Neo Lavender HE vs. KTT MoonRosa
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the KTT MoonRosa switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Neo Lavender HE and the KTT MoonRosa offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its clean, low sound and compatibility with Wooting keyboards, making it an appealing option for those who prioritize a quiet typing environment combined with precision. On the other hand, the KTT MoonRosa, characterized by its all-POM construction, promises a buttery smooth typing experience, paired with a neutral sound signature that many users find satisfying, especially for extended typing sessions. While the Lavender HE leans more towards a unique, magnetic mechanism that sets it apart from traditional switches, the MoonRosa provides a more classic linear feel that is described as mild and easy to press. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the KTT MoonRosa, notable distinctions arise primarily from the types of plastics utilized in their construction. The Lavender HE employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings. This choice is significant as nylon is known for its softer texture, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, the Lavender HE's housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, characterized by a dull and rounded auditory experience during typing. In contrast, the MoonRosa features POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its top and bottom housings. POM is recognized for producing a unique and pleasing sound, also leaning towards a deeper profile, but with a slightly more muted quality. The inherent properties of POM result in a distinct feel and sound that diverge from the characteristics provided by nylon.
Both the Lavender HE and the MoonRosa exhibit sound profiles that favor deeper auditory experiences due to their housing materials. However, while the Lavender HE's nylon produces a fuller and more rounded sound, the MoonRosa’s POM weaves a different auditory narrative, resulting in a distinct muted quality. In practice, this means that while both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience, the nuances in sound may lead to varied preferences among users. The different materials influence not only how the switches sound when pressed but also how they feel when bottoming out. Therefore, despite the overlapping tonal characteristics, the disparities in materials provide each switch with its own unique identity.
Additionally, when assessing how these separate housing materials impact the tactile experience, it is essential to consider the role of each housing in generating sound. As stated, while the bottom housing informs the bottom-out sound and feel during typing, the top housing influences the auditory sensation as the key is released. The Lavender HE, with its nylon both on the top and bottom, results in a harmonious integration that emphasizes sound dampening throughout the typing process. On the other hand, the MoonRosa, with its POM construction, leans towards creating a different sound signature during the release phase. Ultimately, while both switches can produce similarly deep sound profiles, the interaction of nylon and POM in their respective designs allows users to achieve different auditory experiences, showcasing the subtleties of switch design in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the KTT MoonRosa linear switch, both switches exhibit relatively light weights, but there are distinct differences between them. The Neo Lavender HE has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the KTT MoonRosa features an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means the MoonRosa is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces, making it a preferable choice for those who favor less resistance during typing, allowing for longer typing sessions or extended gaming without fatigue. Conversely, the slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Lavender HE switch cater to users who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, both switches provide a responsive feel, but the KTT MoonRosa edges ahead as the lighter option, providing a softer touch, while the Neo Lavender HE offers a bit more resistance for users who prefer that characteristic.
Travel distance
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT MoonRosa linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Lavender HE offers a deeper keypress, which may provide a more substantial tactile feedback experience for users who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the MoonRosa's shorter travel distance could appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Thus, if you prefer a more responsive feel, the MoonRosa may be the better choice, whereas if you value a fuller keystroke, the Lavender HE would be more suitable. Overall, the difference in travel distances highlights the diverging preferences between users who favor depth versus those who prioritize speed and agility.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50, whereas the KTT MoonRosa comes in at $4.88.
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
The sound profile of the Neo Lavender HE switch is characterized by a clean, low sound that offers a subtle yet distinct auditory feedback. This quality allows it to stand out among other magnetic switches, making it ideal for users who prefer a quieter typing experience without intruding on their surroundings. In contrast, the KTT MoonRosa switch presents a low-pitched sound signature, which typically embodies a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. The calmness in both switches' sound could produce a similarly unobtrusive auditory experience, but the distinct low profile of the Lavender HE might offer a different tonal character in practice.
When it comes to feel, the Neo Lavender HE isn’t explicitly described, leaving some mystery about its tactile feedback and actuation force. On the other hand, the KTT MoonRosa boasts a mild feel, providing a gentle typing experience that could be welcoming for newcomers. Its easy-to-press nature requires minimal force to actuate, making it suitable for extended typing sessions without inducing finger fatigue. Therefore, while the Lavender HE’s feel remains unclear, the MoonRosa clearly emphasizes comfort and smoothness, suggesting that users might experience different degrees of satisfaction between the two switches.
In summary, both the Neo Lavender HE and the KTT MoonRosa switches offer a low sound profile, catering well to users who seek quieter options. While the MoonRosa's tactile feel is well-defined, showcasing an easy and mild actuation, the quality of the Lavender HE remains undisclosed, which leaves potential uncertainty regarding its responsiveness and typing comfort. Ultimately, selecting between these switches would depend on personal preference, particularly regarding sound and tactile feedback, as each has its unique strengths that could influence the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switches and the KTT MoonRosa linear switches, your choice will largely depend on your typing preferences and the sound profile you desire. If you are looking for a switch that offers a clean, low sound and is compatible with Wooting keyboards, the Neo Lavender HE may be the right fit for you. Its light actuation force of 50 grams provides a responsive feel, making it ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming. However, if you prioritize a buttery smooth typing experience and a neutral sound signature, the KTT MoonRosa would likely be more appealing. Its all-POM construction not only enhances durability but also provides a mild, easy-to-press feel, making it comfortable for extended use. Given that the MoonRosa has a slightly lower bottom-out force at 45 grams, it can also reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should align with your specific needs regarding sound, feel, and the type of keyboard experience you desire.
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