Neo Lavender HE vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two standout options are the Neo Lavender HE and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3). The Neo Lavender HE, recognized for its clean and low sound profile, utilizes innovative hall effect technology and is specifically designed for compatibility with Wooting keyboards, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a unique and quiet typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a delightful blend of affordability and performance, featuring buttery smooth keystrokes and a bassy, thocky sound that many users find satisfying. While the Lavenders are celebrated for their smooth, low sound, the Milky Reds cater to enthusiasts who appreciate a tactile auditory response during typing. Each switch has its own alluring characteristics, catering to different preferences and priorities in mechanical keyboard users. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
Nylon
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 both the Neo Lavender HE and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches share a significant similarity, as they both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This common choice of material leads to a comparable tactile and auditory experience when typing. Nylon is known for its softer properties compared to harder plastics; thus, both switches are likely to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This makes typing on these switches feel rounder and more subdued, promoting a more pleasant sound experience as opposed to a sharper, more mechanical click, which might be found in switches made from harder materials.
Additionally, since both switches employ nylon for both housing components, the acoustic absorption characteristics are consistent across the two designs. The sound produced when pressing down each switch will benefit from the inherent dampening abilities of nylon, which minimizes high-frequency noise and contributes to the richer sound quality. When bottoming out on either the Lavender HE or the Milky Red Pro, the deeper sound profile will enhance the tactile feedback, giving users a gratifying feel and sound that complements the overall experience. This design choice undoubtedly aligns the performance of the two switch types closely, ensuring that users can expect similar results, regardless of which option they choose.
However, while the housing materials may be the same, the overall performance and tactile feel of the switches could vary based on other design elements such as the spring used or the switch actuation mechanism. Although the nylon housing contributes significantly to the sound profile, nuances in feel when pressing down and releasing a key might still differentiate the user experience. For instance, if one switch features a lighter or heavier spring than the other, it could lead to a distinct bottom-out feel despite having the same nylon composition. Thus, while one can anticipate a generally similar auditory experience from both switches, the tactile feedback might vary, enriching the user's options based on personal preferences and typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Lavender HE features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it well-suited for users who prefer effortless typing, ideal for long work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a confident typing experience. While both switches have similar bottom out forces, the Lavender HE is generally the lighter option, appealing to those looking for comfort during extended use, whereas the Gateron offers a bit more resistance for those who appreciate a firmer keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences for weight and feedback during typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it's clear that they differ in their measurements. The Neo Lavender HE features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Milky Red Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Lavender HE offers a shorter travel distance, which can provide a more responsive keypress suited for fast-paced gaming scenarios. Conversely, the Milky Red Pro, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced depth and tactile feedback in their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on user preferences regarding responsiveness and key feel, with those seeking quicker response times likely favoring the Neo Lavender HE.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 is noted for its clean and low sound profile, which helps create a focused auditory experience that allows for precise feedback without being overly loud or distracting. This contrasts with the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, which is characterized by a deeper, richer, and more satisfying thock sound. The Milky Red Pro offers a bassy and low-pitched tone when pressed, creating a more resonant audio response that many typists find appealing. The combination of these sound qualities means that while both switches provide a relatively low sound level, the Lavender HE focuses on minimalism and clarity, whereas the Milky Red Pro leans towards a richer and more satisfying auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Neo Lavender HE switch provides a unique typing sensation that is distinct from that of traditional mechanical switches, particularly due to its magnetic mechanism. Unfortunately, specific descriptors about its tactile feedback are not available. In comparison, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is well-regarded for its buttery smooth keystroke experience. This linear switch allows for a seamless and effortless typing sensation, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize fluidity in their keystrokes. The significant difference is that the Milky Red Pro is designed for a consistent and frictionless feel, which is highly desirable for long typing sessions or gaming.
In conclusion, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offer contrasting sound and feel characteristics that cater to different user preferences. While the Lavender HE emphasizes a cleaner and more minimalist sound, along with an undefined feel, the Milky Red Pro excels in delivering a rich, bassy sound complemented by a smooth and buttery keystroke experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer a clearer audio feedback with a potentially unique feel or a richer sound paired with a smooth typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Neo Lavender HE and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a lighter actuation with a clean, low sound, the Neo Lavender HE may be the better option for you, especially if you enjoy the responsiveness and unique experience of magnetic switches found in Wooting keyboards. These switches provide a pleasant tactile feedback, making them suitable for both gaming and typing in quiet environments. On the other hand, if you are seeking a smooth, buttery typing experience alongside a deeper, thocky sound profile for a satisfying auditory feedback, the Gateron Milky Red Pro would likely be your go-to choice. With a slightly firmer actuation force and a rich bassy sound, these switches are ideal for users who appreciate that tactile immersion when typing or gaming. In the end, consider your specific usage scenarios and sound preferences to make the choice that feels best for you.
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