Neo Lavender HE vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Red Panda represents a fascinating intersection of technology and user preference. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is lauded for its clean, low sound profile and magnetic actuation, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a silent yet responsive typing experience. Its compatibility with Wooting keyboards elevates its appeal for gamers and typists who appreciate precision without the noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda, known for its tactile feedback, offers a delightful combination of light-medium tactility and a unique auditory experience, characterized by a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. Users who enjoy a more traditional typing feel are likely drawn to the 'thocky' and 'mild' characteristics of these switches. While both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, their unique attributes serve distinct user 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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 Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Red Panda utilize different materials for their top housings, which results in distinct sound profiles that significantly affect the typing experience. The Lavender HE features a nylon top housing, renowned for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer nature. This softer plastic absorbs more sound waves, leading to a rounder and less sharp auditory experience when typing. Conversely, the Outemu Red Panda opts for a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, more resonant sound profile. This stiff material reflects audio waves more effectively, leading to a crisper and clearer typing experience. Thus, when considering the impact of the top housing on sound, typists will experience a muted warmth with the Lavender HE, whereas the Red Panda will render a sharper clarity.
On the other hand, both the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Red Panda employ nylon for their bottom housings, which creates a consistent experience between the two models at the base level. Given that nylon is a classic housing material recognized for its sound-absorbing properties, both switches will exhibit a deeper and fuller sound profile from this aspect. This shared characteristic means that regardless of the differences in their top housing materials, both switches will deliver a cohesive bottom-out sound and feel. The softness of the nylon bottom allows for a dampened typing experience that contributes to a more uniform sound output, providing a layer of consistency across both switches.
In summary, the key contrast between the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Red Panda lies in their top housing materials, leading to different sonic characteristics, while their bottom housings present a unified approach of using nylon for sound absorption. The impact of the top housing material predominantly influences the sound produced during key release, while the nylon bottom effectively serves to enhance the overall tactile experience and bottom-out sound across both models. Consequently, while users may appreciate the deeper sound from the Lavender HE's nylon top housing, they will find the sharp clarity of the Red Panda’s polycarbonate top housing brings a different richness to the typing experience, all while enjoying the familiar, dampened qualities provided by nylon in the bottom housing of both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lavender HE features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable option for those who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Red Panda requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. Therefore, if you're seeking a lighter switch, the Lavender HE is the better choice, while the Red Panda caters to those who favor a stronger push. Ultimately, if both had a similar actuation and bottom out force, users would experience comparable feedback when typing or gaming, but in this case, they are distinctly different, catering to varying preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference in their travel distances. The Lavender HE features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Red Panda has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Lavender HE offers a deeper feel, which may be preferred by those who appreciate a more substantial tactile response when pressing a key. In contrast, the Red Panda, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers or users who prioritize quick responsiveness in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may depend on individual preferences—those who favor a more pronounced depth may opt for the Lavender HE, whereas others seeking speed might lean towards the Red Panda.
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 Red Panda comes in at $3.40.
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 offers a clean and low sound profile that is smooth and unobtrusive, making it suitable for quiet environments and prolonged typing sessions. This characteristic can be particularly appealing for those who prefer a less distracting auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch features a more pronounced and varied sound dynamic, producing a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound that contrasts with a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. This combination can create a more engaging auditory experience, appealing to users who enjoy the varied tones of keystrokes while typing.
When it comes to feel, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch’s tactile feedback tends to be smooth and seamless, providing a unique typing experience that aligns well with its clean sound. Meanwhile, the Outemu Red Panda switches offer a light to medium level of tactility, often categorized as mild. This means they provide gentle feedback, making them accessible for those who may be new to mechanical keyboards while still delivering a satisfying tactile experience. Both switches cater to different preferences; the Lavender HE may attract users seeking a subtly refined feel, while the Red Panda appeals to those who appreciate a bit of tactility without overwhelming feedback.
Overall, when considering sound and feel, the Neo Lavender HE switch emphasizes a cleaner auditory experience with a smooth feeling, while the Outemu Red Panda provides a richer, more textured sound fusing both clacks and thocks with a moderate tactile response. If you appreciate a subtle, subdued typing experience, you might lean toward the Lavender HE, whereas if you enjoy a bit more character in sound and feel, the Red Panda would be suitable. Each switch offers distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring that you can choose based on your desired keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Red Panda switches, your personal preferences and typing needs come into play significantly. If you value a lightweight feel and appreciate a clean, low sound profile, the Lavender HE switch is an excellent choice, especially for long typing sessions or gaming, where quick actuation matters. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it ideal for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience. Alternatively, if you enjoy a slightly more tactile feedback and are drawn to a deeper, thocky sound that enhances your typing experience, then the Red Panda switch would be more suited to your tastes. The 60-gram bottom-out force provides a bit more heft, which many find satisfying, offering a balanced performance for both typing and gaming. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you lean towards a light and low-acoustic experience with the Lavender HE or a more tactile, resonant experience with the Red Pandas. Consider what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you; that will guide you toward the right switch for your mechanical keyboard.
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