Neo Lavender HE vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Silent Ocean present two compelling yet distinct options. The Neo Lavender HE, known for its clean and low sound profile, is a hall effect switch that excels in compatibility with Wooting keyboards and offers smooth actuation that many gamers and typists favor. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean is a linear switch that prioritizes a silent operation, making it an excellent choice for those who seek a quieter typing experience without sacrificing performance. While the Lavender HE stands out for its magnetic technology and unique sound characteristics, the Silent Ocean is designed for users who want to minimize noise in shared spaces. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
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
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
The housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches exhibit both similarities and differences that significantly affect their acoustic profiles. The Lavender HE employs a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer characteristics, which absorb sound waves effectively. In contrast, the Silent Ocean features a polycarbonate top housing, known for delivering a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This distinction stems from the stiffness of polycarbonate, which resonates with a clearer and more defined tone. Collectively, the differences in these top housings contribute to the overall auditory experience, marking a significant contrast in how each switch sounds when pressed and released.
On the other hand, both the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Silent Ocean share nylon as their bottom housing material. This commonality ensures that both switches produce a similar acoustic experience when bottoming out. The nylon bottom housing absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and rounder sound profile, which is consistent across both switches. This shared characteristic allows for a familiar feel, emphasizing the softness and dampening effect that contributes to a subdued tactile response at the bottom of the keystroke. This creates a unique blend of sound profile where both switches capitalize on the qualities of nylon to deliver a satisfying typing experience.
The interaction between the different housing materials in these switches creates a rich and multifaceted typing experience. While the Lavender HE's nylon top contributes to a muted sound upon key release, enhancing the full auditory experience, the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate top elevates the sharpness of sound when letting go of a key. Together, this duo of nylon bottom housings ensures that the deeper tones remain resonant in both switches. Consequently, users can expect linchpin attributes of comfort and sound consistency while also enjoying the distinctive auditory nuances brought about by their contrasting top housing materials. This interplay between nylon and polycarbonate not only underscores the varying acoustic profiles but also allows for a nuanced experience depending on individual typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out force are notable. The Lavender HE features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Silent Ocean has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, offering a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a satisfying typing experience. Consequently, the Lavender HE is better suited for those who want minimal resistance and prolonged use, while the Silent Ocean caters to those who appreciate a firmer push and more feedback. Overall, these switches cater to different preferences in tactile feedback and user comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, the former measures 3.8 mm, while the latter has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Lavender HE the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter travel distances generally facilitate rapid key presses. Conversely, the Silent Ocean’s longer travel distance can provide a more substantial typing experience, which some users may prefer for its depth and tactile feedback. Overall, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Neo Lavender HE is the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a more traditional feel might lean towards the Outemu Silent Ocean.
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 Ocean 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 hall effect switch is known for its clean and low noise profile, which makes it a pleasant option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. This is particularly beneficial in office environments or shared spaces where noise levels are a consideration. On the other hand, while the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is designed to be quiet, there is no specific information detailing its sound characteristics. However, it can generally be expected that linear switches like the Silent Ocean will also produce minimal noise, but without the same level of clarity noted in the Lavender HE. Ultimately, both switches cater to users looking for quieter options, though the specifics of the Outemu's acoustics remain unclear.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Neo Lavender HE is often celebrated for its smooth actuation, enhancing the overall typing experience, especially for users who type extensively. Conversely, there is no detailed description available for the feel of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch. Generally, linear switches are known for their smooth keystrokes without tactile feedback or audible clicks, which could imply a somewhat similar feel to the Lavender HE. Without definitive information regarding the Silent Ocean's characteristics, potential users might find their experiences to vary depending on personal preference and usage.
In conclusion, while the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch offers a well-defined, clean sound and a smooth typing feel, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch leans into the category of quieter options without the same level of sound description or tactile feedback specifics available. Both switches will likely provide low noise levels conducive to minimal disruption, making them suited for similar environments. However, the Neo Lavender HE may have an edge in terms of sound clarity and known performance characteristics, while the Outemu Silent Ocean presents a more ambiguous experience that may also appeal to linear switch enthusiasts looking for quiet operation.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch depends largely on your personal preferences regarding actuation force, sound, and overall typing experience. If you favor a lighter touch and appreciate a clean, low sound profile, the Lavender HE is your ideal option. It has a bottom-out force of only 50 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions without fatiguing your fingers, especially if you're using a Wooting keyboard that can maximize its magnetic switch technology. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback and don't mind a slightly heavier keypress, the Silent Ocean, with a bottom-out force of 65 grams, could be the better choice. While it may not have standout features like the Neo Lavender, its heavier actuation may provide a sense of satisfaction and control during gaming or typing. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal style and needs—opting for the Lavender HE for a lighter, quieter experience or the Silent Ocean for a more robust, slightly louder feel.
Mentioned in this article
