Neo Lavender HE vs. Outemu Milk Tea

Overview

When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Milk Tea. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its clean and low sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a quiet typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness. Its compatibility with Wooting keyboards further enhances its appeal for gamers and enthusiasts who value precise input. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea switch offers a tactile feel that provides satisfying feedback with each keystroke, appealing to typists who appreciate a more pronounced actuation experience. While the Lavender HE excels in silence and clarity, the Milk Tea switch brings a distinct tactile experience that many users find rewarding. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect

Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

$4.50 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Milk Tea, a clear distinction emerges between their top housings. The Lavender HE utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic stems from nylon's softer composition, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Milk Tea switches feature a Ly top housing, a newer material that produces a bright sound signature associated with clear, resonant clacks. This variation suggests that typing on the same keystroke will yield notably different acoustic results, with the Lavender HE emphasizing warmth and depth, while the Milk Tea leans towards brightness and sharpness.

On the other hand, both keyboards utilize nylon for their bottom housings, aligning them in terms of sound characteristics for this specific component. As nylon is a classic material known for its sound-absorbing qualities, both switches will produce a similar deeper and rounder sound at the point of bottoming out. Users can expect a consistent tactile experience with both, as the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel. This shared material choice effectively balances the overall sound profile, even though the top housing of each switch diverges in terms of sonic texture.

Ultimately, the differing top housing materials of the Lavender HE and the Milk Tea will lead to distinct typing experiences, characterized by their unique acoustic properties. However, thanks to the nylon bottom housings, there is a foundational sound quality they share which provides some uniformity in tactile feedback. Should a user prefer a deeper sound, the Lavender HE would cater to that preference, while those who seek a more resonant sound will find the Outemu Milk Tea appealing. The interplay of different materials in the top and bottom housings allows for a rich variation in user experience while ensuring that both switches maintain a certain level of quality and cohesion.

Weight

When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Lavender HE has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to register keystrokes. In contrast, the Milk Tea switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial push feel in their typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Outemu Milk Tea is unknown, making it difficult to fully assess its resistance when pressed all the way down. Therefore, while the Lavender HE switch is clearly the lighter option, the comparison remains somewhat inconclusive regarding the bottom out force of the Milk Tea. Users looking for a lightweight switch will benefit from the Lavender HE, whereas those who favor a firmer keypress might lean towards the Milk Tea, pending more information about its bottom out characteristics.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, the Lavender HE comes in at 3.8 mm while the Milk Tea has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Lavender HE, with its shorter travel distance, may provide a more responsive feel, appealing to users who prioritize quick actuation, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Milk Tea's longer travel distance of 4 mm could offer a more pronounced tactile experience, which some users may prefer for its depth and feedback during typing. Ultimately, if users are looking for a balance between responsiveness and a satisfying push-back, they may find themselves drawn to the unique characteristics of each switch, especially since the differences in travel distance cater to diverse preferences in typing style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is characterized by a clean and low tone, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a quieter typing experience. This feature stands out particularly well when paired with Wooting keyboards, known for their unique response to magnetic switches. In contrast, while the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch does not have a well-defined sound profile publicized, it is important to note that the acoustics of both switches can vary depending on the keyboard and keycap materials used. To achieve a specific sound experience, focusing on the choice of board and keycaps is crucial.

When it comes to feel, the Neo Lavender HE offers a smooth and responsive action due to its hall effect mechanism, which provides a unique typing experience with minimal friction. It excels in providing a tactile response that is both satisfying and precise. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, while lacking a specific description of its feel, is typically designed for a pleasant tactile bump that many users find enjoyable for both typing and gaming. Both switches have the potential to deliver enjoyable tactile feedback, although the nuances may depend on the individual user's preferences and typing style.

In conclusion, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is praised for its clean sound and smooth feel, making it ideal for users looking for a refined typing experience. The Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, although less detailed in its sound and feel representation, forges a connection with users who appreciate a tactile response. Both switches can provide satisfying results depending on your setup and personal preferences, so potential users should consider those aspects when making their choice.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch ultimately comes down to your preferences and typing needs. If you are seeking a switch that provides a light actuation force of 50 grams, a clean low sound profile, and a smooth, linear feel, the Neo Lavender HE is an excellent choice—especially if you appreciate the unique advantages of magnetic switches and plan to use it with compatible Wooting keyboards. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more tactile experience and a switch with pronounced feedback, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch would be ideal, thanks to its engaging feel that many typists find satisfying. Although the Milk Tea's sound characteristics are not specified, its tactile nature often appeals to users who enjoy a mechanical typing experience. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing style, sound preference, and whether you prioritize responsiveness or tactile feedback when making your selection.

Mentioned in this article

Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect

$4.50 per 10

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Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more