Neo Lavender HE vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Silent Grey presents a fascinating contrast of characteristics tailored for different preferences. The Neo Lavender HE, known for its clean, low sound and compatibility with Wooting keyboards, offers a unique experience thanks to its hall effect mechanism, which provides a smooth and precise actuation without the traditional noise associated with mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch emphasizes a quiet yet tactile feel, boasting a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke that caters to those who appreciate a satisfying typing experience without being overly loud. While the Lavender HE excels in delivering a more subtle auditory profile, the Silent Grey's tactile feedback creates an engaging interaction that's both muted and sharp. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on your typing style and environment, whether you prefer a nearly silent setup or something with more tactile response. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 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 Outemu Silent Grey switches showcase distinct differences in their top housing materials, reflecting unique acoustic properties and aesthetic appeal. The Lavender HE employs a nylon top housing which is known for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more muted auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Silent Grey features a polycarbonate top housing, which is inherently stiffer and leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The translucence of the polycarbonate also enhances its suitability for RGB lighting applications, making it visually more appealing for users seeking a blend of sound performance and aesthetic functionality.
When examining the bottom housing materials, both the Lavender HE and Silent Grey utilize nylon, ensuring that they share similar characteristics in that aspect. The nylon bottom housing contributes to the overall sound experience of both switches, generating a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile as it absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials. Thus, while the two switches differ in their top housing, the shared nylon material in the bottom housing creates a common ground in terms of auditory feedback when the keys bottom out. This similarity helps to balance the overall sound character of the switches even though their top halves produce distinct acoustic effects.
Ultimately, the interplay between the different housing materials in the Lavender HE and Silent Grey results in varied user experiences. The Silent Grey's polycarbonate top housing promotes a clearer and more resonant typing sound, while the Lavender HE’s nylon top facilitates a more subdued auditory profile. However, due to the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches, the shared deeper sound character remains a unifying feature, allowing users to still experience fulfilling keystrokes despite the differences above. For users who appreciate a blend of both auditory profiles, the combination may lead to a uniquely tailored typing experience, bridging the gap between soft, muted sounds and sharper, crisper feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Neo Lavender HE has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the Outemu Silent Grey requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This means that users who favor a lighter touch for extended typing periods or long gaming sessions may find the Neo Lavender HE more comfortable. In terms of bottom out force, the Lavender HE also comes in lighter at 50 grams compared to the Silent Grey's 65 grams. Consequently, the Silent Grey switch is better suited for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming, offering a heavier resistance that may provide a satisfying tactile response. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter switch with quicker responsiveness, the Neo Lavender HE is the better choice, whereas the Outemu Silent Grey caters to those who enjoy a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, we see a clear distinction between the two options. The Lavender HE has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Silent Grey boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more traditional and slightly deeper. For gamers or individuals who favor quicker, more responsive keystrokes, the 3.8 mm distance of the Lavender HE may be preferable due to its reduced travel, offering a snappier feedback. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial feel with their typing experience might find the 4 mm travel of the Silent Grey more satisfying, as it provides a deeper and more tactile sensation. Thus, depending on personal preference for responsiveness or a deeper keystroke, the difference in travel distance between these two switches can significantly influence the 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 Grey 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 delivers a clean and low auditory profile that is distinctively different from traditional mechanical switches. This lower sound characteristic makes it less intrusive and suitable for quieter environments. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey offers a combination of muted and thocky sounds, characterized by a deep and rich tone that produces a satisfying thud or soft knock when pressed. The Silent Grey's design minimizes the noise of mechanical key presses while still providing an enjoyable auditory experience, appealing to users who appreciate a quieter yet still tactile feedback.
In terms of feel, the Neo Lavender HE switch is not explicitly described in the provided information, leaving its tactile qualities unknown. On the other hand, the Silent Grey is recognized for its sharp tactile feedback, which features a strong, crisp bump that can be distinctly felt with each keystroke. This pronounced tactile response makes for a satisfying typing experience, particularly for those who prefer a more interactive feel when typing.
In summary, the Neo Lavender HE switch stands out with its clean and low sound, providing a less intrusive auditory experience, while the Outemu Silent Grey switches combine a muted sound profile with a pronounced tactile feedback. If sound and feel preferences are considered, users may find that both switches cater to different typing environments and tactile requirements. Ultimately, while the Neo Lavender HE showcases a unique acoustic quality, the Silent Grey excels in delivering a tactile typing experience, allowing users to choose the one that best fits their personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch will largely depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and the type of work or activities you engage in. If you favor a lighter switch with a clean, low sound and are looking for a switch that can provide a smooth, enjoyable experience, especially in gaming or fast-paced typing scenarios, the Neo Lavender HE would be an excellent choice. Its unique magnetic mechanism allows for a responsive and fluid keystroke, making it particularly appealing for those who frequently utilize Wooting keyboards or enjoy a quirky, standout typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a pronounced tactile feedback with a heavier actuation force and desire a quieter yet satisfying typing experience, the Outemu Silent Grey switches might be the better option for you. Their sharp tactile bump and muted sound profile make them suitable for office environments or shared spaces where noise reduction is key, while still delivering the rewarding feedback of a mechanical switch. In essence, your decision should reflect your typing style and environment—opt for the Neo Lavender HE for a lighter, more fluid experience and the Silent Grey for a tactile, stable yet quieter interaction.
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