Neo Lavender HE vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Silent Green 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 Outemu Silent Green present two distinct options that cater to different preferences and needs. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its clean, low sound profile and compatibility with Wooting keyboards, offering a smooth and responsive typing experience. Its magnetic design enhances durability, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists looking for precision without the noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green, a linear switch, is designed for those who prefer a quieter, seamless keystroke with less tactile feedback. While it may not offer the same level of statistical detailing as the Lavender HE, its silent operation makes it ideal for shared work spaces or late-night gaming sessions. Each switch brings its own unique characteristics to the table; 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
60g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When considering the housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Silent Green, a striking contrast emerges, particularly between the top housings of the two switches. The Lavender HE utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic choice known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic absorbs more sound than the harder polycarbonate used in the Silent Green. Consequently, the typing experience on the Lavender HE is characterized by a duller and rounder sound, which may appeal to those who prefer a more muted auditory feedback. In contrast, the Silent Green’s top housing, made from polycarbonate, delivers a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, making it a strong candidate for users who appreciate more distinct acoustic feedback.
The differences extend to the bottom housings as well, with the Lavender HE again featuring nylon, marking a consistent sound profile across both housings. This leads to a fuller auditory experience as the bottom housing predominantly influences the bottom-out sound when keys are pressed. Conversely, the Silent Green adopts a polycarbonate bottom housing, further sharpening the sound profile. While the top housing influences the sound felt upon releasing a key, the bottom housing is crucial for the typing feel. Thus, both switches, exhibiting a nylon and polycarbonate pairing in their respective configurations, showcase how the different materials can create distinct auditory encounters depending on which portion of the switch is engaged.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal sound and tactile preference. Users seeking a rounded, mellow typing experience will favor the Lavender HE with its consistent nylon composition throughout, while those preferring clarity and a crisper feel will likely incline towards the Silent Green, benefiting from the sound properties of polycarbonate in both housings. Though these switches diverge in material use, their varying profiles illustrate how the combination of housing materials distinctly shapes the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, we find distinct differences in their specifications. The Neo Lavender HE features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer less resistance for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a firmer push feel. Therefore, if you're looking for a lighter switch for long-term comfort, the Neo Lavender HE is the better option, whereas the Outemu Silent Green is ideal for those who appreciate a heavier and more tactile response.
Travel distance
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Silent Green linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Silent Green switch has a more traditional feel, providing a total travel that is typically favored by those who prefer a deeper, more substantial keypress. In contrast, the shorter 3.8 mm distance of the Lavender HE offers a more responsive experience, making it particularly appealing to gamers who prioritize speed and quick actuation. For users who appreciate a balance between responsiveness and depth, the Neo Lavender HE would be a suitable choice, whereas those who enjoy the classic, cushioned feel of a longer travel switch might prefer the Outemu Silent Green. Overall, if you seek a more abrupt response, the shorter Lavender HE will suit your needs better, while the Silent Green will satisfy those looking for a more balanced and traditional typing 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 Silent 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
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is known for producing a clean and low sound profile, which contributes to a more subdued auditory experience during typing or gaming. This characteristic can be particularly appealing for users who prefer a quieter workspace or seek to minimize distractions. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch does not have documented sound qualities, leaving its aural experience less defined. However, it can be presumed that, like many linear switches, it may also aim for a quieter operation. It’s important to remember that the overall sound can be influenced by factors like the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, so both switches may yield similar results depending on their respective setups.
When it comes to feel, the Neo Lavender HE is characterized by its smooth actuation, which many users find satisfying for both typing and gaming scenarios. This smoothness contributes to a seamless experience, enhancing overall performance. The Silent Green linear switch, conversely, does not have specific feel qualities listed, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. Generally, linear switches are known for their lack of tactile feedback, which leads to a consistent and uninterrupted keypress feel, but without explicit details on the Silent Green, we cannot assume the same characteristics.
In conclusion, while the Neo Lavender HE offers a cleaner sound and smooth feel, the Outemu Silent Green lacks specific information on its sound and feel. If you are looking for a more subdued auditory experience and a satisfying actuation, the Lavender HE may be your best choice. However, if both options prioritize quiet operation, you might see similar results when working with the right keyboard and keycap combinations. Ultimately, your decision may hinge on how crucial sound and tactile feedback are to your personal typing or gaming experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a lighter actuation force and a unique, clean sound, the Lavender HE is an excellent option, especially if you’re using a Wooting keyboard, as it offers an innovative experience with its magnetic switch technology. This makes it particularly suitable for gaming and fast typing, where responsiveness is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier keypress with a more traditional linear feel, the Silent Green switch may be the right fit for you. Although it lacks standout features like those of the Lavender HE, its medium actuation force provides a satisfying resistance that some typists may find more comfortable for extended use. Ultimately, consider how much sound, feel, and actuation force matter to you, as these elements will guide your decision towards the switch that best complements your typing or gaming style.
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