Neo Lavender HE vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the KTT Orange 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 KTT Orange offer two distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its clean, low sound and compatibility with Wooting keyboards, providing a unique magnetic feel that sets it apart from traditional switches. This switch is ideal for those who prioritize sound dampening and a smooth keystroke experience. On the other hand, the KTT Orange is a linear switch known for its bouncy feel, featuring a 22mm long spring that enhances typist engagement. Its polycarbonate milky top housing, combined with a long pole POM stem and a nylon bottom housing, results in a slick, frictionless typing experience accompanied by a low-pitched sound profile. Factory-lubed for enhanced smoothness, the KTT Orange caters to users seeking a responsive and enjoyable typing experience. Each switch brings its own set of advantages and appeals to different 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
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and KTT Orange switches represent two different approaches to mechanical switch design, each influencing the typing experience and sound profile in unique ways. The Lavender HE utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is a traditional material known for its softer characteristics. This softness results in a deeper, fuller sound as it absorbs more sound waves, creating a rounded auditory experience. Conversely, the KTT Orange opts for polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, a material recognized for its rigidity and transparency. This stiffness contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, allowing the switches to resonate more clearly. Thus, the materials used in these two switches lead to fundamentally different auditory experiences during use.
In addition to the distinct sound characteristics produced by each switch's housing materials, the aesthetic aspect also plays a significant role. The polycarbonate housing of the KTT Orange is naturally translucent, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects, while the nylon housing of the Lavender HE offers a more subdued appearance. The polycarbonate’s clear nature not only enhances visibility for backlighting but also complements the sharper sound profile, creating an overall brighter user experience. On the other hand, the opaque nature of the Nylon housing tends to align with its deeper sound, aligning visually with a more traditional mechanical keyboard aesthetic.
When considering the roles of the top and bottom housings in isolating the sound and feel of each switch, the differences in material composition become even more pronounced. With the Lavender HE's nylon components, the experience when pressing the switch leans towards a muted, cushioned feel, heavily influenced by the bottom housing, while the release creates a softer sound because of the acoustic absorption properties of the nylon. In contrast, the KTT Orange delivers a snappier response thanks to the stiffer polycarbonate housings, resulting in more pronounced tactile feedback when bottoming out and a crisper sound upon release. Despite these differences, the switches could achieve similar tactical results if the overall design emphasizes tactile feedback and actuation force; however, the sound profiles would still diverge based on these material choices.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that impact the typing experience. The Neo Lavender HE features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a great option for those who prefer a swift and effortless typing experience, particularly beneficial for extended use during work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the KTT Orange has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which provides a more substantial push feel. While both switches are categorized as light to medium-light, the Lavender HE is the lighter option, appealing to users who seek less resistance, while the KTT Orange offers a bit more heft for those who enjoy a firmer keystroke. Overall, if you're looking for a gentle touch or typing experience, the Neo Lavender HE will provide a more seamless interaction, whereas the KTT Orange may cater more to those who appreciate a stronger tactile feedback during use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, we find that they differ slightly. The Lavender HE boasts a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Orange offers a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Lavender HE switch provides a deeper keypress, which may be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feel, while the KTT Orange switch caters to users who favor quicker response times typical of shorter travel distances. Overall, those who prioritize speed and responsiveness should lean towards the KTT Orange, whereas those who appreciate a bit more depth in their key presses might opt for the Lavender HE.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is renowned for its clean, low sound profile, distinguishing it from many traditional switches. This audio characteristic aligns well with that of the KTT Orange switch, which also boasts a low-pitched sound that is bass-heavy and mellow. While both switches produce a low sound, the exact tonal qualities may differ slightly due to variances in construction materials and designs; the overall outcome is a quiet and pleasant auditory experience for both options, making them suitable for environments where noise control is essential.
When it comes to feel, the differences between the two switches become more pronounced. The Lavender HE is known for its crisp and clean actuation, providing a linear experience that ensures minimal resistance during key presses. In contrast, the KTT Orange switch offers a bouncier feel, thanks to its long 22mm spring that delivers an elastic feedback sensation. This bounciness is complemented by a frictionless action that contributes to a smooth and fluid typing experience, making it easier for users to engage in rapid typing without feeling hindered by any resistance. Therefore, while the Lavender HE provides a straightforward linear experience, the KTT Orange injects a bit more dynamism into the typing feel.
In conclusion, both the Neo Lavender HE and KTT Orange switches present appealing qualities for keyboard enthusiasts, albeit in different ways. The Lavender's low sound profile offers a clean auditory experience, favorable for quiet environments, while the Orange provides a bouncy and frictionless feel that enhances typing comfort and speed. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize sound characteristics or typing sensation, as both switches provide a refined experience that can cater to a range of preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the KTT Orange linear switch depends largely on your personal preferences and intended use case. If you value a light typing experience with a clean and low sound characteristic, the Neo Lavender HE is an excellent option, particularly if you’re using a Wooting keyboard that enhances its magnetic operation. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel with a bouncier rebound during your keystrokes, the KTT Orange switch, with its medium-light 53-gram force and well-defined elastic feedback, may be the perfect fit. Not only does it provide a frictionless experience thanks to its high-quality factory lube, but it also has a low-pitched sound that adds a satisfying audio element to your typing. Ultimately, consider what aspects—be it sound, feel, or use case—resonate more with your typing style, and let that guide your selection between these two distinct yet appealing switches.
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