Neo Lavender HE vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Tom can significantly affect your typing experience and overall satisfaction. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its clean and low sound profile, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a quieter operation without sacrificing performance. Furthermore, it is specially designed to work seamlessly with Wooting keyboards, providing a unique magnetic switching experience that stands out from conventional options. In contrast, the Outemu Tom, a tactile switch, offers a distinct feel with a noticeable bump during actuation, catering to those who appreciate tactile feedback in their typing. While the Lavender HE excels in sound dampening and compatibility, the Tom brings a more traditional tactile experience that can enhance accuracy and typing satisfaction. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 used in the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Tom switches present an interesting contrast, particularly in their top housing construction. The Lavender HE utilizes nylon for its top housing, a classic material renowned for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. This characteristic results from nylon's softer nature, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively and create a rounder auditory experience. In comparison, the Outemu Tom features polycarbonate as its top housing material. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate lends itself to generating a sharper and more resonant sound profile, making the typing experience crisper and more defined. This fundamental difference in material choice not only impacts sound but may also influence user preference based on the desired auditory feedback during typing.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Lavender HE and the Outemu Tom switches share a commonality in their use of nylon. This similarity means that both switches will deliver a deeper and more muffled sound profile on bottoming out. The softer nylon material in the bottom housing helps absorb impact and mitigates sound projection, which may create consistency in the tactile experience across both switches. Therefore, while the Lavendar HE and Outemu Tom diverge significantly in their top housing configurations, they maintain a concordant auditory performance in their bottom housing.
The interplay between the top and bottom housings in each switch design exemplifies how the differing materials influence the overall experience. The unique sound profiles generated by the Lavender HE's nylon top housing and the Outemu Tom's polycarbonate top housing will delineate how sound is experienced when pressing keys. Meanwhile, the presence of nylon in both bottom housings ensures that each switch will deliver a similar deep and fuller sound upon bottoming out. As such, users might gravitate towards the Lavender HE if they favor a softer, muted auditory feedback, while those who appreciate clearer, more defined sound profiles might prefer the Outemu Tom, especially when paired with RGB lighting for enhanced aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Lavender HE has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to press and ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the Tom switch has a heftier actuation force of 55 grams, which offers a more substantial feel for those who prefer a firmer key press. In terms of bottom out force, the Lavender HE reaches a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a comfortable typing experience without excessive pressure. Conversely, the bottom out force for the Outemu Tom is unavailable, preventing a direct comparison in this regard. Overall, if you prefer a lighter, more responsive key feel, the Lavender HE is the better option, whereas the Tom's heavier actuation force would cater to those looking for a more solid keystroke experience.
Travel distance
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Comparing the two, the Lavender HE provides a more pronounced depth, which some users might find beneficial for tactile feedback and overall typing experience. Conversely, the Tom switch, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal more to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate actuation. Thus, for those who prefer the heartier feel of a longer travel, the Lavender HE is the clear choice, whereas the Outemu Tom is better suited for users who benefit from the snappiness of a shorter distance.
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 Tom 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
When it comes to sound, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is best known for producing a clean, low sound. This quality allows for a more subdued acoustic profile that can be appealing in quieter environments. In contrast, the Outemu Tom tactile switch does not have a specific sound characteristic noted, making it difficult to directly compare. However, it's important to remember that the overall sound experience of any switch will also be influenced by the keyboard's construction, including the choice of board and keycaps.
Regarding feel, the Neo Lavender HE is often celebrated for its smooth actuation and stability, providing a satisfying tactile experience during typing or gaming sessions. The Outemu Tom switch, on the other hand, is known for its tactile feedback, which can enhance the typing experience by providing a distinct point of resistance. This differentiation in feel allows the Lavender HE to cater to users who prefer a smooth keypress while the Tom satisfies those who enjoy a more tactile response.
In conclusion, if you are searching for a switch that offers a clean sound profile alongside a smooth feel, the Neo Lavender HE may be the ideal choice for you. Conversely, the Outemu Tom switch provides a tactile experience, appealing to users who enjoy the pronounced feedback of a tactile switch. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize subtle sound and smooth actuation or tactile feedback in your typing experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, your choice ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you favor a light and smooth typing experience with a clean, low sound profile, then the Neo Lavender HE would be an excellent choice, especially if you're using Wooting keyboards that take advantage of its magnetic properties. The lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams makes it easy on the fingers, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming where rapid keypresses are vital. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback and a more traditional typing experience, although the specifics of the Outemu Tom are less defined, you may enjoy a switch that offers a distinct feel, perfect for those who relish a notable bump while typing. Thus, your decision should align with whether you value a more advanced and quieter switch that allows for customization with the Neo Lavender HE, or if you're looking for something with a tactile nature akin to the classic keyboard feel that the Outemu Tom might provide.
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