Neo Lavender HE vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, both the Neo Lavender HE and Cherry MX Purple RGB offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its clean, low sound and seamless compatibility with Wooting keyboards, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists seeking responsiveness and minimal noise interference. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is renowned for its refined tactile feedback, featuring a short, medium-strength bump developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses, which many users appreciate for enhancing typing accuracy and satisfaction. While the Lavender HE excels in providing a smooth and quiet operation, the Cherry MX Purple offers a more tactile and engaging 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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 used in both the Neo Lavender HE and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches are remarkably similar, with both employing nylon for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material plays a significant role in shaping the auditory experience of the switches. Nylon, being a relatively soft plastic, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. The acoustic properties of nylon help in dampening sound, providing a rounder and more subdued auditory feedback. As a result, users of both switches can expect similar sound characteristics, which is particularly appealing for those seeking a quieter and more enjoyable typing experience.
Since both the Neo Lavender HE and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, the feel and sound produced while typing remain consistent across both options. This shared material composition ensures that both switches deliver a quality experience, with the deeper sound stemming from the phonetic qualities inherent in nylon itself. Users will likely notice that the pressing of the keys elicits a comparable response in terms of tactile feedback and sound when comparing the two. The absence of harder plastics in the design allows for a unique experience that emphasizes softer sounds and a rounder typing feel, making each switch appealing to those who prioritize sound quality in their typing experience.
However, it's essential to consider the impact of housing design on the overall experience of each switch. While both switches employ nylon, any differences in structure or design may yield varying responses during usage. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and the feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing is more responsible for the sound produced upon releasing the key. As a result, even slight variations in the shape or design of the Nylon housings could lead to differences in the tactile experience. Nevertheless, since both models leverage similar materials, users can generally expect a sound profile that leans towards the soft and full, regardless of the specific switch they choose.
Weight
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch present distinct differences in their actuation forces, yet share a common trait in their overall weight preferences. The Lavender HE has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option that is well-suited for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB has a slightly heavier actuation force at 45 grams, but lacks a specified bottom out force, making it difficult to directly compare their bottoming out characteristics. For typists who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Cherry MX might be more appealing despite its unknown bottom out force. Overall, while both switches cater to different user preferences—one favoring lighter, easier actuation while the other offers a heavier tactile response—those seeking a lighter touch will likely gravitate towards the Neo Lavender HE switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, the differences are clear. The Neo Lavender HE has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB measures 4.0 mm. This makes the Lavender HE the shorter option, offering a more responsive experience that can benefit gamers who favor quicker key presses. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple, with its longer travel distance, provides a more substantial feel, which may appeal to those who enjoy a deeper, more tactile engagement with their switches. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for either a more responsive action or a traditional, deeper experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 characterized by a clean and low sound profile. This distinction sets it apart from many traditional mechanical switches, offering a quieter typing experience particularly well-suited for environments where noise might be a concern. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch provides a refined auditory experience, featuring the distinct, though subtle, sound of a tactile bump. The key difference here is that while the Lavender HE leans towards a quieter operation, the MX Purple RGB adds a bit of auditory feedback that enthusiasts appreciate, contributing to a satisfying, albeit slightly louder, sound when typing. It’s important to note that the actual sound produced by either switch can vary significantly depending on the board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Neo Lavender HE delivers a unique sensation attributed to its hall effect mechanism, which allows for smooth actuation without the traditional “clicky” feel found in many other switches, maintaining a consistent resistance throughout the key press. This smoothness can be particularly appreciated by those who favor a more gliding feel during typing. Conversely, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch is known for its medium-strength tactile bump, which provides a noticeable feedback when a key is actuated. This tactile feedback is designed to enhance typing accuracy for many users and is often favored by gamers and typists who enjoy a definite sensation at the actuation point.
In summary, the Neo Lavender HE and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, with the former offering a subdued auditory profile and a smooth typing experience, while the latter delivers a more pronounced tactile feedback with a satisfying sound. For those deciding between the two, the choice ultimately depends on whether you prioritize a quieter, smoother experience or enjoy the clear mechanical feedback of a tactile switch.
Conclusion
To summarize, the choice between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch largely boils down to your specific preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a lighter feel with a smooth, quieter typing experience, the Lavender HE switch could be your best option, especially if you value a clean sound and are using a Wooting keyboard. Its 50 grams of force provides just the right balance of resistance, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming where quick, light key presses are crucial. On the other hand, if you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback with a satisfying bump that’s ideal for both typing and gaming, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch might be the better choice. The refined tactile experience it offers, enhanced by its collaboration with keyboard enthusiasts, caters well to those who appreciate physical feedback while typing or gaming. Thus, consider your personal typing style, the sound you prefer, and the overall feel you want from your keyboard when making your decision between these two switches.
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