Neo Lavender HE vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact the typing experience, and two noteworthy options to consider are the Neo Lavender HE and the KTT Matcha. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, offers a clean and low sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a quieter typing experience while still enjoying the responsive feel of a magnetic switch. It's particularly compatible with Wooting keyboards, which further enhances its appeal for gamers and typists looking for precision. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its comfortable, snappy tactility, providing a satisfying feedback that many typists desire. Its long pole stem also contributes to a distinctly clean bottom-out sound, making every keystroke feel intentional and enjoyable. While both switches have their distinct advantages—one prioritizing a silent yet responsive experience and the other delivering a tactile delight—it’s essential to explore each option in more depth to determine which switch aligns best with your personal typing preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the KTT Matcha, one of the most striking differences lies in the types of plastics used for their respective switch housings. The Lavender HE utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings. This material choice contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that effectively absorbs sound waves, resulting in a muted auditory experience. Conversely, the KTT Matcha is constructed with polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing. Known for its stiffness, polycarbonate creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, allowing for a more resonant tone. Here, the difference in materials not only influences the tactile feel of the switches but also significantly impacts the acoustic feedback provided by each switch.
Moreover, the physical properties and aesthetic qualities of these materials diverge sharply. With the Lavender HE’s nylon housing, the overall sound is characterized by its dampening characteristics, which leads to a rounder sound profile, making it ideal for users who prefer a more muted typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Matcha’s polycarbonate housing offers increased translucency, which can highlight RGB lighting effects while producing a more pronounced sound. This visual factor can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a keyboard, particularly for users who enjoy vivid RGB displays.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials result in unique auditory profiles that appeal to different user preferences. While the deeper and rounder sound of the Lavender HE's nylon housing emphasizes a softer typing experience, the crisper, more acute auditory feedback from the KTT Matcha's polycarbonate housing offers a bright clarity. However, it is important to note that both switches will still provide satisfactory performance in their respective sound categories, albeit with distinct sound characteristics. Users who seek a more pronounced auditory experience may find the KTT Matcha to be more aligned with their preferences, while those leaning towards a softer touch may gravitate toward the Lavender HE. Regardless of choice, understanding these differences helps users make informed decisions based on individual tactile and auditory preferences.
Weight
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch both feature a similar actuation force of 40 grams, which makes them equally light in that regard, allowing for prolonged typing sessions without excessive strain. However, their bottom out forces differ slightly; the Lavender HE has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Matcha measures 45 grams. This makes the Matcha switch marginally lighter during bottoming out, offering a bit more ease when pressing keys all the way down. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience, both switches provide a quick and comfortable feel with their low actuation forces. However, those who favor a more substantial typing experience may find the heavier bottom out force of the Lavender HE switch to be more satisfying, providing a slightly firmer tactile feedback. Overall, while both switches offer a similar actuation experience, the difference in bottom out force could sway preferences depending on individual typing habits.
Travel distance
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Matcha tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Matcha switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more traditional and deeper feel, which may appeal to users who prefer the tactile feedback of a more profound actuation. Conversely, the Lavender HE’s shorter 3.8 mm travel distance may cater to gamers or those seeking rapid key response, as shorter distances are often associated with quicker actuation. Therefore, users looking for a more responsive experience would benefit from the Lavender HE, while those who appreciate a deeper key press and a more conventional feel should consider the Matcha switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 profile of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch to that of the KTT Matcha tactile switch, the two exhibit distinct characteristics that appeal to different preferences. The Lavender HE is noted for its clean, low sound, which suggests a more muted auditory experience that is less likely to disturb others in a shared environment. On the other hand, the Matcha switch delivers a somewhat clacky sound, characterized as sharp, snappy, and percussive. This makes the Matcha more resonant and potentially more gratifying for users who enjoy a lively typing experience, but may also be more noticeable in quiet settings. Ultimately, the sound you experience may depend largely on the keyboard build and keycap material used, but you can expect the Lavender HE to offer a quieter ambiance compared to the more audible Matcha.
In terms of feel, the Lavender HE provides a smooth experience that is responsive without overwhelming tactile feedback, making it suitable for a variety of typing styles. In contrast, the KTT Matcha is praised for its comfortable, snappy tactility that strikes a balance, offering a "medium tactile" sensation that is accentuated but not overly aggressive. Its stepped design allows for a palpable bump during actuation that many typists find satisfying. The Matcha is also noted for its light actuation and subtle resistance, which makes it an inviting option for longer typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue while maintaining engagement. This means that while both switches are designed for comfort, the Matcha brings a more dynamic tactile experience to the table.
In conclusion, both the Neo Lavender HE and KTT Matcha switches have their unique appeal, catering to different auditory and tactile preferences. The Lavender HE emphasizes a quieter, more subdued sound profile and a smoother typing experience, while the Matcha offers an engaging, clacky sound and a pronounced tactile feedback that many typists appreciate. Depending on your typing style and environment, you may find that one suits your needs better than the other, but either way, you can enjoy a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, it's essential to consider your specific typing needs and preferences. If you prioritize a lighter touch with minimal sound, go for the Lavender HE, especially if you’re looking for a smooth and silent typing experience, as it pairs seamlessly with Wooting keyboards and offers a clean low sound that might be ideal for quiet environments or shared spaces. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more tactile feedback in your typing experience, the Matcha switch is an excellent choice. Its snappy and comfortable tactile feel, combined with a distinctly crisp sound, makes it perfect for those who enjoy a bit of acoustic feedback when typing. Furthermore, if you're likely to spend extended hours at your keyboard, the Matcha’s subtlest accentuated tactility and lightweight actuation can help reduce finger fatigue while still providing that tactile satisfaction. Ultimately, both switches have their unique strengths, so consider what aspects matter most to you—whether that’s silence or tactile feedback—and choose accordingly.
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