Neo Lavender HE vs. Outemu Dustproof Brown
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options stand out: the Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, and the Outemu Dustproof Brown, a tactile switch. The Neo Lavender HE is celebrated for its clean and low sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a quieter typing experience. Its compatibility with Wooting keyboards adds to its appeal, particularly among gamers and typists who value precision. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Brown excels in delivering a tactile feedback experience, which can enhance typing accuracy and provide a satisfying sensation with each keystroke—ideal for users who enjoy a more traditional mechanical typing feel. While both switches have their merits, they cater to different preferences and use cases. 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
65g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Dustproof Brown, the most striking difference lies in the top housing materials: the Lavender HE employs nylon, while the Dustproof Brown utilizes polycarbonate. Nylon's softer properties contribute to a sound profile that is deeper and fuller, absorbing sound waves and resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This contrasts with the rigidity of polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound because it resonates more clearly due to its stiffer nature. Additionally, the translucent quality of polycarbonate enhances the switch's aesthetic, especially for users who have RGB lighting, making it visually appealing while providing an elevated auditory experience.
On the other hand, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housing, meaning that they share similar sound characteristics when it comes to the feel and sound produced upon bottoming out. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound in both switches, which serves to create a cohesive auditory experience during use. This similarity allows for a more balanced performance when typing, as both switches maintain the muffled acoustic quality due to the soft nature of nylon, regardless of the difference in the top housing materials.
Ultimately, the sound profile and tactile experience of each switch can significantly differ owing to the dissimilar materials used in their top housings. While the Lavender HE offers a warm, rounded sound with its nylon top, the Dustproof Brown provides a clearer and crisper auditory profile with its polycarbonate top. However, both switches leverage nylon in their bottom housing, which results in a shared, deeper sound as users press down on the keys. Thus, one can expect distinct auditory characteristics from both switches, yet a consistent fundamental feel and sound quality when the keys bottom out, highlighting the importance of material composition in switch design.
Weight
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force, which can significantly influence user experience. The Lavender HE switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it well-suited for users who prefer lighter touch key presses, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial feel under their fingers. While both switches have distinct tactile experiences, the Lavender HE's lighter forces provide easier actuation and less strain during long use, while the Dustproof Brown’s medium-heavy forces deliver a satisfying tactile feedback that some users prefer for a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, we find that the Lavender HE measures 3.8 mm, while the Dustproof Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Lavender HE the shorter option, offering a slightly quicker response time which may appeal to gamers seeking faster reactions. In contrast, the Dustproof Brown provides a more traditional travel distance, allowing for a deeper and more tactile feedback that some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Thus, your choice between these two switches may come down to your personal preference for either responsiveness or depth in the key feel.
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 Dustproof 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
In terms of sound, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is recognized for producing a clean, low sound when pressed, making it relatively unobtrusive during typing. This quality makes it an ideal choice for environments where noise levels matter, such as in shared spaces or offices. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch does not have a specific sound profile articulated, which suggests it might produce a more generic auditory experience. However, it's important to note that sound perception can vary based on several factors, including the keyboard construction and choice of keycaps, so the final auditory feedback may differ from one setup to another.
When considering the feel, the Neo Lavender HE switch is not explicitly described in terms of tactile feedback or actuation force, whereas the Outemu Dustproof Brown is classified as a tactile switch. Tactile switches like the Dustproof Brown typically provide a noticeable bump when the actuation point is reached, giving typists a satisfying feedback experience. This tactile quality is often preferred by users who enjoy feeling their keystrokes as they type, contributing to a more engaging typing experience. Without specific details about the feel of the Lavender HE, it’s difficult to draw direct comparisons; however, those who prefer a tactile experience might gravitate toward the Dustproof Brown for its well-defined feedback.
In conclusion, while the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is celebrated for its clean, low sound profile, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch offers tactile feedback, appealing to those who prefer a pronounced keystroke feel. Overall, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience, the Lavender HE would suit your needs well, while the Dustproof Brown would be a better option if tactile feedback enhances your typing enjoyment. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities, allowing you to tailor your keyboard experience to your personal taste.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch will significantly depend on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a lighter touch with smooth keystrokes, particularly for gaming or fast-paced tasks, then the Neo Lavender HE is likely the better fit. Its 50-gram bottom out force makes it easy to actuate, and its clean, low sound profile ensures a quieter environment, which can be advantageous in shared spaces. This switch is also ideal if you enjoy the unique characteristics of magnetic switches and if you’re considering using it with a Wooting keyboard that supports analog input.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback with a firmer actuation feel, the Outemu Dustproof Brown could serve you well. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, it provides a medium-heavy feel that some typists find satisfying for extended typing sessions or debugging tasks, where you might appreciate the tactile bump that signals actuation. While the Dustproof Brown does not have the same magnetic appeal or unique sound profile, it offers reliable performance and a textured experience that some users prefer, especially in a more traditional typing context. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal typing style, environment, and the types of applications you engage with most frequently.
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