Neo Lavender HE vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Neo Lavender HE and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its clean, low sound profile and compatibility with Wooting keyboards, making it an excellent choice for those who seek a quiet typing experience without sacrificing performance. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple, a tactile switch, delivers an exhilarating typing experience with its pronounced tactile bump and snappy sound profile, appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback while typing. While the Lavender HE is ideal for gamers and typists looking for silence and seamless keypresses, the Polaris Purple stands out for those who appreciate the tactile sensation and audible feedback of traditional mechanical switches. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Neo Lavender HE and SP-Star Polaris Purple switches incorporate distinct housing materials that contribute significantly to their respective sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Lavender HE utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material known for its softer, more absorbent properties. This results in a deeper and fuller sound during typing, as the nylon effectively dampens vibrations, creating a rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Polaris Purple opts for polycarbonate in both its top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate, with its stiffer nature, produces a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile, allowing for clearer acoustic resonance. Thus, while the Lavender HE offers a warmer typing experience, the Polaris Purple delivers sharper and more defined auditory feedback.
Aesthetic considerations also set these two switches apart. The nylon housings of the Lavender HE are typically opaque, showcasing a more traditional look that aligns with its classic performance characteristics. Meanwhile, the translucent polycarbonate housings of the Polaris Purple not only enhance the visibility of RGB lighting but also accentuate the switch’s modern design appeal. The clarity of the polycarbonate allows for enhanced light diffusion, making it ideal for users who prioritize visual aesthetics in addition to typing performance. Consequently, the visual presentation of both switches complements their sound profiles, with the Lavender HE presenting a warm and subdued aesthetic while the Polaris Purple shines brightly and showcases vibrant backlighting.
When it comes to the impact of their respective housing materials on typing feel and sound, the hybrid nature of the two designs becomes evident. In the case of the Lavender HE, where both the top and bottom housings are made of nylon, users can expect a consistent, cohesive sound profile with a focus on a soft bottom-out feel. Conversely, the Polaris Purple's use of polycarbonate for both housings allows for a pronounced auditory contrast during both key press and release, making for a lively typing experience. If the two switches shared the same housing material, the result would likely be a more uniform sound profile across key actions. However, with the differing materials, each switch offers a unique blend of acoustic characteristics that cater to different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, there are notable differences in their force characteristics. The Lavender HE features an actuation force of 40 grams, making it a lighter option, which is ideal for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Polaris Purple does not have a specified actuation force, but it has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when the key is fully pressed down. This heavier bottom out force can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer stronger key presses. Therefore, while both switches have different force profiles, the Lavender HE is lighter overall, making it suitable for those looking for comfort during long use, whereas the Polaris Purple caters to users who appreciate a firmer resistance at the bottom of the keystroke.
Travel distance
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, whereas the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Lavender HE slightly shorter in travel distance, which may appeal to users who prioritize faster response times, particularly in gaming scenarios where quick keypresses can enhance performance. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple, with its longer travel distance, caters to those who prefer a more pronounced feel and depth when pressing the keys. While both options have their advantages depending on user preference, the key difference here is that the Lavender HE offers a more responsive experience due to its shorter travel distance, while the Polaris Purple will provide a more substantial feedback with its longer distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Polaris Purple has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Purple for $5.00.
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 hall effect switch is characterized by a clean, low sound, making it a quieter option compared to many traditional mechanical switches. This can result in a typing experience that is less disruptive, particularly in shared environments. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch provides a snappier sound, which adds an element of audible feedback to the user’s typing experience. This snappiness, coupled with the switch's tactile bump, gives users a more pronounced auditory confirmation of their keystrokes, which many find satisfying and responsive. Ultimately, while the Lavender HE is more subdued, the Polaris Purple can be described as more vibrant and engaging in its sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Neo Lavender HE offers an experience that is not explicitly defined here but is generally noted for its smooth actuation typical of hall effect switches. This lack of friction might appeal to those who prefer a frictionless experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch is engineered for a tactile typing experience, thanks to its pronounced bump. The mild nature of the Polaris Purple makes it suitable for a broad range of users, while its polished construction contributes to a refined feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This combination ensures that any typing experience with the Polaris Purple remains both enjoyable and accessible, standing as a strong middle-ground switch for various preferences.
In summary, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch features a clean, low sound, making it suitable for quieter environments, whereas the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offers a snappier sound that promotes an engaging typing experience. The Lavender HE also presents a smooth actuation, while the Polaris Purple caters to those who enjoy a strong tactile sensation combined with a polished feel. While their sound and feel profiles differ, each switch caters to unique typing preferences, allowing users to choose based on what resonates more with their individual typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and intended use. If you desire a light actuation force with a clean, low sound profile, the Neo Lavender HE is an excellent option, particularly for gaming or typing sessions where speed and responsiveness are vital, especially on Wooting keyboards that are optimized for its hall effect technology. It caters well to those who appreciate a quieter experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile response with a firmer actuation force, the Polaris Purple is your go-to choice. Its medium-heavy bottom out force and exhilarating tactile bump offer a satisfying and snappy typing experience, making it suitable for both everyday office tasks and more immersive typing activities. The neutral sound profile and polished feel ensure that it remains approachable for both newbies and seasoned typists alike. In essence, consider your typing style, desired feedback, and the environments where you intend to use your keyboard when making your final decision between these two distinctive switches.
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