Neo Lavender HE vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Green 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 who seek a quieter typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness. This switch, designed for compatibility with Wooting keyboards, stands out in the market for its innovative magnetic technology, providing smooth keystrokes that are perfect for gamers and typists alike. In contrast, the Outemu Green switch offers a clicky tactile response, appealing to those who enjoy the satisfying feedback and auditory cues that come with each keypress. While the Green switch may be louder, it provides a nostalgic feel that many typing enthusiasts cherish, making it a solid option for users who prefer a more pronounced keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Green, two distinct characteristics emerge: the top housing is made of nylon in the Lavender HE, while the Outemu Green utilizes polycarbonate. The choice of nylon, a softer plastic, in the Lavender HE provides a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characterized by its ability to absorb sound effectively. This results in a muted and round acoustic experience, ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Green’s polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, more resonant sound profile, attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This not only enhances the clarity of the keystrokes but also contributes to a higher-pitched sound, creating a fundamentally different acoustic output when typing.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of both switches features nylon, which further influences their overall acoustic properties. With both the Lavender HE and Outemu Green utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, they achieve a similar sound profile in terms of depth and fullness. This shared characteristic means that while the top housings create contrasting tonal qualities, the bottom nylon compositions reinforce a unified sound foundation across both switches. Thus, when pressed, users will experience a softer bottom-out feel from both switches. The performance effect is consistent, giving both switch types their own distinct tactile feedback, despite the varying auditory insinuations produced at the top level.
Overall, the combination of housing materials plays a crucial role in shaping the typing experience offered by the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Green. While the Lavender HE’s nylon top provides a muffled, softer sound, the Outemu Green’s polycarbonate top introduces a cutting, vibrant auditory profile. However, with both switches adopting nylon at the bottom, they still deliver a plush and deeper response that cushions the experience. In sum, users can expect different sound dynamics while maintaining a consistent tactile feedback across both switches, demonstrating how varied materials can lead to unique outcomes while still adhering to foundational characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different typing preferences. The Neo Lavender HE features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it helps reduce finger fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Green has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, appealing to users who favor a more substantial, tactile feel when typing. This difference means that the Lavender HE is better suited for users seeking a light and easy keystroke experience, whereas the Green offers a firmer response for those who enjoy the sensation of a strong push. Overall, the Lavender HE provides a more gentle typing experience, while the Outemu Green is geared towards users who appreciate a heavier switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, we find that the Lavender HE has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Green measures 4.0 mm. This makes the Lavender HE the shorter of the two switches, providing a more responsive feel, which can be particularly advantageous for gamers seeking quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Green, with its longer travel distance, offers a more substantial depth that some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches hinges on personal preference: if you favor a quicker response, the Lavender HE is ideal, while the Green is suited for those who appreciate a deeper key travel experience.
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 Green 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 switch is known for producing a clean and low sound profile that is quite distinct from other mechanical switches. This subtle auditory signature makes it an appealing choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Green switch, characterized as a clicky switch, delivers pronounced auditory feedback with a clearly audible "click" at the actuation point. This results in a more prominent sound that many typists find satisfying, but it can be noisy in shared environments. Ultimately, while the Lavender HE promotes a more subdued soundscape, the Green is designed to announce each keystroke with confidence.
When it comes to feel, the Neo Lavender HE switch offers a tactile experience that is smooth and responsive, allowing for a fluid typing motion that many users appreciate. The design of the mechanism contributes to its reliability and consistency, making it suitable for both casual and intensive typists. In contrast, the Outemu Green switch provides a distinctly tactile feel accompanied by a noticeable click at the actuation point. This tactile feedback can be advantageous for users who thrive on physical confirmation of their actions, although it may detract from the smoothness some might expect.
In conclusion, while both the Neo Lavender HE and Outemu Green switches cater to different user preferences, they serve unique niches in the marketplace. The Lavender HE stands out with its clean, low sound and smooth tactile feedback, making it ideal for quiet environments or those who prefer subtler feedback. The Outemu Green, with its clicky sound and defined tactile response, offers an engaging typing experience that appeals to those seeking audible cues. Ultimately, your choice may come down to whether you prioritize a quieter, smoother experience or an audible, tactile one.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch ultimately hinges upon your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a lighter key pressure, appreciate a clean and low sound, and enjoy a smooth, linear feel for rapid typing or gaming, the Neo Lavender HE is your best bet. This switch also stands out due to its compatibility with Wooting keyboards and the unique benefits of magnetic actuation. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a heavier tactile experience with satisfying feedback when key presses occur, the Outemu Green is a solid choice, especially if you favor a classic clicky sound that can be appealing for typists who enjoy an audible indicator of each key press. Thus, your decision should reflect what you value more in your typing experience: the lightweight, silent operation of the Lavender HE versus the robust, tactile click of the Green switch.
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