Neo Lavender HE vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can drastically affect your typing experience, and two popular options, the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Blue, showcase distinct characteristics that cater to different user preferences. 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 users seeking a smooth and quiet typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Blue, known for its satisfying clicky feedback, appeals to typists who enjoy auditory confirmation with each keystroke, thus providing a more tactile and responsive feel. While each switch has its own advantages—be it the Lavender HE's silent operation or the Blue's pronounced click—personal preferences play a pivotal role in the selection process. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your unique needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Blue switches, a notable distinction emerges in their top housing construction. The Lavender HE features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a sound profile characterized by depth and fullness. This is attributed to nylon’s relative softness; it effectively absorbs sound when a key is pressed, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Blue employs polycarbonate for its top housing, yielding a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness allows it to create a more resonant sound, making it an optimal choice for those who appreciate clarity and brightness in their keystrokes, especially in applications enhanced by RGB lighting.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing of both switches, they are aligned in their material choice—both utilize nylon. This similarity in bottom housing gives both switches a rich, deeper sound profile that shares the same essential characteristics. The impact of this nylon bottom housing is significant, as it governs the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Consequently, users of either switch will experience the rounded and full sound typically associated with nylon when they bottom out the switch, ensuring that this aspect of performance remains consistent across both models.
The overall sound experience when using either switch is thus a blend of contrasting and complementary characteristics. While the Lavender HE’s nylon top creates a muffled sound allowing for a softer typing experience, the Blue's polycarbonate top enhances clarity and resonance upon releasing a key. The shared nylon bottom housing serves to harmonize the two, as it functions similarly in both sets. Therefore, despite the differences in top housing materials, users can still achieve a satisfying sound profile through the nylon components that each switch employs in its design. This juxtaposition of material properties ultimately allows for a unique typing experience, catering to diverse preferences in sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force. The Lavender HE has a light actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, which is beneficial for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Blue switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial push feel that some users prefer for its tactile feedback. However, the bottom out force for the Outemu Blue switch is unknown, which adds an element of uncertainty regarding how it feels when fully pressed down. Overall, the Lavender HE is the lighter option, while the Outemu Blue is heavier, making the choice between them dependent on personal preference for weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, it's clear that they differ slightly. The Neo Lavender HE has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Blue measures 4 mm. This shows that the Lavender HE offers a shorter travel distance, catering to those who prefer a more responsive experience, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue, with its longer travel distance, provides a more pronounced feedback that some users may find more satisfying for typing or general use. Thus, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Lavender HE would be the better choice, whereas the Blue would be preferable for those who enjoy deeper key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50, whereas the Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10.
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
When it comes to sound, the Neo Lavender HE switch is renowned for its clean and low tone, distinguishing itself from many other mechanical switches. This characteristic is particularly appealing to users who prefer a quieter typing experience, making it ideal for shared workspaces or environments where noise levels are a concern. In contrast, the Outemu Blue switch does not have a specified sound profile, which leaves it open to interpretation. However, typically, clicky switches such as the Outemu Blue are expected to produce a more audible and pronounced click sound, making them less suitable for quiet environments.
The feel of the Neo Lavender HE switch offers a smooth and responsive typing experience, appealing to users who favor a blend of tactile feedback without excessive resistance. This can enhance the overall typing speed and comfort, especially during prolonged use. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch is characterized by its tactile and clicky feel, providing clear feedback with each key press. This tactile bump is often favored by typists who enjoy a more pronounced sensation while typing, though it can also lead to fatigue with extended use.
In summary, while the Neo Lavender HE is celebrated for its clean, low sound and smooth feel, the Outemu Blue switch offers a more traditional clicky experience that appeals to those who enjoy tactile feedback. The differences in sound and feel cater to distinct preferences among users, making the choice between these two switches a matter of individual taste. Ultimately, both switches serve different purposes and can provide satisfactory results based on the user’s environment and typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch and a smooth, quiet experience, the Neo Lavender HE is an excellent choice. Its clean sound profile and low actuation force of 50 grams make it suitable for long typing sessions without fatigue, especially if you appreciate a minimalist acoustic environment. On the other hand, if you enjoy tactile feedback and an audible click, which can enhance the typing experience for some, the Outemu Blue will likely be more to your liking. While it lacks specific metrics for bottom-out force, its reputation for delivering a pronounced click sound and feel can add an engaging tactile element to your interactions. In summary, opt for the Neo Lavender HE if you value a refined, quieter typing experience, and the Outemu Blue if you're drawn to a more traditional, tactile feedback with a satisfying auditory component.
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