Neo Lavender HE vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Neo Lavender HE and HMX Perky offer distinct experiences catered to different user preferences. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its clean, low sound and compatibility with Wooting keyboards, delivering a smooth and quiet typing experience that stands out from traditional magnetic switches. On the other hand, the HMX Perky, a linear switch, boasts a softer and glittery nylon housing that provides a neutral and deeply satisfying typing feel, ideal for those who prioritize comfort and fluid keystrokes. With a shorter travel distance, the Perky allows for a more condensed typing experience, making it suitable for fast typists and gamers who value rapid response times. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Neo Lavender HE and HMX Perky switches both incorporate nylon as their housing material, yielding similar sound profiles and tactile experiences. The choice of nylon for both the top and bottom housings reflects a longstanding tradition in mechanical switch design, famous for its acoustic properties. The inherent softness of nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it effectively absorbs vibrations and reduces harshness often associated with harder plastics. This commonality in materials ensures that users of both switches will enjoy a resonant typing experience characterized by a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall auditory feedback during use.
While they both utilize nylon throughout their construction, it's important to consider how the structure of the switches may affect the overall typing experience. Since the sound and feel of the switch are influenced by both the top and bottom housings, users will encounter varying nuances between the two models under specific conditions. Although they share the same material composition, differences in other design elements—like spring tension, keycap compatibility, or any additional features—could introduce variability in the tactile feedback and bottom-out sound. Thus, even though both switches provide an enjoyable auditory experience, the user experience could still differ depending on the specific engineering surrounding the housings.
Ultimately, the consistent use of nylon across both the Neo Lavender HE and HMX Perky ensures that fundamental acoustic qualities are similarly enhanced. Users can expect that the sound profiles from both switches will resemble each other closely, providing a satisfactory typing experience. However, the nuanced impact of the different configurations for other components of the switches could yield a unique feel while typing, hence making the user experience distinct despite their shared material qualities. As a result, enthusiasts looking for specific tactile feedback may still find distinctions to explore, even within this common foundation.
Weight
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the HMX Perky linear switch both exhibit a light typing experience, though they differ slightly in their actuation forces. The Lavender HE features an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Perky's actuation force is slightly heavier at 43 grams. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that they will perform similarly once fully pressed down. Users who favor lighter switches may find the Lavender HE more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a marginally firmer keystroke might lean towards the HMX Perky. Despite these variances, both switches maintain a relatively light overall feel, making them suitable options for different typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX Perky linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Lavender HE the deeper option, offering a more pronounced tactile experience for those who appreciate the sensation of pressing down farther into a switch. In contrast, the Perky, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers or users who prioritize quicker response times and a more immediate feel. Although both switches fall within the range of commonly used travel distances, the difference highlights the trade-off between a more substantial keypress versus a brisker actuation. If you lean towards a responsive feel, the Perky would suit you better, while the Lavender HE would be preferable for those who enjoy a hearty depth in their typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky for $2.99.
The Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 per 10 switches.
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 known for its clean and low sound profile, making it a relatively quiet option compared to other magnetic switches. This quality can provide a more subdued acoustic experience suited for office environments or shared spaces. On the other hand, the HMX Perky linear switch can be characterized as clacky, producing a sharp, crisp, and bright sound when pressed. This results in a more pronounced auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a bit more auditory stimulation with each keystroke. It's important to keep in mind that the actual sound output can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used alongside these switches.
When considering the feel, the Neo Lavender HE's tactile feedback remains unspecified, leaving it as an unknown variable. However, the HMX Perky switches shine in this regard, offering a polished and silky typing experience. Users can expect a smooth key travel with reduced friction, contributing to a more refined and satisfying typing sensation. The combination of materials and possibly factory lubing allows the Perky switches to minimize resistance during use, enhancing the overall ease of typing.
Ultimately, both switches present unique acoustic and tactile profiles that cater to different preferences. The Neo Lavender HE offers a quieter, clean sound ideal for users who prefer a subtle typing experience, while the HMX Perky linear switch provides auditory excitement with its clacky sound and a highly polished, silky feel. Depending on one's priorities—whether that be sound isolation or an expressive auditory feedback—the choice may rest on personal taste. Overall, both switches have their distinct charm and can deliver satisfying performance based on individual user preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the HMX Perky linear switch comes down to your personal preferences in sound, feel, and typing experience. If you prefer a clean, low sound profile and are looking for a switch that pairs well with Wooting keyboards, the Neo Lavender HE may be your best bet. Its lightweight actuation and smooth feel make it ideal for competitive gaming or tasks requiring quick key presses without distraction. On the other hand, if you appreciate a clacky and more engaging auditory feedback during typing, the Perky switch may be more suited to you. With its shorter travel distance, polished, and silky feel, it can provide a satisfying and refined typing experience, making it great for long typing sessions or general use. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize sound preference and key feel over actuation speed and compatibility, ensuring you select the switch that enhances your typing pleasure and meets your needs.
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