Neo Lavender HE vs. Gateron Lunar Probe
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the distinctions between options can significantly impact your typing experience. The Neo Lavender HE, a revolutionary hall effect switch, is celebrated for its clean and low sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who value quiet operation while still enjoying a responsive feel. It is particularly well-suited for Wooting keyboards, setting it apart from traditional magnetic switches. On the other hand, Gateron Lunar Probe switches are renowned for their innovative dual rail mechanism, ensuring stable and consistent keypresses that will appeal to gamers and typists alike. The pre-lubed linear sensation of Lunar Probe switches contributes to an incredibly smooth typing experience, complemented by a subtle sound signature that doesn’t distract from the task at hand. Each switch presents unique advantages depending on your preferences and usage scenarios; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Neo Lavender HE and the Gateron Lunar Probe exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles during keyboard use. The Lavender HE utilizes nylon for its top housing, a choice that leads to a deeper, fuller sound due to nylon's softer and more absorbent nature. This characteristic enables the switch to produce a duller and rounder sound when typing, creating a more muted auditory experience. Conversely, the Lunar Probe's top housing is made of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that contributes to a brighter, crisper sound profile. This material allows for enhanced resonance and clarity, making it particularly effective in applications requiring RGB lighting, as its transparency showcases the vibrant colors more vividly. Consequently, while both switches offer quality performance, their sound profiles reflect their differing materials, appealing to different user preferences.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Neo Lavender HE and the Gateron Lunar Probe feature nylon, which delivers a similar auditory experience. The use of nylon in both cases ensures that the typing sound is characterized by a deeper and fuller quality, as the material's softness helps absorb sound and minimize harshness. Despite the disparity in the top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing means that users will enjoy a consistent typing feel and sound profile when pressing down on the keys. This shared nylon characteristic provides some level of uniformity between the two switches, allowing typists to appreciate the benefits of a softer bottom housing while experiencing the variations in sound due to the different top materials.
In summary, the comparison of the Neo Lavender HE and Gateron Lunar Probe highlights the impact that housing materials can have on sound and feel. The contrasting top housings, with the Lavender HE's nylon contributing to a fuller tone juxtaposed with the Lunar Probe's polycarbonate offering a crisper note, create distinct auditory experiences. However, the similarity in bottom materials ensures that both switches maintain the same deeper sound signature upon bottoming out. Users seeking a more muted typing experience may gravitate towards the Lavender HE, while those who prefer a sharper sound profile might choose the Lunar Probe. In any case, having a combination of nylon for the bottom housing unifies the tactile experience between the two, showcasing how the interplay of materials can shape a keyboard's overall performance.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, we find that both switches offer a light typing experience, albeit with slight differences in actuation force. The Lavender HE features an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Lunar Probe requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This distinction means that the Lavender HE is more suitable for users who prefer lighter key presses, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or extended gaming, where ease of use is prioritized. Both switches have the same bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that they provide a similar resistance when fully pressed down. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter touch, the Neo Lavender HE is the better choice, while the Gateron Lunar Probe offers a bit more resistance for those who enjoy a more tactile feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, we find that the Lavender HE has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Lunar Probe measures slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This means that the Lavender HE switch provides a more pronounced key press with a greater depth, appealing to those who enjoy a hearty feel while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Lunar Probe offers a more responsive experience with its shorter travel distance, ideal for gamers seeking quicker actuation times. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference—whether one favors the deeper, more substantial feel of the Lavender HE or the snappier response of the Lunar Probe.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe for $4.19.
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 it comes to sound, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is known for its clean, low sound profile, which allows for a quieter typing experience, making it suitable for shared spaces or professional environments. In contrast, the Gateron Lunar Probe offers a subtle sound signature alongside its smooth operation, ensuring that while it's not as pronounced as some tactile or clicky switches, it still maintains a pleasant auditory feedback for blue enthusiasts. Both switches prioritize a minimal sound output, catering to users who prefer a less intrusive typing experience, though the actual sound will ultimately be influenced by factors such as the keyboard structure and keycap material.
Regarding feel, the Neo Lavender HE boasts a smooth and responsive actuation due to its magnetic mechanism, which is designed to provide a consistent and reliable key response, making it ideal for both gaming and typing. The Gateron Lunar Probe, on the other hand, emphasizes its incredibly smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation, promoting effortless key presses with minimal friction. Both switches excel in providing a smooth, linear feel, making them attractive options for users seeking a seamless typing experience without any bumps or tactile feedback.
In summary, both the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch bring unique qualities to the table, especially for those who value sound and feel in their mechanical keyboard experience. The Lavender HE achieves a clean, low sound profile complemented by a smooth actuation, whereas the Lunar Probe focuses on subtle sound and a pre-lubed, effortless feel. Ultimately, users looking for a quieter, smooth linear switch will find both options appealing, as they share similar qualities, yet each offers its own distinctive advantages depending on personal preference and typing environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch heavily depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch that offers a clean, low sound profile and is particularly suited for use with Wooting keyboards, the Lavender HE might be your ideal pick. Its light actuation force of 50 grams can also be advantageous for fast-paced gaming or typing sessions, where each keystroke needs to be executed quickly and efficiently. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that provides a smooth, pre-lubed linear feel with a stable and consistent typing experience, the Gateron Lunar Probe would be the better choice. This switch's dual rail mechanism ensures reliability, making it an excellent option for prolonged typing or gaming sessions where consistency is key. In essence, if you prioritize a unique sound and compatibility with specific keyboards, go for the Neo Lavender HE; if you seek an ultra-smooth experience with minimal sound, the Gateron Lunar Probe is your best bet. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths, so consider your typing habits and preferences to make the right decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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