Neo Lavender HE vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between options like the Neo Lavender HE and the Gateron Melodic become crucial in tailoring your typing experience. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its clean, low sound profile and compatibility with Wooting keyboards, appealing to users who prioritize a smooth yet quiet typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic revitalizes the realm of clicky switches, boasting advancements like smooth factory lubrication and a unique dual-railed stem design that enhances the classic clicky sound and tactile feedback, making it perfect for those who thrive on auditory and physical response. While the Lavender HE offers a subtlety that is ideal for shared environments, the Melodic’s invigorating crunch may serve users looking for a more engaging and responsive typing experience. 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
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the Gateron Melodic provide a fascinating contrast, particularly between their top housings. The Lavender HE features a nylon top housing, a classic choice known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is primarily due to nylon's soft, acoustic-friendly properties, which allow it to absorb sound effectively. In contrast, the Melodic uses a polycarbonate top housing that generates a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature means that it produces a more resonant sound profile, making it ideal for users who prefer a crisper auditory experience. Therefore, while both switches deliver quality performance, the fundamental differences in material directly influence the tonal characteristics associated with each switch type.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Lavender HE and the Melodic employ nylon, which maintains consistency in sound quality at the base of the switch. This shared material results in a deeper and rounder sound when bottoming out, as nylon's softness effectively absorbs vibrations and dampens noise. Thus, regardless of the differences in their top housings, both switches would provide a similar auditory experience in terms of the bottom-out sound, allowing for a cohesive sound profile when pressed down. This shared nylon material reinforces the pleasant tactile feel and sound signature that users might expect from both switches when typing.
Ultimately, the overall sound experience when using either switch results from the interaction of the top and bottom housings. The Lavender HE’s combination of a soft nylon top with a nylon bottom produces a sound profile characterized by warmth and depth. In contrast, the Melodic's polycarbonate top delivers a brighter sound while maintaining the plush bottom-end qualities from the nylon base. While the two switches differ in top housing material, they converge in their bottom housing characteristics. This interplay ensures that both switch options can meet various preferences, with the Lavender HE leaning toward a rounded, rich sound and the Melodic favoring a sharper, more articulated auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, there's a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Neo Lavender HE features a relatively light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer less resistance, thus allowing for longer typing sessions without strain. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which falls into the medium weight category, but its actuation force is listed as unknown. This indicates that while the Melodic offers a firmer push at the bottom, the exact effort needed to trigger a keystroke isn't specified. Consequently, users who appreciate a lighter feel will find the Neo Lavender HE more suitable, whereas those who prefer a heavier typing experience might lean towards the Gateron Melodic, especially if they enjoy a substantial tactile feedback from their switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, there is a clear distinction: the Lavender HE has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Melodic switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means the Lavender HE provides a more responsive feel, making it an ideal choice for gamers seeking speed and quick key presses. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic's longer travel distance of 4 mm offers a more pronounced depth, which may appeal to users who prefer a more satisfying keystroke. Thus, those who favor a snappier response should opt for the Lavender HE, while those who appreciate a more traditional, deeper feel might find the Melodic switch more comfortable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 stands out with its clean and low sound profile, making it a subtle option that typically avoids the louder acoustic interruptions often associated with traditional mechanical switches. This makes the Lavender HE ideal for environments where noise reduction is paramount. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic switch offers a much more pronounced sound experience characterized by its resonant and crunchy qualities. The resonant click produces a higher-pitched auditory profile that is sharp and clean, while the crunchy aspect brings an enjoyable and nostalgic texture to each keystroke, reminiscent of crunching autumn leaves. Both switches provide distinct auditory experiences, catering to different preferences for sound.
When it comes to feel, the Neo Lavender HE is designed to offer a unique typing experience, characterized by responsiveness and smoothness, though specific descriptors of this tactile feedback aren't provided. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic switch is known for its buttery smoothness and invigorating feedback. The buttery quality promises a seamless keystroke experience that is effortless, while the invigorating nature of the switch ensures a snappy and reactive feel with pronounced haptic feedback that makes typing engaging and enjoyable. This difference highlights varying user preferences between a more understated touch versus a vibrant and energetic typing sensation.
In summary, the Neo Lavender HE and Gateron Melodic switches cater to distinct preferences when it comes to sound and feel. The Lavender HE delivers a clean, low sound with smooth, albeit unspecified tactile feedback, making it suitable for quieter settings. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic excels in offering a resonant and crunchy sound profile, combined with a buttery and invigorating typing experience, appealing to those who appreciate a richer auditory and tactile engagement. For users who prioritize these sensory aspects in their typing experience, selecting between these two switches will largely depend on their personal tastes in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a lighter keystroke with a clean, low sound that minimizes distractions, the Neo Lavender HE is an excellent choice, especially if you appreciate the innovative technology behind hall effect switches and enjoy using Wooting keyboards. This switch provides a fast and smooth typing experience, making it well-suited for gaming and precision tasks where responsiveness is key. Conversely, if you revel in the gratifying tactile feedback and classic clicky sound that enhances your typing experience, the Gateron Melodic is your go-to option. With its medium actuation force and resonant, crunchy audio profile, this switch blends traditional clicky characteristics with modern enhancements such as factory lubing for a buttery feel. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a silent workspace and swift response times with the Neo Lavender, or if you crave the nostalgic, rhythmic feedback of a clicky switch like the Melodic. Both switches offer unique advantages, catering to different typing pleasures, so choose the one that aligns with your preferences for a delightful typing experience.
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