Neo Lavender HE vs. KTT Rose
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the KTT Rose switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Neo Lavender HE and KTT Rose present contrasting yet intriguing options that cater to distinct preferences among typists and gamers. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its clean and low sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who desire a minimalist auditory experience while typing. Its compatibility with Wooting keyboards further enhances its appeal, particularly for users who value a unique magnetic switch experience. On the other hand, the KTT Rose, known for its striking aesthetics, offers a typing experience that feels both substantial and refined. With its progressive springs, it delivers a notably bassy sound with every keystroke, immersing users in a pleasant auditory environment that stands out from typical linear switches. Both switches cater to different sensory preferences—one prioritizing a quiet, refined experience, while the other combines beauty with a richly textured typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the KTT Rose, significant differences emerge between the top housings while the bottom housings share a commonality. The Lavender HE utilizes a nylon top housing, noted for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer composition, which tends to absorb sound rather than reflecting it, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Rose's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant and clear sound, making it particularly suitable for users who appreciate enhanced auditory feedback when typing. The aesthetic difference is also notable, as polycarbonate's translucency lends itself well to RGB lighting, elevating the visual aspect of the switch.
Both the Lavender HE and the KTT Rose feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which creates a unified sound experience when typing. The nylon bottom housing in both models provides a deeper and fuller auditory profile, absorbing sound and contributing to a more muted feel when the key bottoms out. This shared characteristic means that users will likely encounter similar tactile feedback when engaged with both switches, even though the overall sound profile could differ due to the contrasting top housing materials. This aspect highlights how the bottom housing fundamentally shapes the user experience by impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, regardless of the varying contributions made by the top housing material.
In summary, the combination of different top housing materials in the Lavender HE and the Rose results in distinct sound characteristics that cater to varying preferences among typists. While the Nylon top of the Lavender HE fosters a more subdued soundscape, the polycarbonate top of the KTT Rose injects clarity and brightness into the auditory feedback. However, the uniform nylon bottom housing across both switches ensures that users experience a consistent tactile sensation and deeper sound at the bottom-out point. This interplay between the top and bottom housings illustrates how each material's unique qualities contribute to an overall typing experience, while also offering a clearer differentiation in sound profiles to cater to different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lavender HE features a relatively light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions as it reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the KTT Rose switch does not have a specified actuation force, but it has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which provides a more substantial feel for those who prefer a stronger push during typing. While the Lavender HE is the lighter option overall, the absence of an actuation force for the Rose switch makes direct comparisons challenging. However, users seeking a lighter typing experience will find the Lavender HE more favorable, while those desiring a heavier, more tactile feedback may lean towards the KTT Rose switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, it's clear that the Lavender HE has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Rose has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This establishes the Lavender HE as the shorter option, which may be more appealing for those who prioritize faster response times during gaming or typing. Conversely, the KTT Rose, with its 4 mm travel distance, provides a more traditional and substantial feel that some users might prefer for a deeper and more satisfying keystroke experience. Overall, the choice between these switches may hinge on individual preferences regarding switch feel and responsiveness, as the shorter travel distance of the Lavender HE will yield a different typing experience compared to the more pronounced actuation of the Rose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50, whereas the KTT Rose comes in at $3.01.
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 hall effect switch produces a clean, low sound that distinguishes it from other magnetic switches, making it appealing for those seeking a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Rose linear switch offers a low-pitched auditory profile characterized by bassy raindrop sounds, delivering a mellow and rich tone. The soundscape of the Rose switches is described as neutral, making them versatile for various typing environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. However, it's important to note that sound characteristics can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard construction and keycaps used, meaning users may experience variations regardless of the switch itself.
In terms of feel, the Neo Lavender HE has yet to be explicitly detailed, leaving its tactile experience somewhat unknown. On the other hand, the KTT Rose linear switch features a mild feel, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable for a wide range of users. Its tactile sensation is further enhanced by the polished nature of the switch, indicating a refined finish that promotes smooth keystrokes and reduced friction during operation. For those who value a seamless typing experience, the Rose switch excels in delivering a comfortable touch, making it a great choice for prolonged typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the Neo Lavender HE and the KTT Rose linear switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Lavender HE is celebrated for its clean sound, while the Rose provides a rich, bass-driven audio with a mild and polished feel. While the exact experience of the Lavender HE remains unknown in terms of feel, the differences outlined make it clear that each switch has its strengths. Users will appreciate the distinct qualities of each, ultimately guiding them to select the switch that best aligns with their typing preferences and environment.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Neo Lavender HE and the KTT Rose linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you lean towards a lighter touch with a clean, subdued sound, the Neo Lavender HE may be the right fit for you, especially if you appreciate the unique advantages of hall effect switches and enjoy the compatibility with Wooting keyboards. The low sound profile makes it ideal for quiet environments, while the lighter actuation force allows for quick, effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a medium-heavy bottom-out force, the KTT Rose could be your go-to option. These switches provide a mild yet polished typing experience, producing a pleasant low-pitched sound reminiscent of bassy raindrops, making them versatile for both office and home use. Therefore, consider what matters most to you – whether it’s sound, weight, or feel – and make your choice accordingly.
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