Neo Lavender HE vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Neo Lavender HE and Outemu Silent White present two distinct options, each catering to different user preferences and gaming styles. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is revered for its clean and low sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a quieter typing experience without compromising key responsiveness. Its compatibility with Wooting keyboards also adds a layer of versatility for avid gamers and typists who seek precision in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White, classified as a linear switch, offers a smooth and uninterrupted keypress, perfect for users who prefer a soft and fluid typing sensation. While both switches excel in creating a quieter environment, the Lavender HE stands out with its unique technology and compatibility, whereas the Silent White provides a straightforward linear experience. 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
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Silent White, distinct differences emerge between their top housings. The Lavender HE features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This characteristic allows the housing to absorb more sound, thus resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Silent White opts for a polycarbonate top housing, which leads to a crisper and more pronounced sound quality. This sharper pitch is attributed to polycarbonate's rigidity, offering a clearer resonance that can enhance the keyboard's auditory experience overall. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate housing can play a significant role for users who enjoy RGB lighting, making it visually appealing as well.
On the other hand, both the Lavender HE and the Silent White utilize nylon for their bottom housing components. This uniformity in material results in both switches sharing the same acoustic properties when it comes to the bottoming-out sound and feel. The nylon's inherent softness contributes to a deeper, fuller auditory experience, effectively absorbing sound and minimizing auditory sharpness even in the presence of a stiffer top housing material. The utilization of nylon across the bottom housing in both switches means that users can expect a consistent tactile feedback and sound profile when pressing down on either switch.
In summary, while the top housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and Outemu Silent White create distinct sound profiles—one being deeper and fuller, the other sharper and crisper—the bottom housing remains the same, utilizing nylon for both switches. This results in a blending of qualities, where the bottom housing’s characteristics serve to mellow the potentially sharper sounds from the Silent White's polycarbonate top. Consequently, users can enjoy the muffled yet rich sound profile of the bottom housing in both cases, providing a pleasant typing experience that balances the contrasting attributes of the top housings.
Weight
Comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch reveals distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lavender HE has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it well-suited for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Silent White switch features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some typists may find preferable for a more pronounced typing experience. This difference means that while the Lavender HE is designed for those who appreciate a lighter switch, the Silent White caters to those who enjoy a heavier push feel. Therefore, for users prioritizing comfort during prolonged use, the Neo Lavender HE is the better option, while the Outemu Silent White is ideal for those seeking a sturdier response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, the Lavender HE features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Silent White offers a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This distinction indicates that the Lavender HE switch provides a more profound, hearty feel when pressed, which may appeal to those who prefer a certain depth in their key presses. In contrast, the Silent White's travel distance leans towards a shallower design, likely offering a quicker response time favored by gamers or those who prefer snappier action in their switches. Therefore, if you're looking for that responsive feedback, the Silent White could be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, whereas the Lavender HE could satisfy those seeking a more substantial key press 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 White 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 offers a clean and low sound profile, which many users find appealing for its muted presence during typing. This quality helps in creating a more subdued and professional typing environment, making it suitable for both office use and casual gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch does not have a defined sound profile available, but it is generally designed to be quieter than traditional switches, aligning with its name. It's important to note that the overall sound experience can vary significantly based on the keyboard construction and the type of keycaps used, so while the Lavender HE is known for its distinctive acoustics, the Silent White leans towards a quieter performance.
When it comes to feel, the Neo Lavender HE switch is celebrated for its smooth linear action, providing an enjoyable and seamless typing experience without any tactile bump or click to distract the user. This smoothness can contribute to a satisfying and fluid typing rhythm. The Outemu Silent White switch also offers a linear feel, focusing on a smooth keypress without the interference of tactile feedback. Given that both switches share this linear characteristic, users will find them similarly enjoyable in terms of glide and motion, making it easier to transition between the two if desired.
In summary, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch stands out with its clean, low sound profile and smooth linear feel, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch emphasizes a quieter operation and also offers a linear experience, albeit without a specific sound profile noted. Both switches cater to users seeking a linear typing experience, making either a suitable choice for those who appreciate a smooth keypress. However, the distinct sound of the Lavender HE may appeal more to those prioritizing acoustics, whereas the Silent White's quieter nature could suit environments where noise reduction is valuable.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you value a lightweight actuation and a clean, low sound, the Neo Lavender HE is an excellent option, especially if you're using a Wooting keyboard or seeking a unique magnetic switch experience. Its light bottoming-out force of 50 grams allows for quick and effortless typing, making it a suitable choice for fast-paced gaming or prolonged typing sessions where fatigue might be a concern. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Outemu Silent White may be more your style. Although it lacks the distinct features of the Lavender HE, its silent operation makes it ideal for office environments or shared spaces where noise can be a distraction. Ultimately, whether you prioritize the innovative sound and feel of the Neo Lavender HE or the more traditional yet quiet experience of the Silent White, both switches cater to different needs and preferences, ensuring that you can find the perfect match for your keyboard setup.
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