Neo Lavender HE vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Crystal Brown offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing 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 option for those who prioritize a quiet typing experience and innovative technology. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown is a tactile switch that provides a noticeable bump at the actuation point, appealing to typists who enjoy the sense of feedback and responsive feel with each keystroke. While the Lavender HE's magnetic mechanism emphasizes a smoother, quieter operation, the Crystal Brown's tactile feedback makes it ideal for both typing and gaming, offering both comfort and precision. 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
55g
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
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
The Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their acoustic profiles. The Lavender HE utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material known for its softer, more malleable nature. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the nylon absorbs more vibrations compared to stiffer plastics. In contrast, the Crystal Brown switches feature a top housing made from polycarbonate, a material that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The stiffer structure of polycarbonate allows it to resonate more, producing a clearer and crisper auditory experience. Thus, while both switches may provide a satisfying typing experience, they distinctly differ in the tonal qualities elicited by their respective top housing materials.
When examining the bottom housings, it is interesting to note that both the Lavender HE and the Crystal Brown utilize nylon, aligning them in sound characteristics from the bottom perspective. This commonality in their bottom housing materials means that both switches will share similar deeper and rounder auditory qualities when typing. The nylon's inherent properties contribute to a fuller response that enhances the overall feel and sound when keys are bottomed out. The agreement in material choice for the bottom housing ensures that, regardless of the differing top housings, users will experience a cohesive sound profile during key presses with both switches.
In summary, the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches exhibit contrasting sound dynamics due to their differing top housing materials, yet they harmonize in sound characteristics owing to their nylon bottom housings. Users who appreciate a deeper sound profile may prefer the Lavender HE for its nylon top, while those seeking a sharper auditory experience might lean toward the Crytsal Brown due to its polycarbonate top. Nevertheless, both switches provide a complementary bottom-out sound and feel, illustrating a blend of experiences that can cater to varying preferences based on the housing materials selected.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, we see notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. 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 users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This medium-light feel can cater to those who favor a more substantial typing experience without being too strenuous. Overall, if you're looking for ease and a softer keystroke, the Neo Lavender HE will provide a more comfortable experience, while the Outemu Crystal Brown will offer a bit more resistance, appealing to users seeking a firmer press.
Travel distance
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance indicates that the Crystal Brown offers a more traditional feel, providing a deeper key press that some users may prefer for a more hearty typing experience. On the other hand, the Lavender HE's shorter travel distance could appeal to gamers and those who value responsiveness, as it allows for quicker actuation and faster response times. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch that prioritizes quick feedback, the Neo Lavender HE may be the better choice, whereas the Outemu Crystal Brown caters to users who favor a more tactile and pronounced key press sensation.
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 Crystal Brown 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
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is known for its clean, low sound, which provides a more muted and refined auditory experience when typing compared to traditional mechanical switches. This quality makes it suitable for environments where a quieter typing experience is desired, particularly when paired with a Wooting keyboard. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch does not have specific sound characteristics attributed to it, making it difficult to assess its auditory profile directly. However, it is important to note that the overall sound produced by any switch can vary significantly based on the keyboard construction and the choice of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Neo Lavender HE provides a smooth typing experience, characteristic of hall effect switches with a unique actuation mechanism that enhances responsiveness. This switch is favored for its lightness and ease of keypress, promoting extended typing sessions with minimal fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch offers a tactile bump that provides feedback upon actuation, making it ideal for typists who prefer a more traditional mechanical feel. This tactile feedback can enhance accuracy in typing but may not provide the same smoothness as the Lavender HE, which emphasizes a more linear experience.
In conclusion, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch delivers a clean sound profile and a smooth feel, making it particularly appealing for those looking for a refined typing experience. The Outemu Crystal Brown switch, while lacking in defined sound characterization, offers tactile feedback, catering to users who enjoy a more traditional mechanical typing sensation. Both switches cater to different preferences, and users can expect to achieve similar sound levels by carefully choosing their keyboard configurations and keycaps, but they will experience contrasting tactile sensations while typing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a lighter actuation force and a clean, subdued sound, the Neo Lavender HE is an excellent fit, especially if you’re using a Wooting keyboard and appreciate the unique characteristics of hall effect switches. Additionally, the low sound profile makes it great for quiet environments, ensuring minimal disturbance during use. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly more pronounced tactile feedback with a bit more resistance, the Outemu Crystal Brown could be the better choice. While it doesn’t have the unique features of the Lavender HE, its medium-light actuation is well-suited for typists who enjoy a bit more weight without going overboard. Ultimately, assess your typing style and environment; if you lean towards quicker, more responsive keystrokes with a smooth sound, lean towards the Lavender HE. Conversely, if you relish the tactile sensation and a heavier feel, the Crystal Brown will likely serve you well.
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