Neo Lavender HE vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Neo Lavender HE switch, recognized for its clean, low sound and compatibility with Wooting keyboards, offers a unique typing experience thanks to its hall effect technology, which provides a precise actuation with minimal noise. This makes it an excellent option for users who prefer a quieter work environment without sacrificing performance. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch is celebrated for its medium-heavy weight and buttery smooth key travel, coupled with a polished, factory-lubed finish that drastically reduces friction. This ensures an effortless typing experience, making it perfect for those who enjoy a tactile and responsive feel. While both switches have their distinctive characteristics—one emphasizing sound dampening and precision while the other focuses on smoothness and tactile comfort—your ultimate choice will depend on your specific needs. 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
58g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the KTT Pine, a distinct contrast emerges between their top and bottom housings. The Neo Lavender HE utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its softer characteristics, allowing it to absorb more sound compared to harder materials. As a result, the Lavender HE produces a duller and rounder auditory feedback, which many users may find comfortable for typing. This consistency in housing material means that the entire switch experience is characterized by the warm and muted tones of nylon, providing a cohesive sound profile across usage.
In stark contrast, the KTT Pine employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing. The use of this stiffer material results in a sharper, crisper sound profile, providing an auditory experience that is more resonant and clear. Polycarbonate's properties allow it to project a higher-pitched sound, which is particularly appealing for users seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances aesthetics, especially in RGB lighting scenarios, giving the Pine a clear visual appeal. The difference in material for the Pine results in a distinctly brighter and more vibrant sound, setting it apart from the more muted tones of the Lavender HE.
When considering the overall switch experience, the divergence in material properties indicates how users may perceive sound differently. With the Neo Lavender HE, the uniformity of nylon's softer qualities across the housing leads to a consistent auditory experience, characterized by deeper tones. Conversely, the KTT Pine, with its polycarbonate materials, allows for a layered sound profile—where the bottom housing's stiffness influences the bottom-out feel and the top housing brightly shapes the sound release upon key release. While both switches promise a reliable performance, the decision between them may ultimately boil down to personal preference in sound profile and tactile feel—both offering distinct experiences attributed to their unique housing materials.
Weight
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the KTT Pine linear switch differ notably in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Lavender HE boasts a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Pine's 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch that allows for extended typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. When pressed all the way down, the Lavender HE reaches a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Pine requires a greater 58 grams. This means that users seeking a more substantial feel in their typing experience might find the KTT Pine to be a better choice due to its heavier force requirements. In summary, the Neo Lavender HE is the lighter option, whereas the KTT Pine is the heavier one, catering to different preferences in typing feel and comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, there is a slight difference to note. The Neo Lavender HE has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Pine boasts a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Lavender HE the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that is often favored by gamers who prioritize quick reaction times. On the other hand, the KTT Pine, with its longer travel distance, offers a deeper and more traditional typing experience which some users might prefer for its more substantial feedback. Therefore, if you seek a switch that delivers a quicker tactile response, the Neo Lavender HE would be your best choice, whereas the KTT Pine may be more suitable for those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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
The sound profile of the Neo Lavender HE switch is characterized by its clean, low sound, which distinguishes it from other magnetic switches on the market. In contrast, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a deeper and richer sound profile, described as bassy and low-pitched. This suggests that while the Lavender HE delivers a more subtle acoustic presence, the Pine adds a sense of depth and warmth with its bass-heavy resonance. The differences in sound can be significantly influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, but overall, the Lavender HE appeals to those seeking a refined auditory experience, while the Pine caters to a preference for more pronounced and lower frequencies.
When it comes to feel, the Neo Lavender HE lacks specific descriptors in this context, making it challenging to comment on its tactile feedback. However, the KTT Pine linear switch is well-regarded for its buttery and creamy feel, providing a smooth and effortless keystroke experience. This silky sensation allows for fluid typing, making it ideal for prolonged use without discomfort. The factory-lubed finish of the Pine switch minimizes friction, thereby enhancing its desirable tactile characteristics. While the Lavender HE's feel is unspecified, it can be anticipated that it either shares these qualities or offers a distinctly different touch experience.
In summary, the Neo Lavender HE presents a clean and low sound that may appeal to users seeking a more understated acoustic profile. In contrast, the KTT Pine linear switch boasts a richer, bassy sound accompanied by a buttery, creamy feel, enhancing the typing experience. The two switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and tactile feedback, allowing users to choose based on their priorities of acoustic presence and touch sensation. Whether one leans toward the clarity of the Lavender HE or the warmth and smoothness of the Pine will ultimately depend on personal taste and usage environment.
Conclusion
To summarize, when choosing between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and the type of sound experience you desire. If you prefer a lighter actuation force for a quicker response and a cleaner, lower sound profile, the Neo Lavender HE switches would be a great fit, especially if you're looking to use them with a Wooting keyboard or enjoy the unique characteristics of magnetic switches. On the other hand, if you appreciate a medium-heavy keystroke with richer, bassy acoustics and value a buttery smooth typing experience, the KTT Pine switches could be the ideal choice for you. Their polished, factory-lubed build provides a creamy feel with minimal friction, making typing feel effortless and luxurious. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you favor a lighter, crisp sound with the Lavenders, or a deeper, more satisfying sound and feel with the Pines.
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