Neo Lavender HE vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts are often drawn to the unique characteristics of different options, such as the Neo Lavender HE and the Haimu Orange Sea. 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 gamers and typists seeking a quiet and responsive experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea, classified as a linear switch, offers an impeccably smooth typing feel and a neutral sound profile, appealing to those who prioritize comfort and fluidity in their keystrokes. While both switches have their merits—whether it's the Lavender's low acoustics or the Orange Sea's velvety action—each caters to different preferences in the quest for the perfect 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
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Neo Lavender HE and the Haimu Orange Sea switches differ significantly in their top housing materials, which leads to contrasting sound profiles during typing. The Neo Lavender HE uses a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. This softer material is adept at absorbing sound waves, resulting in a sound that is both duller and rounder, providing a warmer auditory experience. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea features a polycarbonate top housing. This stiffer plastic generates a sharper, high-pitched sound profile that is clearer and more resonant. When pressing the keys, typists can expect the Lavender HE to emit a more muted sound compared to the crisp notes of the Orange Sea, underscoring the distinct auditory experiences provided by the different top housing materials.
The bottom housings of both switches demonstrate a different scenario, as they both utilize nylon as their material. This uniformity means that both the Neo Lavender HE and the Haimu Orange Sea will deliver a similar deep and full sound profile when bottoming out. The softness of nylon contributes to sound absorption, leading to that iconic dull and rounded sound that typists appreciate for its comfortable and less harsh feedback. Since both switches share this nylon bottom housing, users can expect a consistent auditory experience with regards to this aspect, even though the overall sound profiles will still differ due to the contrasting materials used in their top housings.
When considering the overall typing experience, it becomes clear that the different characteristics of the top and bottom housings influence the sound produced during both the act of pressing and releasing the keys. The Neo Lavender HE's nylon top housing contributes a warmer, muted quality to the release sound, while the stiffer polycarbonate of the Orange Sea gives it a sharper and more distinct sound upon release. However, the presence of nylon in both bottom housings ensures that both switches will deliver a satisfying and resonant bottom-out experience. Consequently, while the type of material can change the feel and acoustic signature, having a nylon bottom offers some consistency across both options, allowing users to enjoy a deep sound regardless of the top housing material.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch with the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, both are characterized by their relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. The Lavender HE has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Orange Sea offers an even lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Haimu Orange Sea is the lighter option between the two, requiring less force to both trigger a keystroke and reach the bottom of the switch. Users who prefer a lighter feel will find both switches to be comfortable, although the Orange Sea may provide an even more effortless typing experience. In contrast, those who enjoy a more substantial feel during typing may lean towards the heavier Lavender HE. Overall, while both switches cater to users who favor lighter actuation forces, the Orange Sea stands out for its slightly lower actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, we see a difference in their travel distances. The Lavender HE features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Orange Sea has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Orange Sea might be more appealing for quicker key presses, especially favored by gamers due to its reduced distance. On the other hand, the Lavender HE's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial and satisfying sensation with each keystroke, which can be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will hinge on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth.
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 Orange Sea comes in at $2.79.
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 known for its clean, low sound profile, setting it apart from other magnetic switches. This characteristic can provide a more muted auditory experience which many users find appealing, particularly in quieter environments. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch has a neutral sound signature that complements its incredibly smooth typing experience. This ensures that while typing, the Orange Sea produces subtle acoustics that are neither distracting nor overly pronounced, making it suitable for a variety of settings.
When it comes to feel, the Neo Lavender HE offers a unique typing experience characterized by its magnetic actuation, providing a distinct tactile response. This results in a relatively smooth keystroke that may feel different from traditional mechanical switches. Meanwhile, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch is celebrated for its impeccably smooth typing feel, which is a hallmark of linear switches. Users can expect a consistent and fluid actuation without any tactile bump or click, enhancing the overall typing experience for those who prefer seamless key presses.
In summary, both the Neo Lavender HE and Haimu Orange Sea switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Lavender HE strikes a balance with its clean, low sound, and distinct feel that leverages its magnetic technology, while the Orange Sea offers a neutral sound profile paired with an impressively smooth keypress. If you enjoy a quieter experience paired with a unique actuation, the Lavender HE may be the right choice. However, if you prioritize smoothness in typing and a more muted acoustic experience, the Orange Sea excels in that regard. Ultimately, both options provide excellent performance, but the choice will depend on your individual preference for sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences in typing experience and sound profile. If you prioritize a clean, low sound signature and are looking for a unique option that stands out while being compatible with Wooting keyboards, the Lavender HE is an excellent choice. Its slightly heavier actuation force at 50 grams provides a bit more feedback, making it suitable for typists who enjoy a lighter yet tactile experience. On the other hand, if you seek an impeccably smooth typing feel with a neutral sound signature, the Haimu Orange Sea switch might be the better fit for you. Its lighter 45 grams actuation force can lead to a more effortless typing experience, ideal for those who type frequently or for extended periods. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing habits and comfort to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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