Neo Lavender HE vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often seek the perfect blend of sound, feel, and performance to enhance their typing experience. The Neo Lavender HE and the HC Studio Roselle represent two distinct choices catering to different preferences. The Neo Lavender HE switch is celebrated for its clean, low sound and is particularly compatible with Wooting keyboards, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists looking for a unique feel with minimal auditory distraction. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch boasts a combination of smoothness derived from its exceptional material blend, resulting in a typing sensation that is not only smooth but also subtly low-pitched. This makes the Roselle an attractive option for those who prioritize typing comfort and a refined auditory signature. Each switch offers its own unique advantages—whether it's the low sound profile of the Lavender HE or the frictionless experience of the Roselle. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Neo Lavender HE and HC Studio Roselle switches feature different housing materials, which significantly influence their acoustic properties and tactile experiences. The Lavender HE employs a nylon top and bottom housing that is well-regarded for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon contributes to an absorption of sound that creates a duller and rounder auditory experience, making it a classic choice for those who prioritize sound quality in their typing. In contrast, the Roselle switches utilize POM for both the top and bottom housings. POM is known for its unique properties that yield a similarly muted yet distinct sound profile, offering a pleasing auditory experience characterized by a deeper sound. While both switches aim for a unique sound quality, the materials highlight different characteristics in their acoustic performance due to the inherent properties of nylon and POM.
Comparing the nylon and POM materials reveals how each affects the tactile response and sound of the switches. The Lavender HE's nylon construction provides a rounded quality that is particularly noticeable when bottoming out — the softness of the nylon enhances the overall tactile feel of the switch. This gentleness translates to a sound that is comforting and warm, which may appeal to typists who enjoy a more cushioned experience. On the other hand, the Roselle's POM housings contribute to a muted sound that shares similar acoustic qualities with the nylon switches; however, the feel of the switch is slightly different, offering a unique typing experience that is also deeper but possibly less plush.
Ultimately, despite the differences in housing materials, users can expect some similarities in the overall sound profiles produced by the Lavender HE and Roselle switches. Both utilize materials that prioritize a deeper sound, though they achieve this in different ways: through the soft, absorbing nature of nylon in the Lavender HE and the distinct sound signature of POM in the Roselle. If one were to switch between the two types, the overall typing experience might vary slightly in texture and feel, but the muted and pleasing auditory qualities would remain consistent, showcasing how effective both housing materials are at delivering a desirable sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lavender HE features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch and longer typing sessions with less effort. In contrast, the Roselle switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. Consequently, the Lavender HE is the lighter option, while the Roselle offers a medium-light experience. Although the differences in force values are subtle, they can significantly affect the typing experience, with the Lavender HE providing an easier and more comfortable keystroke, while the Roselle gives a firmer push, catering to users who favor a sturdier typing sensation.
Travel distance
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HC Studio Roselle linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that, while both switches offer relatively shorter travel distances than traditional options (4.0 mm), the Lavender HE allows for a bit more key travel, which can provide a more substantial tactile feedback during use. Consequently, those who enjoy a deeper keystroke might prefer the Neo Lavender HE for its more pronounced depth. On the other hand, gamers and users seeking quicker response times might gravitate toward the Roselle, appreciating its more immediate actuation because of the shorter travel distance. Overall, while both switches cater to specific preferences in key feel and responsiveness, the Lavender HE clearly has the advantage in travel depth, making it the longer of the two options.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HC Studio Roselle has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Roselle for $4.70.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Neo Lavender HE and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, both exhibit distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Neo Lavender HE is known for its clean, low sound, making it subtly unobtrusive and suitable for a variety of environments, particularly for users who need to minimize noise during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Roselle linear switch offers a subtle, low-pitched sound signature that is described as being bassy. This gives it a deeper, richer tone compared to the more neutral sound of the Lavender HE, which may appeal to users seeking a more pronounced auditory experience during their typing.
In terms of feel, the Neo Lavender HE has not been given an explicit description, making it challenging to compare directly. However, the Roselle linear switch dazzles with its frictionless action and mild characteristics, providing an exceptionally smooth and responsive typing experience. This effortless fluidity allows for long typing sessions without fatigue, appealing to users who prioritize comfort and ease. If the Lavender HE switch were to possess a similar smoothness, typists might find themselves enjoying comparable levels of ease, but without specific information, one cannot be certain.
In conclusion, while the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch offers a clean, low sound that might suit quieter environments, the HC Studio Roselle switch presents a deeper, bassy auditory experience that some users may find more engaging. The Roselle’s frictionless feel sets it apart with a highly smooth typing experience, though the specifics of the Lavender HE’s feel remain unknown. Ultimately, for users seeking similar results in sound and feel, the Roselle seems to provide an experience with its smooth, mild typing dynamics complemented by its rich auditory profile, while the Lavender HE offers a cleaner, less intrusive alternative.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you lean towards a light actuation force and prefer a clean, low-sound typing experience, particularly in a gaming setting or if you use a Wooting keyboard, the Lavender HE is an excellent fit. Its specialized technology and consistent feel make it a solid choice for high-speed gaming and responsive typing tasks. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a slightly heavier, yet still mild actuation force with an ethereal smoothness and a rich, low-pitched sound, the Roselle would be more suited to your needs. Its frictionless travel ensures a pleasant typing experience that works well in a variety of environments, whether you're at home or in a professional setting. Ultimately, decide based on the tactile and auditory experience you value most, as both switches bring unique qualities to the table that can enhance your keyboard experience in different ways.
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