Neo Lavender HE vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches can make a significant difference. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch known for its clean, low sound, offers a unique tactile experience that stands out in the world of magnetic switches, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize sound dampening and responsiveness in their key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean, categorized as a linear switch, provides a smooth keystroke without the tactile bump, ideal for gamers and typists who appreciate a quieter and uninterrupted typing rhythm. Both switches cater to different user preferences: the Lavender HE is perfect for users looking for a more specialized and distinct auditory feedback, while the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean appeals to those desiring a simple yet effective linear feel. 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
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 comparing the housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean, significant differences in the top housing are evident. The Lavender HE utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is primarily due to nylon's softer texture, which has a greater capacity to absorb sound, resulting in a rounded and muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Dustproof Silent Ocean features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is attributable to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances sound clarity and projection. Consequently, while both switches serve distinct preferences in sound, their top housing materials offer markedly different auditory experiences.
Interestingly, both switches incorporate nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes to a unified trait between them. The nylon bottom housing in both the Lavender HE and the Dustproof Silent Ocean provides a similar deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This shared characteristic emphasizes the impact of the bottom housing on the switch's overall auditory feedback, as nylon's properties lend themselves to absorbing sound effectively. Thus, the bottom-out feel and sound will be relatively consistent regardless of the top housing material used in each switch.
Ultimately, the combination of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches leads to a semblance of auditory similarity, even with the contrasting materials of their top housings. When typing or pressing down on either switch, users will experience the nylon's effect on sound, creating a fuller tone that blends harmoniously with the top housing’s characteristics. The Lavender HE's nylon top might add to a warmer, rounder feel, while the Dustproof Silent Ocean's polycarbonate housing introduces a crisp accent to the overall sound. Together, these elements illustrate how the blending of different housing materials results in unique, yet potentially complementary auditory experiences in hybrid switch designs.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Lavender HE features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Dustproof Silent Ocean has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, which offers a more substantial feel for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. As a result, the Lavender HE is the lighter switch, while the Silent Ocean is the heavier option. Overall, users seeking comfort and longer sessions may gravitate towards the Lavender HE, whereas those wanting a stronger push and feedback in their keystrokes might find the Silent Ocean more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, we can see that the Lavender HE has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Dustproof Silent Ocean comes in at 3.3 mm. This means that the Lavender HE offers a longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who appreciate a more tactile experience when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Ocean switch can provide quicker response times, making it potentially more suitable for gamers seeking rapid key presses. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference: if you favor deeper keystrokes, the Neo Lavender HE would be the better option, while the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean may cater to those who prefer a snappier 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 Silent Ocean 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 renowned for its clean, low sound profile, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate a quieter typing experience. This characteristic aligns well with its design for Wooting keyboards and distinguishes it from many other magnetic switches in the market. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch does not have specific sound qualities attributed to it in this comparison. However, it's important to keep in mind that the sound produced by any switch can depend significantly on the choice of keyboard, plate materials, and keycap types used, which may impact how each switch sounds in practice.
When considering feel, the Neo Lavender HE switch is likely to offer a unique tactile experience typical of hall effect switches and may appeal to users looking for smooth and reliable performance. Meanwhile, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch is also designed to provide a smooth feel during operation, catering to users who prefer a linear switch without tactile bumps. The specifics of the feel for both switches may provide a comparable experience in terms of smoothness; however, the exact nuances may vary due to their differing constructions and technologies.
In conclusion, while the Neo Lavender HE stands out with its clean sound profile and a unique feel associated with hall effect technology, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch lacks specific sound qualities and offers a smooth typing experience. Users can expect a quieter performance from the Lavender HE, while both switches can provide a linear feel. Each switch has its strengths, and the choice between them may ultimately depend on personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback, as these qualities can often influence the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a smooth, linear feel with a lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams, the Lavender HE is an excellent choice, especially if you prioritize a clean, low sound and enjoy the benefits of magnetic switch technology. These features make it ideal for fast typists or gamers who need quick actuation without too much resistance. On the other hand, if you like a firmer key press and can benefit from a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams, the Dustproof Silent Ocean may be more suitable. This switch provides a sturdy feel that can offer enhanced tactile feedback, though it doesn't have specific sound characteristics that stand out. Ultimately, consider what type of keyboard experience you’re looking for: if you favor a light, quiet, and responsive touch, go with the Lavender HE; if you prefer a bit more resistance and durability, the Silent Ocean is the way to go.
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