Neo Lavender HE vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves navigating a sea of options tailored to different preferences and needs. Two notable contenders in this realm are the Neo Lavender HE and the KTT Mallo, which offer unique typing experiences that cater to distinct user desires. The Neo Lavender HE, recognized for its precise and clean sound profile, is a hall effect switch that works seamlessly with Wooting keyboards, making it an enticing choice for gamers who prioritize rapid responsiveness over auditory feedback. In contrast, the KTT Mallo offers a tactile experience characterized by gentle feedback without being overpowering, ideal for typists who appreciate a nuance in their keystrokes while enjoying a versatile acoustic environment. The Mallo's milder tactile feedback and neutral sound signature make it a strong candidate for office use or shared spaces. Both switches serve formidable purposes, but they cater to different priorities, be it sound, tactility, or typing feel. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the KTT Mallo, notable differences arise, particularly in their top housing composition. The Lavender HE utilizes nylon for its top housing, a classic material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is primarily due to nylon's softer nature, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. The result is a muted auditory experience that emphasizes rounded sound, making it particularly appealing for users who prefer a softer typing sound. In contrast, the Mallo features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffer composition and translucent appearance. This results in a sharper and crisper sound profile, bringing clarity and resonance that can enhance the auditory experience. Aesthetically, polycarbonate’s translucency is also beneficial for RGB lighting setups, allowing light to pass through and illuminate the keyboard more effectively.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Lavender HE and Mallo utilize nylon, leading to a shared characteristic that affects the overall typing experience. As with the top housing of the Lavender HE, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is significant for the user experience, as the bottom housing generally affects the bottom-out sound and feel of each keypress. Since both the Lavender HE and Mallo's bottom housings are made of nylon, they will produce a similar muted and rounded sound when the keys bottom out, ensuring a consistent auditory signature for both switches at the lower end of the press.
Ultimately, the differences in sound profiles between the two switches are most pronounced in the top housing materials. When you press down a key on either switch, you will feel the softness and fullness imparted by the nylon bottom housing across both models; however, the sound that resonates when releasing the key will differ significantly. The Lavender HE offers a deeper sound when releasing a key, thanks to its nylon top housing, whereas the Mallo will provide a clearer and more resonant sound due to its polycarbonate top housing. Therefore, while both switches feature nylon in their bottom housings, the distinct sonic characteristics of the top housings result in diversely textured typing experiences, showcasing how housing materials can dramatically influence both sound and feel in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch to the KTT Mallo tactile switch, we see 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 minimal effort for typing and gaming. In contrast, while the actuation force for the Mallo is unknown, it has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which suggests a slightly heavier feel when fully pressed down. This means that while the Lavender HE offers a lighter and smoother typing experience, the Mallo, with its missing actuation force data but higher bottom out force, may provide a more substantial experience once pressed all the way down. Consequently, for users who enjoy lighter switches, the Neo Lavender HE is the better choice, while those who appreciate a stronger push might lean towards the KTT Mallo, providing a more robust tactile feedback. Overall, the Lavender HE's lighter forces allow for comfortable extended use, while the Mallo's heavier nature may contribute to a more pronounced keystroke experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, it is clear that the Lavender HE has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Mallo measures 4 mm. This difference highlights a key preference for those who enjoy a more responsive feel; the shorter travel of the Lavender HE may appeal to gamers seeking quicker actuation times. On the other hand, the Mallo's longer travel distance provides a more pronounced depth, which could be favored by users who prefer a more tactile and substantial keypress experience. While both switches offer unique advantages depending on personal preference, those who favor shorter travel distances will likely gravitate towards the Lavender HE for its enhanced responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 switch is characterized by its clean and low auditory profile, making it a suitable choice for users seeking a quieter typing experience. Its sound is distinct compared to traditional mechanical switches, offering a unique acoustic quality that stands out, particularly when used with Wooting keyboards. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo tactile switch boasts a neutral sound signature, producing a subtle and subdued auditory response, which neither overwhelms nor disappears in the background. The Mallo's dampened sound contributes to its versatility, making it a suitable option for virtually any environment, whether at home or in an office setting.
When evaluating feel, the Lavender HE switch offers an experience that remains undefined in the provided context, which leaves an aspect of curiosity for users. Conversely, the KTT Mallo switch is celebrated for its feathery touch, requiring minimal force for actuation, which eases finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The Mallo also features a mild, stepped action that provides a gentle tactile feedback, ensuring that users experience a comfortable typing rhythm without feeling overwhelmed. This makes the Mallo particularly appealing for a wide range of users, from beginners to seasoned typists seeking a balanced performance.
In conclusion, both the Neo Lavender HE and KTT Mallo switches provide unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Lavender HE is notable for its clean and low sound, while the Mallo excels with its neutral and subdued auditory experience. Regarding feel, while the Lavender's characteristics remain unknown, the Mallo offers a lightweight and comfortable experience with gentle tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel; you can expect a distinctive experience with each, particularly due to their variances in auditory and tactile qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Neo Lavender HE and the KTT Mallo tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and intended usage scenarios. If you value a lighter bottom-out force and prefer a clean, low sound profile, the Neo Lavender HE may be the better option for you, especially if you're using a Wooting keyboard or want a switch that offers a unique experience distinct from traditional magnetic switches. Its feathery feel and subtle feedback can make it an excellent choice for those who experience fatigue during extended typing sessions, like gamers or students. On the other hand, if you appreciate gentle tactility without overwhelming feedback, the KTT Mallo might be your ideal switch. With its medium-light actuation force, neutral sound signature, and balanced typing experience, it proves versatile for various environments, whether that be at home or in an office. Its mild characteristics offer a comfortable typing experience without dominating the acoustics, making it suitable for users who need a switch that works well in shared spaces. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the environments in which you will use your keyboard, and whether you prefer more tactile feedback or a lighter key press as you decide between these two excellent options.
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