Neo Lavender HE vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Gold offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its clean, low sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users seeking quiet yet responsive keypresses, especially on Wooting keyboards. This switch stands out with its unique magnetic mechanism that promises durability and a smooth actuation. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold is recognized for its clicky feedback, providing tactile and audible responses that can enhance typing enjoyment for those who love the classic mechanical keyboard feel. This switch appeals to users who appreciate the satisfying “click” sound and tactile bump, making every keystroke feel more pronounced. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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 Gold switches differ significantly in their top housing materials, which contributes to their distinct sound profiles. The Lavender HE features a nylon top housing that lends a deeper, fuller sound due to the material's softer nature. Nylon's ability to absorb sound helps create a history of duller and more rounded auditory feedback, making it appealing for those who enjoy a muted keystroke experience. In contrast, the Outemu Gold employs a polycarbonate top housing. This material, known for its rigidity and transparency, generates a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Consequently, the key presses on the Gold are described as crisper and more resonant, catering to users who prefer a more vibrant auditory response. The difference in these top housing materials is significant in establishing the overall acoustic environment of each switch.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Lavender HE and the Outemu Gold switches share a commonality by using nylon. This shared material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile once the key is bottomed out, capturing the richness that users associate with nylon housings. Both switches, therefore, evoke a similar tactile experience when pressed down, allowing for consistent performance in terms of sound absorption and a dampened bottom-out feel. The nylon used in both switches plays a critical role in shaping the user experience, as it governs how the keystroke feels upon release and provides a familiar heft that many users appreciate.
Ultimately, the differences in sound profiles between the Neo Lavender HE and Outemu Gold switches can be largely attributed to their top housing materials. The contrasting effects of nylon and polycarbonate mean that while both switches may deliver a satisfying sound and feel during the actuation phase, they diverge in character when the key is released. Users looking for a rounded sound will favor the Lavender HE's nylon top housing, while those seeking a brighter, more clear acoustic feedback will be drawn to the Outemu Gold. However, the incorporation of nylon in both switches’ bottom housings allows for a harmonious blend of tactile and auditory experiences, thus providing an essential foundation that many keyboard enthusiasts will appreciate regardless of the top housing choice.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lavender HE has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Gold requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users might prefer for a tactile experience. Therefore, the Lavender HE is the lighter option, while the Outemu Gold is heavier. This means that those who prefer a lighter switch for comfort over long durations may gravitate towards the Lavender HE, whereas users seeking a firmer resistance might favor the Outemu Gold.
Travel distance
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Gold clicky switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm places the Lavender HE in the realm of shorter travel distances, which is often favored by gamers seeking quicker response times. Conversely, the Gold switch, with its more traditional 4 mm travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and a deeper press. Thus, if you value responsiveness in your gaming experience, the Lavender HE would be the better choice; however, if you enjoy a deeper and more substantial feel when typing or gaming, the Outemu Gold may be more satisfying.
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 Gold 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 known for producing a clean, low sound, distinguishing itself from many traditional mechanical switches. This subtle auditory profile is particularly appealing for those who prefer a less intrusive typing experience, making it ideal for office environments or quiet settings. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold clicky switch lacks a notable description regarding its sound characteristics, which could imply a more generic auditory output without the distinct nuances typically associated with other clicky switches. However, it's important to remember that the overall sound of a switch can be influenced greatly by factors like the keyboard’s construction and the type of keycaps used.
When considering the feel, the Neo Lavender HE offers a unique tactile experience that is smooth and responsive, making it suitable for both gaming and typing. This switch is designed for high actuation precision, allowing quick registrations without excessive force. Conversely, the Outemu Gold clicky switch is known for its tactile feedback but lacks specific details about its tactile nuances. Generally, clicky switches are designed to provide an audible and tactile "click" that many enthusiasts enjoy, appealing to users who appreciate the feedback in each keystroke.
Combining these insights, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch stands out with its clean sound profile and responsive feel, making it a great choice for users looking for a balance between performance and acoustics. While the Outemu Gold clicky switch may not provide detailed sound characteristics, its inherent design likely offers a satisfying tactile experience consistent with traditional clicky switches. Ultimately, your choice between these switches depends on your personal preference for sound and feel, as the Neo Lavender HE provides a more modern, nuanced experience compared to the more traditional clicky style of the Outemu Gold.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, your preferences and typing style should guide your decision. If you value a lighter actuation force and prefer a smooth, tactile experience with quieter keystrokes, then the Lavender HE is an excellent choice, especially for gaming or extensive typing sessions where fatigue could become an issue. Its unique magnetic mechanics offer a distinctive typing feel that can enhance your overall experience, especially on compatible keyboards like the Wooting. On the other hand, if you enjoy a noticeable click feedback with a slightly firmer bottom-out force for a more traditional typing experience, the Outemu Gold switch may be more to your liking. Though it doesn't have standout features like the Lavender HE, the Gold provides a solid, medium-force response that's well-suited for typists who appreciate audible feedback. Ultimately, it's about what you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard experience—light and quiet versus feel and feedback.
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