Neo Lavender HE vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Purple presents a fascinating contrast between innovative technology and traditional tactile feedback. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, distinguishes itself with its clean, low sound profile and magnetic actuation, making it an excellent option for those seeking a quiet yet responsive typing experience. This switch is particularly compatible with Wooting keyboards, appealing to gamers and typists looking for precision and durability. In contrast, the Outemu Purple offers a tactile switch experience characterized by noticeable feedback with each keystroke, providing a satisfying sensation that many users prefer for typing. While the Purple switch may lack the unique features of the Lavender HE, it remains a popular choice for those who appreciate a more traditional mechanical feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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 Purple switches, a distinct difference arises between the top housings. The Lavender HE employs a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer texture that produces a deeper and more muted sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to nylon's ability to absorb sound vibrations more effectively, resulting in a duller, rounder acoustic experience during typing. In contrast, the Outemu Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, which is a harder and stiffer material. This difference fosters a sharper, clearer sound profile that enhances the auditory experience, especially for users who prefer a more lively and resonant typing sound. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate housing also offers a translucent quality, making it suitable for RGB lighting setups, while the nylon housing tends to provide a more opaque appearance.
Upon examining the bottom housing of both switches, it becomes evident that they share a similarity: both the Neo Lavender HE and Outemu Purple utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This choice of material results in a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile characteristic of nylon, regardless of the differing top materials. The softer nature of nylon contributes to a uniformity in how both switches feel at the bottom-out, making them similarly satisfying to type on in that respect. As a result, while the Lavender HE may deliver a more subdued auditory reaction from the top and a cohesive sound experience from the bottom, the Outemu Purple compensates with its brighter sound emerging from the polycarbonate top.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housings with a common bottom housing material leads to a unique typing experience for each switch. For instance, despite the Lavender HE producing a more muted sound due to its nylon top, the nylon bottom maintains the deeper acoustic quality that users may appreciate. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple allows for a vibrant top-end response thanks to its polycarbonate shell, while still benefitting from nylon's solid performance in the bottom. Thus, users can expect different sound profiles influenced heavily by the top housing, while the bottom housing ensures a smooth and consistent tactile experience when pressing down on the keys in both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Lavender HE features a relatively lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gameplay without much fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Purple switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback. However, the bottom out force for the Outemu Purple is unavailable, leaving a gap in the comparison for those interested in the full tactile experience. Overall, the Neo Lavender HE is lighter, which may appeal to those prioritizing comfort and ease of use, while the Outemu Purple caters to users seeking a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it's clear that they differ somewhat in their design and feel. The Lavender HE has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Purple switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Outemu Purple switch offers a more substantial depth during key presses, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more traditional and tactile experience. On the other hand, the shorter 3.8 mm travel of the Lavender HE could be favored by gamers looking for quicker response times due to its reduced distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference; those who appreciate a deeper key press may lean towards the Outemu Purple, while those seeking enhanced responsiveness might opt for the Neo Lavender HE.
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 Purple 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
When it comes to sound, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is known for producing a clean, low sound, making it a great option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. This characteristic allows it to smoothly fit into various settings such as offices or shared spaces where noise could be a concern. In contrast, the Outemu Purple tactile switch lacks specific sound characteristics documented, which means its acoustic profile may vary widely depending on the user's keyboard configuration, including the choice of board and keycaps as well.
In terms of feel, the Neo Lavender HE offers a satisfying tactile experience that is both responsive and smooth, ideal for typists who enjoy feedback without any abruptness. The Outemu Purple switch, on the other hand, is also tactile, though its precise feel is not as well-defined. Users might find the Outemu Purple to provide a different tactile experience compared to the Lavender HE, but without detailed information, a direct comparison on feel remains ambiguous.
In summary, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch stands out for its clean, low sound and satisfying tactile feel, while the Outemu Purple's sound and feel characteristics are less defined. If you're looking for a more predictable auditory and haptic experience, the Lavender HE would likely be the better choice, whereas the Outemu Purple may appeal to those who are open to exploring its unique feel and sound, which can be quite variable. Ultimately, both switches can provide enjoyable experiences, but the Lavaender HE offers more clarity in its qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, you'll want to consider your typing preferences and the type of experience you're seeking. If you prefer a light touch with a clean, low sound, ideal for both gaming and office work, the Neo Lavender HE is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force means that you can type quickly and efficiently without straining your fingers, and its compatibility with Wooting keyboards adds versatility to your setup. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile response that provides a bit more feedback with each keystroke and don't mind a slightly higher actuation force, you might lean towards the Outemu Purple switch. While it lacks specific metrics to compare, you may find that its tactile bump offers satisfying feedback for typists who enjoy that sensation. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether you prioritize a lighter, quieter typing experience with the Neo Lavender HE or a more traditional tactile feel with the Outemu Purple switch.
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