Neo Lavender HE vs. Gazzew LT

Overview

When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Neo Lavender HE and Gazzew LT offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is renowned for its clean, low sound profile and compatibility with Wooting keyboards, making it an excellent choice for those who favor a quieter, more understated typing experience. In contrast, the Gazzew LT, boasting a captivating lilac hue, is celebrated for its satisfying thocky acoustics and a seamless glide that makes every keystroke feel smooth and enjoyable. The LTs’ deep, resonant thockiness appeals to users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. Both switches present unique advantages: the Lavender HE for its subtlety and compatibility with specific keyboard types, and the LT for its rich sound and tactile pleasure. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.

By the numbers

Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect

Gazzew LT Linear

$4.50 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the Gazzew LT switches exhibit both similarities and differences that contribute to their unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Lavender HE features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is renowned for its ability to absorb sound. This characteristic results in a deeper and fuller auditory experience during typing, due to nylon's softer plastic properties. In contrast, the Gazzew LT employs a proprietary "boba plastic" blend for both its top and bottom housings. While it is distinct from traditional nylon, this blend also possesses softness, allowing for a rich and deep sound profile. Despite the differences in material, both switches share the quality of sound absorption, meaning typing on either will yield a similar auditory richness, allowing users to enjoy a substantial sound experience.

When considering the overall construction, both the Lavender HE and Gazzew LT switches excel in providing a satisfying typing experience shaped by their respective housing materials. The Lavender HE's nylon delivers a smooth performance and contributes to a relatively duller sound signature, which many typists may find appealing for its overall muted response. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT, utilizing its boba plastic blend, favors a slightly different approach by combining softness and a unique texture that may enhance user engagement. While the materials differ in nomenclature and specific formulation, both switches are engineered to promote a consistent and enjoyable typing experience, albeit with unique nuances attributed to their respective housing compositions.

In practical terms, if a user were to test both the Lavender HE and the Gazzew LT switches, they might find that the typing experiences overlap significantly, especially when considering the sound profile. Each switch design capitalizes on their respective softer materials to minimize harsh impacts, providing a quieter typing experience compared to switches with harder plastic housings. Thus, while the materials differ in composition — nylon for the Lavender HE and a proprietary blend for the Gazzew LT — the result is a typing experience that resonates with depth, allowing users to appreciate both switches for their individual qualities while enjoying similar results in sound and feel.

Weight

The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch present notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lavender HE features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, such as those engaged in prolonged work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gazzew LT has an unspecified actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a firmer push feel that may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the Neo Lavender HE is the lighter switch, while the Gazzew LT is the heavier one. This distinction means that users opting for the Lavender HE will likely experience less fatigue during extended use compared to the stronger feedback provided by the LT, which may enhance tactile satisfaction but could lead to quicker fatigue in long-term scenarios.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Lavender HE features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the LT has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that offers a more pronounced keystroke depth, the Lavender HE would be the preferable choice due to its longer travel distance. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT, with its shorter travel distance, is likely to appeal to those who prioritize quick response times, as shorter distances can facilitate faster actuation, making it ideal for gaming. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Lavender HE providing a more traditional feel and the LT catering to a more modern, rapid-response design.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch offers a clean, low sound profile that distinguishes it from many other magnetic switches. This makes it ideal for users who prefer a more subdued auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT linear switch delivers a rich auditory experience characterized by a deep, resonant quality. With its bassy and thocky attributes, the LT creates a satisfying sound, often likened to the deep “thud” of a knock. The low-pitched nature of the LT sound further enhances its appeal, making each keystroke feel more substantial. It's essential to note that the overall sound experience can vary based on the choice of keyboard and keycaps.

Regarding feel, specifics for the Neo Lavender HE switch are not provided, making it challenging to offer a detailed comparison in this area. In contrast, the Gazzew LT switches are known for their seamless glide across the keypress, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience with each keystroke. This helps create a more engaging typing experience, allowing for rapid typing without any friction or resistance.

Overall, both the Neo Lavender HE and the Gazzew LT linear switches offer distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences. The Lavender HE's clean and low sound is suited for those seeking a quieter typing environment, while the LT's deeper, thocky sound provides an immersive auditory experience. Such differences can lead to unique typing experiences, making it essential for users to consider their preferences in sound and feel when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter key feel with a clean, low sound that works well with Wooting keyboards, the Lavender HE is likely the better choice for you. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it an excellent option for faster typing, gaming, or for those who appreciate a soft touch. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile experience with a medium-heavy feel and a satisfying sound profile, the Gazzew LT linear switch may be the ideal pick. The 65-gram bottom-out force provides a reassuring resistance, complemented by the deep, resonant thockiness that enhances the auditory experience as you type. In essence, if sound and a pronounced tactile feel are what you seek, the LT will fulfill those criteria, while the Lavender HE offers a smoother, quieter performance perfect for those who favor a lighter touch. Thus, consider your typing habits and acoustic preferences carefully when making your selection.

Mentioned in this article

Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect

$4.50 per 10

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Gazzew LT Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more