Neo Lavender HE vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Neo Lavender HE and the Haimu Neo White offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its clean, low sound and compatibility with Wooting keyboards, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a quiet yet responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White features a linear design, boasting a medium weight and slightly reduced total travel that produces a smooth, satisfying keystroke thanks to the rare use of a Ly stem. This switch appeals to users who appreciate a more traditional feel combined with efficiency in actuation. Each switch has its merits, with the Lavender HE leaning towards a quieter operation suited for shared environments, while the Neo White provides a fluid 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
58g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the Haimu Neo White, distinct differences can be noted in their top housing. The Neo Lavender HE features a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This quality arises from nylon's relatively softer composition, which allows it to absorb sound effectively, producing a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White employs a polycarbonate top housing that yields a sharper and crisper sound profile. Its stiffness facilitates clearer resonance, making polycarbonate an excellent choice for those who prefer a brighter sound, especially beneficial for RGB lighting setups due to its translucent nature. Therefore, users looking for a mellow and muted typing experience may gravitate towards the Neo Lavender HE, while those seeking clarity and vibrancy in their keystrokes will likely favor the Neo White.
On the other hand, both the Neo Lavender HE and Neo White utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This shared material facilitates a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory output regardless of whether the Neo Lavender HE or the Neo White is being used. The nylon bottom housing absorbs sound effectively, mirroring the qualities found in the top housing of the Neo Lavender HE. Consequently, even with the differing top materials, both switches provide that familiar warmth and depth of sound that nylon embodies. This similarity ensures that while the tops create distinct upper sound profiles, the fundamental experience of typing on either switch retains a consistent quality attributed to the nylon bottom.
Overall, the differences in top housing materials highlight the varying auditory experiences between the two switches, while the identical nylon bottom housing ensures that users still enjoy a similar sound characteristic when bottoming out the keys. The Neo Lavender HE, with its nylon top, offers a rounded auditory experience ideal for users preferring a softer touch, while the Haimu Neo White balances this with a bright and resonant sound profile from its polycarbonate top housing. This division in material usage allows each switch to cater to different preferences, demonstrating how the choice of top and bottom housing materials together shapes the overall typing experience and sound dynamics of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch differ notably in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying preferences among typists and gamers. The Neo Lavender HE features a relatively light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an ideal choice for prolonged typing sessions due to the reduced effort required. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White has an unspecified actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams. This discrepancy indicates that while the Neo Lavender HE is the lighter option, offering a more effortless typing experience, the Neo White presents a firmer feel at the bottom, appealing to those who prefer a substantial push. Consequently, users who favor lighter switches may gravitate towards the Neo Lavender HE, while those seeking a more robust tactile experience might opt for the Haimu Neo White, despite the lack of information about its actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, there is a subtle yet significant difference. The Neo Lavender HE has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Haimu Neo White measures slightly less at 3.6 mm. This makes the Neo White the shorter option, offering a slight advantage in responsiveness, which is often preferred by gamers for faster key actuation. On the other hand, the Neo Lavender HE, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel and the tactile feedback of deeper key presses. If you're looking for a switch that strikes a balance between responsiveness and depth, the larger travel distance of the Lavender HE may suit your preferences better, whereas the Neo White would be favorable for those seeking quicker response times.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50, whereas the Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70.
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 Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is known to deliver a clean, low sound profile, making it a quieter option compared to many traditional mechanical switches. This characteristic can provide a more subdued typing experience, which may be ideal in environments where noise is a concern. In contrast, the Neo White linear switch produces a neutral sound, balancing moderate actuation force with a modest acoustic footprint. While the Lavender HE offers a unique auditory experience due to its magnetic mechanism, both switches can complement various setups and cater to a range of users, though the specific sounds may vary depending on additional factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap choice.
When discussing the feel of these switches, the Neo Lavender HE's characteristics are less defined in the provided information, but the Neo White's design certainly stands out. The Neo White features a medium weight and slightly reduced travel distance, contributing to a distinctive and smooth typing experience. Its use of a Ly stem enhances the actuation feedback, allowing for a more enjoyable interaction with each keystroke. The mild nature of the Neo White makes it suitable for a gentle and approachable typing experience, whereas the Lavender HE's feel remains unspecified, but it may also offer a comfortable typing experience given its magnetic technology.
In summary, both the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Neo White linear switch present distinctive qualities, particularly in sound and feel. While the Lavender HE boasts a clean, low sound, the Neo White strikes a balance with a neutral sound profile. Additionally, the structure of the Neo White ensures a smooth and mild typing experience. As a newcomer, you can expect a satisfying typing experience from either switch, but the choice will ultimately depend on your preference for sound and tactile feedback. If you value low noise and a smooth actuation, both can be tailored to deliver similar results with your specific keyboard configuration.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and intended use. If you're seeking a lighter touch with a smooth and clean sound profile, the Lavender HE is ideal, especially if you prefer a keyboard that works seamlessly with Wooting keyboards, or if you're looking for a switch that provides a more unique auditory experience due to its magnetic actuation. This makes the Lavender a great choice for gamers or typists who enjoy fast, responsive actuation without the added effort of a heavier switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a more moderate feel with a slightly firmer bottom-out force, the Neo White would better suit your needs. Its distinctive typing experience, characterized by a smooth actuation thanks to the rare Ly stem and a balanced sound profile, makes it versatile, whether for work, gaming, or casual use. Therefore, consider what feels more comfortable for you—light and clean or mild and balanced—and let that guide your decision.
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