Neo Lavender HE vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can often boil down to personal preference and typing style. Take, for example, the Neo Lavender HE and the Gateron Quinn. The Neo Lavender HE is renowned for its clean, low sound and its compatibility with Wooting keyboards, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a quieter typing experience with a smooth feel. This hall effect switch offers a unique advantage due to its magnetic mechanism, which promises durability and precision. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn stands out with its combination of crisp tactile feedback and a deep, resonant sound profile, thanks to its specially designed nylon housings. Users looking for an engaging auditory experience, paired with a defined tactile bump, will find the Quinn switches appealing, as they promise a rich and immersive typing experience. Both switches cater to distinct preferences—whether you prioritize a soft and silent operation or a snappy and bassy tactile response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
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 double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The Neo Lavender HE and Gateron Quinn both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which positions them in the same category in terms of material selection. Nylon is renowned for its acoustic properties, providing a fuller and deeper sound profile when typing. This is attributed to its relatively soft nature—an attribute shared by both switches. As a result, both switches are likely to produce similar auditory experiences, characterized by a duller and rounder sound due to the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon. Consequently, users can expect that the typing noise produced by either switch will evoke a satisfying and muted resonance that many enthusiasts prefer in mechanical keyboards.
In terms of tactile experience, the material used for the bottom housing of both switches will play a more significant role in how users perceive the bottom-out feel. Since both the Lavender HE and Gateron Quinn rely on nylon for their bottom housings as well, the qualities that contribute to the tactile feedback during keypress actions remain consistent. This shared material means that users can expect a similar sensation when bottoming out on either switch, where the softness of nylon contributes to a kinder, more forgiving impact. Additionally, because the top housing equally uses nylon, the experience of releasing a key will have comparable acoustic characteristics across both switches, reinforcing the sense of consistency in user experience.
Despite this uniformity in housing materials, it’s essential to consider that the overall typing experience can still vary owing to other factors such as switch design, stem characteristics, and spring tension. However, with the same nylon material employed in both top and bottom housings, these two switches inherently possess a foundation that promises excellent sound absorption and tactile feel. Therefore, while their unique designs may introduce subtle differences, the common use of nylon ensures that both the Neo Lavender HE and Gateron Quinn will provide solid, enjoyable typing experiences that are both acoustically appealing and ergonomically satisfying.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, we see a distinct difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Lavender HE has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option that may be more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn features a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger tactile feel. Thus, for those who prioritize comfort over extended use, the Lavender HE would be the better choice, while users seeking a firmer feedback in their keystrokes might favor the Quinn. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference regarding weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, it is clear that they differ. The Lavender HE has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it the longer option, while the Quinn features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference in travel distance may influence user preference depending on their needs; gamers, for instance, often favor the Quinn's shorter distance for its quicker response times, while users who enjoy a more pronounced key press might lean towards the Lavender HE for its greater depth. In summary, while the Lavender HE offers a deeper and potentially more satisfying press, the Gateron Quinn caters to those seeking a more responsive feel with its shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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
When it comes to sound, the Neo Lavender HE switch is best characterized by its clean, low sound profile, which sets it apart from traditional mechanical switches. This provides a subdued auditory experience, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a more discreet typing session. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a markedly richer soundscape. Acclaimed for its deep, bassy tones, the Quinn exhibits a unique combination of clackiness and resonance, creating a vibrant, immersive auditory experience. This richness adds character to each keystroke, yielding both low-pitched bass sounds and sharp, crisp percussiveness that enhances the overall typing environment.
On the feel front, the Lavender HE's characteristics haven't been explicitly detailed, but typically, hall effect switches like the Lavender are known for their smoothness and lack of scratchiness, likely providing a fluid typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switch excels with its snappy and polished tactile feedback. The Quinn's medium tactile bump delivers a lively response along with a bouncy sensation, giving typists a satisfying rebound effect with each press. This results in a refined feel, ensuring faster actuation without sacrificing comfort, which is complemented by a buttery-like smoothness as users glide across the keys.
In summary, the Neo Lavender HE and Gateron Quinn switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. While the Lavender HE remains low-key and smooth, ideal for those prioritizing a quieter environment, the Quinn stands out with its engaging sound and tactile feedback, appealing to those who enjoy a more dynamic typing experience. Choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on your personal preferences, as both types present unique qualities that contribute to an enjoyable typing journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Neo Lavender HE and Gateron Quinn tactile switches largely depends on your personal preferences regarding typing feel and sound profile. If you appreciate a lighter actuation force alongside a clean, low sound, the Lavender HE is an excellent choice, particularly if you plan to use it with Wooting keyboards, which are designed to take advantage of its capabilities. This switch’s light feel is perfect for fast typists or gamers who thrive on swift key presses without the fatigue of heavier switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a more robust and tactile experience, the Quinn switches will cater to your needs with their medium-heavy actuation force and satisfying snappy feedback. The Quinn switches deliver a deeper, resonant sound that enhances the auditory experience while providing enough tactility to ensure each keystroke feels purposeful and engaging. Ultimately, if you lean toward a springy, lively keystroke that resonates well acoustically, the Gateron Quinn is the switch you'll want to explore further. Choose the switch that aligns with your typing style and sound preferences, and you'll find an option that significantly enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
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