Neo Lavender HE vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Silver present intriguing options that cater to different typing preferences and experiences. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is recognized for its clean, low sound profile and compatibility with Wooting keyboards, making it an appealing choice for gamers and typists seeking a quieter yet responsive feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver is a linear switch that is popular for its smooth keystrokes, which can enhance typing speed and fluidity, particularly for fast-paced gaming scenarios. While the Lavender HE stands out with its unique magnetic technology and sound dampening capabilities, the Outemu Silver offers simplicity and consistency, enabling users to focus on rapid typing without distraction. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Silver, significant differences emerge, primarily influenced by their top housing compositions. The Lavender HE features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic nature. This material effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a more muted auditory experience that can be appealing for typists who prefer a quiet keyboard. In contrast, the Outemu Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, offering a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows sound waves to resonate more clearly, creating a brighter auditory output. Consequently, while both switches can deliver satisfactory acoustic feedback, the tonal quality experienced during typing will vary considerably, making the Lavender HE more suited for those desiring subdued sounds, and the Silver ideal for users liking bright, pronounced acoustics.
Upon examining the bottom housings of both switches, a notable similarity appears, as both the Lavender HE and Outemu Silver incorporate nylon for their lower casing. This uniformity in material ensures that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out, a feature appreciated by enthusiasts for its satisfying tactile feedback. The use of nylon as a bottom housing material allows for sound dampening characteristics, which contributes to a smoother typing experience. Therefore, regardless of the differences in their top housings, both switches maintain one consistent quality: the softer sound when a key is pressed down completely, providing a pleasant and rounded auditory experience.
Overall, the combination of differing top housings and matching bottom housings results in a unique blend of acoustic properties for both the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Silver. While the lavender's nylon top contributes to a more muted sound profile, the silver's polycarbonate top elevates sound clarity. By understanding these materials, typists can choose a switch based on their preferences for both auditory feedback and tactile response. If an individual prefers an overall sound consistency similar to the key behaviors of each switch, the bottom housing's nylon uniformity ensures that a deeper sound character is preserved, regardless of the impact of the top housing materials. Thus, while users can achieve similar results in terms of bottom-out sound, their experiences can greatly differ in the characteristics defined by the top housing.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Lavender HE features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer typing experience, particularly beneficial for extended use in typing or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Silver has a medium-heavy actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, offering a more substantial feel with its increased resistance. This makes the Silver switch more suitable for users who favor a firmer push and tactile feedback. Overall, the Lavender HE is the lighter option, suited for those prioritizing comfort over long periods, while the Outemu Silver, with its heavier forces, caters to those who appreciate a stronger tactile experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, the differences are quite clear. The Lavender HE has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Silver features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Neo Lavender HE the shorter option, which may provide quicker responsiveness, making it suitable for gamers who prefer a shorter travel for faster actuation. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial key press, offering a sense of depth that some might find more satisfying. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Lavender HE is the better choice, whereas the Silver may be favored for a more robust 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 Silver 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 sound profile of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is characterized by a clean, low tone that offers a smooth acoustic experience. This sound is particularly appealing to those who prefer a quieter environment while typing, making it an excellent choice for office settings or shared spaces. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch does not have a defined sound profile attributed to it, leaving its acoustic qualities somewhat ambiguous. However, like the Lavender HE, the overall sound can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, meaning users could potentially achieve a similar auditory experience with the right setup.
When it comes to feel, the Neo Lavender HE is known for its smooth actuation, thanks to its magnetic mechanism that eliminates tactile bumps, providing an exceptionally fluid typing experience. Users can expect a consistent response with minimal resistance, enhancing typing speed and accuracy. In contrast, the Outemu Silver is recognized for its linear nature but lacks detailed descriptions of its tactile feedback characteristics. This leaves some uncertainty about its overall feel when compared directly to the Lavender HE. However, both switches can deliver a generally smooth typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch offers a well-defined, low sound and a very smooth feel, the Outemu Silver linear switch presents a more ambiguous auditory profile and lacks detailed tactile descriptions. Those looking for a finessed experience with clear acoustic qualities may lean towards the Lavender HE, while the Silver might appeal to users seeking a straightforward linear switch without particular sound expectations. Ultimately, both switches can cater to users who appreciate smooth, responsive typing, but the tonal qualities of the Lavender HE distinguish it as a more refined choice.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, consider your preferences in terms of actuation force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter feel with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, the Neo Lavender HE is an excellent choice, particularly if you enjoy a clean, low sound profile that enhances your typing experience without being too distracting. The Lavender HE's compatibility with Wooting keyboards also sets it apart, making it ideal for users who seek a modern, responsive feel, especially during gaming or fast-paced typing tasks. On the other hand, if you like a more substantial actuation with a bottom-out force of 65 grams and are comfortable with a firmer resistance, the Outemu Silver linear switch could be better suited for you. While it may not stand out with unique attributes like the Lavender HE, its medium-heavy resistance caters to those who enjoy a bit more feedback and stability with each keystroke. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value the lightweight, responsive nature of the Neo Lavender HE or the more robust feel of the Outemu Silver linear switch.
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