Neo Lavender HE vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of various switches to enhance their typing experience, and the Neo Lavender HE and Everglide Rice Pudding switches present two intriguing options within the realm of hall effect technology. The Neo Lavender HE is celebrated for its clean, low sound profile, making it an appealing choice for those who prefer a quieter workspace without sacrificing performance. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches are characterized by their smooth operation and deeper acoustic feedback, offering a satisfying yet precise feel for users who relish tactile and auditory engagement while typing. Both switches are fully compatible with Wooting keyboards, appealing to enthusiasts seeking versatility alongside performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The Neo Lavender HE and Everglide Rice Pudding switches exhibit distinct characteristics driven by their choice of top housing materials, which has a significant impact on the overall typing experience. The Lavender HE utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material known for its softer texture, which contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile during keystrokes. This quality is particularly advantageous for users who prefer a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Rice Pudding features polycarbonate as its top housing material, which is stiffer and produces a sharper, crisper sound when typing. The clear nature of polycarbonate not only enhances the sound but also accentuates the aesthetic appeal when combined with RGB lighting, making it a popular choice among gamers and enthusiasts seeking both functionality and style.
On the bottom housing front, both switches utilize nylon, reinforcing a commonality in their sound profiles. Since nylon is softer than other plastics, it tends to absorb sound, thereby generating a rounder acoustic signature that contributes to the overall typing experience. This consistency in bottom housing materials means that even though the sound profiles differ due to the contrasting top materials, both switches will benefit from the deeper, more resonant sound produced by the nylon bottom. This aspect ensures that while one may experience a distinct auditory character when pressing the keys, the foundational richness associated with nylon continues to underpin their typing performance.
When utilizing these switches, the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials dictates the auditory and tactile feedback during use. The Lavender HE's nylon top creates a more subdued sound when releasing the key, while the Rice Pudding's polycarbonate enhances the sound with a clearer pitch as the key is released. This duality allows users to choose between a deeper sound signature and a sharper one based on their preferences and typing style. However, both switches deliver a familiar tactile sensation shaped by their shared nylon bottom housing, ensuring that, despite their differences, users can expect a consistent and satisfying experience when typing across both models.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, both options exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. The Lavender HE has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Rice Pudding is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means users who favor a lighter typing experience would likely prefer the Rice Pudding switch, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Lavender HE. While both switches are designed to provide comfortable use over prolonged periods, the Rice Pudding offers a marginally softer push feel. Consequently, users looking for a more effortless keystroke will find the Rice Pudding to be the better choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, there is a clear distinction between the two options. The Neo Lavender HE features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it the longer option, while the Everglide Rice Pudding has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference may influence the usage experience; gamers who favor responsiveness might lean towards the Rice Pudding for its quicker actuation, whereas those who appreciate a more substantial feel may prefer the Lavender HE for its deeper travel. While both switches benefit from the hall effect technology, which aids in responsive and accurate performance, the difference in travel distance means that users will experience a different tactile feedback based on their preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 Neo Lavender HE switch is characterized by a clean, low sound, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more understated auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch delivers a deeper sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. This distinction suggests that while both switches offer unique acoustic qualities, the Lavender HE is more suited for users who favor a quieter environment, whereas the Rice Pudding may satisfy those who enjoy a more resonant auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Neo Lavender HE switch is known for its smooth operation, providing a pleasing tactile experience that ensures fluidity during typing. Meanwhile, the Rice Pudding switch is lauded for its balanced typing experience, combining smoothness with satisfying precision. This indicates that both switches deliver an enjoyable tactile sensation, but the Rice Pudding may offer a bit more feedback during actuation, appealing to users who appreciate a stronger sense of engagement with their typing surface.
In conclusion, both the Neo Lavender HE and Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switches exhibit qualities that cater to different user preferences. While the Lavender HE focuses on delivering a clean, low sound and a smooth feel, the Rice Pudding provides a deeper sound and a balanced typing experience. Depending on your priorities—whether sound volume or the tactile sensation—the choice between these two switches can significantly personalize your typing experience, especially since both are compatible with Wooting's innovative keyboards, ensuring versatility and performance for enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Neo Lavender HE and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback. If you prioritize a cleaner, quieter typing experience, the Neo Lavender HE may be your best bet, thanks to its low sound profile and lightweight actuation. This switch is particularly suited for those who often type in quieter environments or seek a more subtle auditory experience. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deeper, richer sound and a balanced feel that combines smoothness with satisfying feedback, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches might be the superior choice for you. They offer an excellent blend of performance and acoustics, addressing the needs of enthusiasts looking for versatility in their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches are compatible with Wooting keyboards, making them viable options for gamers and typists alike; it really comes down to whether you lean more towards the subtlety of the Lavender HE or the rich character of the Rice Pudding.
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