Neo Lavender HE vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the choice between mechanical keyboard switches, the Neo Lavender HE and Gateron Mountain Top offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences and environments. The Neo Lavender HE, known for its clean and low sound, stands out with its innovative hall effect technology, making it a great option for gamers and enthusiasts who seek both responsiveness and a distinctive typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switches are specifically designed for office environments, providing a quiet yet pleasantly light actuation that balances discretion with comfort. Their subtle sound signature is perfect for professionals who need to maintain a low noise level without sacrificing typing quality. Each switch presents compelling reasons for selection, whether it's the precision and uniqueness of the Lavender HE or the practicality and enhanced comfort of the Mountain Top. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and Gateron Mountain Top switches share a remarkable similarity, as both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material is particularly impactful as nylon is known for its sound-absorbing qualities, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The inherent softness of nylon contributes to a unique auditory experience, allowing for a duller and rounder sound than that produced by harder plastics. Thus, both the Lavender HE and Mountain Top switches leverage nylon to enhance their acoustic properties, making them good options for users who appreciate a more muted typing experience.
Despite their shared use of nylon, a subtle nuance exists in how each switch may deliver sound and feel during use. In general, the bottom housing of a switch plays a critical role in defining its bottom-out sound and tactile feedback, while the top housing significantly influences the sound when a keystroke is released. Given that both the Lavender HE and Mountain Top switches feature nylon in both housings, users can expect a similarly cohesive typing experience. Each housing will complement one another to produce a consistent sound profile, allowing users of either switch to enjoy a refined auditory response with minimal sound distortion.
While both switches can create a similar audio experience due to their identical housing materials, personal preference in terms of feel and overall performance may still distinguish one from the other. Users might notice minute differences attributable to other variables such as the switch mechanism, stem design, and weight, which are beyond just the housing materials. However, since the typographical characteristics are greatly influenced by the nylon build, consumers can confidently anticipate similar auditory performance between the Neo Lavender HE and Gateron Mountain Top switches, resulting in comparable satisfaction for those prioritizing sound quality in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, both switches exhibit the same specifications, featuring an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This similarity indicates that users will experience comparable keystroke responsiveness and overall feel when using either switch. Since both switches are rated at a light force, they are ideal for individuals who prefer a more effortless typing experience, which can be beneficial for extended periods of typing at work or during long gaming sessions. Therefore, users seeking a softer touch and ease of actuation will find both switches equally suitable. However, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push might need to explore options that offer heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, we find that the Lavender HE has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Mountain Top features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Lavender HE the longer option, offering more depth in each keystroke, which may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top with its shorter travel distance may be preferable for gamers seeking quicker response times, as it can facilitate faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference, with the Lavender HE catering to those who enjoy a deeper keystroke and the Mountain Top to those who favor a more responsive and rapid actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50, whereas the Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00.
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 produces a clean, low sound, setting it apart from other magnetic switches on the market. This design emphasizes a more refined auditory experience, ideal for those who prefer a quiet environment while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is engineered for discretion, resulting in a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience. With a subdued sound profile, it strikes a balance that makes it suitable for office settings where noise levels must be kept in check. Both switches offer a more muted auditory signature, making them ideal for the workplace or shared spaces.
When discussing feel, the Neo Lavender HE switch's specifics are not detailed, leaving an unknown factor in the evaluation. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switch offers a rich variety of tactile responses: it is bouncy, easy to press, and mild, providing a light actuation force that minimizes finger fatigue during extended use. This switch promises a gentle typing experience while also enhancing responsiveness, making the overall typing feel more engaging. Additionally, the snappy feedback invites an active typing style, while the subtle qualities ensure comfortable use in collaborative environments. With these distinct characteristics, the Mountain Top offers a more dynamic feel compared to the Lavender HE.
In summary, both the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch cater to users who prioritize a quieter typing experience, although the Lavender HE offers a clean, low sound while the Mountain Top maintains a balanced, subdued profile. The tactile feedback of the Mountain Top, however, presents a more versatile typing experience with its mix of bouncy and easy-to-press characteristics, while the exact feel of the Lavender HE remains unspecified. Newcomers may find that both switches can yield similar results in sound reduction, but the overall typing experience with the Mountain Top may be more engaging and enjoyable due to its enhanced tactile features.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, your decision largely hinges on the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard and your personal typing preferences. If you value a clean, low sound and are looking for a switch that stands out for its innovative magnetic technology, then the Neo Lavender HE is likely the better choice. It's particularly suited for those who enjoy a unique typing experience and perhaps use specialized keyboards like the Wooting, which enhances the overall functionality of these switches. On the other hand, if you're seeking something tailored for an office setting where discretion is crucial, the Gateron Mountain Top is ideal. Its neutral sound profile combined with a bouncy and easy-to-press feel caters to those who want a pleasant typing experience without disturbing colleagues. The Mountain Top’s thoughtful design balances responsiveness and minimal resistance, making it suitable for extended typing sessions while maintaining a professional atmosphere. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize unique features and sound profile or the need for a quieter, more conventional switch suitable for shared environments.
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