Neo Lavender HE vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the SP-Star RedBlue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When searching for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing their options between various models that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Neo Lavender HE is a hall effect switch, renowned for its clean, low sound and compatibility with Wooting keyboards, offering a unique magnetic switch experience that many gamers and typists appreciate. In contrast, the SP-Star RedBlue is a linear switch cherished for its medium-light typing feel and low-pitched sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who crave a smooth and responsive keystroke. While both switches present their own distinct advantages—one with its innovative hall effect technology and the other with its polished linear feel—both aim to enhance the typing experience in different ways. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the SP-Star RedBlue, a noteworthy distinction arises in the choice of plastics used for each switch's top and bottom housings. The Neo Lavender HE features nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for its softer nature. This choice of material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon absorbs sound more effectively than stiffer plastics. Consequently, this enables typists to experience a more subdued keypress, often described as having a duller and rounder character that many enthusiasts find appealing for quieter environments or for typing experiences where noise reduction is preferred.
In contrast, the SP-Star RedBlue employs polycarbonate as its housing material, both in the top and bottom sections. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, imparts a sharper and crisper sound profile to the switches. The inherent properties of polycarbonate allow for more clarity and resonance, which results in a sound that can be perceived as higher-pitched. This quality can significantly enhance the typist's experience, especially in setups where audible feedback is desired. The translucent and clear nature of polycarbonate also caters to aesthetic preferences, particularly for users who wish to incorporate RGB lighting into their mechanical keyboards, as it allows for optimal light diffusion.
With both switches employing different materials, the overall sound and feel diverge noticeably. The combination of nylon in the Neo Lavender HE lends itself to a fuller, more muted sound experience, while the polycarbonate in the SP-Star RedBlue creates a distinctively sharper acoustic response. However, if they were to use the same material configurations on both the top and bottom housings, users would likely experience a more uniform sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these housing materials reflects a broader preference between subdued sound and sharper acoustics, allowing each typist to select a switch that aligns with their personal typing style and sound preference.
Weight
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Lavender HE switch features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions due to its lower resistance. In contrast, the RedBlue switch has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is considered medium-light. While the exact actuation force of the RedBlue switch is unavailable, its greater bottom out force indicates a heavier feel when fully pressed. As a result, the Lavender HE is the lighter option, favored by those who prefer less effort for keystrokes, while the RedBlue may appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience despite its undetermined actuation force. Overall, the differences in these switches highlight the variety in user preferences, from lighter setups for prolonged use to a firmer resistance for tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, it's clear that they differ, with the Lavender HE measuring at 3.8 mm and the RedBlue at 4 mm. The Lavender HE, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal more to gamers seeking quicker response times, while the RedBlue's slightly longer distance provides a more substantial feel, which may be preferred by those who like a deeper key press. While both switches have beneficial attributes based on individual preferences, the Lavender HE's 3.8 mm travel distance makes it the shorter option, and the RedBlue's 4 mm makes it the longer one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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 producing a clean and low sound profile, which contributes to a quieter typing experience. This subtle audio characteristic makes it well-suited for environments where noise reduction is desirable. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switches feature a low-pitched sound that leans towards a deeper, bass-heavy tone, often described as "thocky." This provides a rich auditory feedback when keys are pressed, creating a satisfying sound for typists who appreciate more pronounced acoustics. While both switches are relatively quiet compared to others, the Lavender HE provides a cleaner, less resonant sound, while the RedBlue leans towards a more comforting, thocky tone.
When discussing feel, the Neo Lavender HE offers a unique typing experience characterized by its smooth operation, achieved through its specialized magnetic mechanism. In contrast, the SP-Star RedBlue switches deliver a more mild and polished feel, appealing to users who favor a gentle yet refined typing experience. The polished nature of the RedBlue makes it an appealing choice for those seeking reduced friction during key presses, allowing for seamless key travel. While the specifics of the Lavender HE's tactile feedback aren't provided, it can be inferred that it may offer a different yet enjoyable experience, potentially aligning with the preferences of users who favor linear switches.
In conclusion, both the Neo Lavender HE and SP-Star RedBlue switches are excellent options, offering distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Lavender HE stands out for its clean, low sound and unique hall effect mechanism, while the RedBlue provides a low-pitched, thocky sound along with a mild and polished typing feel. Although differences exist in sound and feel, those who select either switch will likely appreciate their smoother typing experiences and low noise profiles, especially in environments where discretion is important.
Conclusion
To summarize, choosing between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the SP-Starlight RedBlue linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and use cases. If you are someone who enjoys a lighter switch with a unique, clean sound and you plan to utilize Wooting keyboards, then the Neo Lavender HE is an excellent choice for a smooth and satisfying typing experience. Its 50-gram actuation force offers a gentle touch, making it great for long typing sessions or gaming, where responsiveness is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light typing experience with a more robust feel and slightly higher resistance, the SP-Star RedBlue switch might be the way to go. Its 57-gram actuation provides a nice balance for general use, while its low-pitched and thocky sound profile can deliver a captivating auditory feedback that enhances your typing experience. Therefore, whether you prioritize a light, innovative sound and feel with the Lavender HE or a more traditional and polished experience with the RedBlue, both switches have their merits to consider based on your unique typing style and preferences.
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