a more pronounced keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, the Neo Lavender HE features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, whereas the HMX Lotus (Heavy) has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Lotus (Heavy) the shorter option, while the Lavender HE provides a slightly longer travel distance. The two switches cater to different preferences; the Lavender HE might appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced key engagement, offering a bit more depth in their keystrokes, while the Lotus (Heavy) is likely to be favored by users seeking a quicker response time due to its shorter travel. Ultimately, the choice between them will depend on whether one prioritizes responsiveness or a more substantial feel while typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) for $2.99.
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
In terms of sound, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is known for its clean, low sound, which offers a more subdued auditory experience. This contributes to a sound profile that is generally considered less intrusive, making it suitable for quiet environments or for users who prefer a more muted keystroke sound. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch delivers a medium-heavy weight and a bright, resonant sound that is distinctly more vibrant and noticeable during typing. This contrast between the two highlights the Lavender HE's subtlety versus the Lotus's more pronounced auditory feedback, catering to different auditory preferences for users.
When it comes to feel, the Neo Lavender HE provides a smooth typing experience characterized by a consistent response due to its magnetic technology. This switch allows for a nice, fluid keystroke that can be beneficial for fast typists and gamers alike. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch brings a super bouncy feeling with its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, offering a tactile punch that can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a more engaged interaction with their keystrokes. The difference in the feel showcases the unique benefits of each switch, with the Lavender HE appealing to those who value smoothness and consistency while the Lotus attracts those who enjoy a lively, activated typing sensation.
In conclusion, both the Neo Lavender HE and HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches bring distinct qualities to the table. The Lavender HE's clean, low sound and smooth feel cater to users seeking a quieter and more consistent experience, while the Lotus (Heavy)'s bright, resonant sound paired with its bouncy tactile feedback appeals to those who enjoy a more engaging and impactful typing session. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can deliver satisfying performance, allowing users to choose based on their specific desires in a mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and how you plan to use your keyboard. If you prefer a lighter touch with a clean and low sound profile, the Neo Lavender HE would be an excellent choice, especially if you're using a compatible Wooting keyboard. Its light actuation at 50 grams offers a swift typing experience that's perfect for fast-paced gaming or productivity tasks where speed is key. In contrast, if you enjoy a more substantial keystroke with a bouncy feel and a bright, resonant sound, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) would serve you well. With a bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, this switch provides a satisfying resistance that caters to users who appreciate a heavier touch when typing or gaming. Ultimately, assess your typing style, sound preferences, and specific use cases to determine the best switch for your needs.
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