Neo Lavender HE vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Spring Breeze offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is widely celebrated for its clean, low sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness. It is particularly compatible with Wooting keyboards, giving it added versatility for gamers and typists alike. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze is a clicky switch that provides tactile feedback and an audible click, appealing to those who enjoy a more traditional typing experience reminiscent of classic keyboards. This switch is ideal for users who thrive on feedback while typing or gaming, adding an extra layer of satisfaction to each keystroke. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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
Both the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Spring Breeze utilize nylon as their housing material for both the top and bottom sections, which means they share several acoustic characteristics. As nylon is known for its softer nature compared to harder plastics, both models are likely to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This shared material composition contributes to a certain degree of sound dampening during typing, as nylon effectively absorbs sound waves, thereby creating a duller and rounder auditory experience. Consequently, users of both switches can expect similar acoustic feedback and feel when typing, as the nylon material influences both sound and tactile responses positively.
Despite the shared nylon housing, the overall sound and feel may still vary due to other design elements such as switch stems and spring tensions. While both the Lavender HE and the Spring Breeze feature nylon construction, the nuances in their design may lead to differences in how the switches feel when bottoming out or releasing. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound—a factor that could differ between the two brands due to variations in stem design or spring mechanics. Therefore, even though both switches are built from nylon and will deliver some similar results in sound absorption, the experience of using them may still be distinct because of these additional factors.
In summary, while both the Neo Lavender HE and Outemu Spring Breeze employ nylon for their top and bottom housings, facilitating a similar auditory environment, the specific design elements inherent to each switch could lead to unique user experiences. The sound profile produced by pressing and releasing keys will resonate with a fullness characteristic of nylon, yet the particulars of their construction—such as potential differences in stem stiffness or spring resistance—could yield contrasting tactile sensations. Thus, users can expect some similarities in sound quality, but the complete typing experience will depend on the nuances crafted into each switch's design.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch to the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it's interesting to note that they share the same actuation force of 40 grams, making them equally light in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, their bottom out forces differ, with the Lavender HE at 50 grams and the Spring Breeze at 55 grams. This means that while both switches require the same force to register a keystroke, the Spring Breeze will require a slightly heavier push to bottom out completely. As a result, users seeking a lighter overall typing experience may find the Lavender HE more comfortable for extended use, while those who prefer a bit more resistance during typing might gravitate towards the heavier bottom out feel of the Spring Breeze. Overall, if you prioritize a softer tactile experience, the Lavender HE is the better choice, whereas for those who enjoy a more substantial push, the Spring Breeze could be more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, there is a distinct difference in travel distance that can affect the typing experience. The Neo Lavender HE features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Spring Breeze has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Lavender HE the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times and a more immediate feel. Conversely, the Spring Breeze offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper keystroke that some typists may prefer for a more substantial tactile feedback. Ultimately, those who favor a quicker, snappier key press may find the Neo Lavender HE more suited to their needs, while those looking for a richer tactile experience might lean towards the Outemu Spring Breeze.
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 Spring Breeze 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 notable for its clean, low sound profile, which contributes to a quieter typing experience. This can make it suitable for environments where minimizing noise is essential, such as shared workspaces or quiet settings. The Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, on the other hand, lacks specific sound characteristics, but given its classification as a clicky switch, one can generally expect a sharper, more distinct auditory feedback during actuation. It’s worth mentioning that the perceived sound can be significantly influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, so results may vary.
When considering feel, the Neo Lavender HE is praised for providing a smooth typing experience, promoting comfort during extended use. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze is clicky, which typically translates to tactile feedback that can help typists feel each key actuation distinctly, potentially enhancing typing accuracy and engagement. The difference in actuation feel between the smooth Lavender HE and the tactile Spring Breeze offers different experiences depending on personal preference, with some users favoring the seamless action of the Lavender HE while others might enjoy the pronounced feedback of the clicky switch.
Overall, both switches cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch excels in creating a quieter, smoother typing experience, making it great for users who value minimal noise and a gentle touch. Conversely, the Outemu Spring Breeze offers a clicky response that can provide satisfying auditory and tactile feedback, which many typists appreciate. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference and intended usage, with each switch delivering distinct experiences that may resonate differently with individual users.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch largely hinges on your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you favor a lighter switch with a smooth, clean sound and a tactile feel that minimizes key travel noise, the Neo Lavender HE is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming where quick responsiveness is key. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly more resistant typing experience and appreciate a tactile and clicky feedback that adds a satisfying auditory element to your keystrokes, the Outemu Spring Breeze with its medium-light 55-gram force may be the better option. While it lacks specific standout features, it provides a consistent and reliable feel for general use. In essence, if you're looking for a more refined, quiet typing experience, the Neo Lavender HE will serve you well, while the Spring Breeze caters to those who enjoy the classic clicky feel often preferred by gamers and typists alike. Choose based on what matters most to you: a smooth, quiet, and responsive experience with the Lavender or a tactile, clicky feedback with the Spring Breeze, and you'll be well on your way to finding the keyboard that suits your style.
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