Neo Lavender HE vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two noteworthy options are the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Silent Yellow. The Neo Lavender HE, recognized for its clean and low sound profile, utilizes Hall effect technology, making it a standout choice for those seeking a smoother, quieter typing experience, particularly when paired with Wooting keyboards. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow is a linear switch that emphasizes a completely sound-dampened actuation, providing a consistent keystroke without the audible feedback that many typists might find distracting. While the Lavender HE is perfect for users who prioritize minimal noise while enjoying the unique benefits of magnetic switch technology, the Silent Yellow appeals to those who prefer a straightforward linear experience devoid of any clickiness. 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
2.20 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 Neo Lavender HE and Outemu Silent Yellow switches, one notable difference lies in the materials of their top housings. The Lavender HE employs a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer texture, which absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic experience. In contrast, the Silent Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, recognized for contributing a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances resonance, leading to a more defined auditory feedback during keypresses. Thus, while the Lavender HE excels in producing a warmer sound, the Silent Yellow seems to cater to users seeking a more pronounced and clear auditory experience.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which aligns them in terms of sound characteristics. This commonality means that both switches will exhibit deeper and fuller sound profiles when bottoming out, as the nylon bottoms absorb sound similarly. The impact of the bottom housing is crucial since it predominantly affects the bottom-out sound and tactile feel during keypresses. Therefore, regardless of the differences in the top housings, the Lavender HE and Silent Yellow switches share a notable acoustic quality during bottoming out, contributing to a cohesive tactile experience.
Overall, the combination of different top housing materials and identical bottom housing materials produces varied sound profiles while still sharing similarities. Users can expect the Lavender HE to provide a more subdued and rounded sound with its nylon top housing, while the Silent Yellow offers a striking contrast with its bright and crisp output due to the polycarbonate top. However, in both instances, the nylon bottom housing ensures that the experience of bottoming out retains that gratifying deeper resonance. Consequently, even with the differences in sound profiles for the top housing, the essential tactile quality remains consistent, allowing for a satisfying typing experience across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, we see notable differences in their force dynamics. The Lavender HE features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Silent Yellow requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which caters to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel and response. As a result, the Lavender HE is the lighter option overall, while the Silent Yellow offers a heavier resistance that some might find more satisfying. Despite both switches having varying forces, neither of them shares the same actuation or bottom out forces, which indicates that users will experience different tactile feedback with each choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, we find that the Lavender HE has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Silent Yellow measures 4 mm. This means that the Silent Yellow switch has a longer travel distance, offering a more substantial feel when pressed down. Those who enjoy a deeper engagement in their keystrokes might prefer the Silent Yellow for its traditional 4.0 mm length. Conversely, the Lavender HE, with its shorter 3.8 mm distance, caters to those seeking quick responsiveness, which can be beneficial for gaming. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that feels less abrupt in action, the Silent Yellow may be the better choice, while the Lavender HE would be ideal for users prioritizing faster response times.
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 Yellow 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 characterized by a clean, low sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. This attribute is enhanced by the switch's unique magnetic mechanism, which contributes to a more muted auditory feedback compared to conventional switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch does not have a specifically defined sound quality, leaving it somewhat ambiguous. However, it is generally understood that linear switches tend to produce less noise than tactile or clicky switches. It's essential to consider that the final sound experience will also depend significantly on the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is noted for its smooth operation, offering a consistent and fluid typing experience. This feature is a hallmark of linear switches, appealing to users who value seamless key presses without any tactile bump. Likewise, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is designed to provide a similarly smooth feel, allowing for quick and effortless typing. Both switches cater to users who appreciate the linear switch type, ensuring that they will have a comparable tactile experience when typing or gaming.
In conclusion, both the Neo Lavender HE hall effect and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switches offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to specific preferences. The Lavender HE stands out with its distinctively clean sound and smooth feel, while the Silent Yellow presents a more undefined sound profile but matches the smooth linear feel. Ultimately, if you're looking for a quieter experience with a linear feel, both switches can deliver satisfying results, but the choice between them may come down to personal preference regarding sound characteristics and specific applications.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you seek a lighter switch with a clean, low sound profile, the Neo Lavender HE is an excellent choice, especially for tasks that require rapid key presses or gaming, as its lower actuation force of 50 grams allows for swift movements without much effort. Additionally, its compatibility with Wooting keyboards and distinctive magnetic mechanics provide a unique typing experience that can enhance your overall efficiency and enjoyment. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel under your fingers and are willing to engage with a bit more resistance, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch could be more suited for your needs; its medium force of 60 grams offers a balance that some users find more comfortable for sustained typing sessions. While it may not have a standout sound profile, its reliability and solid performance make it a suitable option for general use or a quieter typing environment. In the end, your choice should reflect how you balance the need for responsiveness against the importance of feedback and sound in your typing experience.
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