Neo Lavender HE vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Neo Lavender HE and Durock Sea Glass offer unique experiences that cater to distinct preferences. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch renowned for its clean, low sound, is a perfect choice for those seeking a quieter typing experience, especially when paired with Wooting keyboards. Its magnetic mechanism sets it apart from traditional switches, providing a reliable actuation without the typical feel. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switches boast a visually appealing design, available in five pastel colors, and are celebrated for their smooth, feathery touch. Their proprietary material mix results in a typing experience characterized by a distinct dryness and airiness, all while maintaining a frictionless action despite a moderate 62g bottom-out force. This switch exudes a hollow sound signature that enhances the overall typing vibe. Each switch offers compelling advantages—whether you prioritize a subdued sound or an airy tactile feel—but 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
62g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Neo Lavender HE and Durock Sea Glass switches feature distinctive housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles and tactile experiences, yet both utilize the versatile nylon material. The Lavender HE employs classic nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for its softer plastic qualities. This softness allows it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper, fuller auditory experience when typing. The deep tone produced by the Lavender HE creates a warm typing environment, appealing to those who prefer a more muted acoustic backdrop.
In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass utilizes a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for both its top and bottom housings. While it retains some of the beneficial sound absorption properties of nylon, the inclusion of UHMWPE results in a sound profile that is noted to be brighter in nature. Although this may contrast with the deep and rounded tones of the Lavender HE, the Sea Glass aims to strike a balance with its pleasant sound, not overly sharp but leaning towards the bright side. This variation in material composition brings about a distinct typing experience that caters to different user preferences, showcasing the diversity in switch design.
Despite these differences in material characteristics, both types of switches can yield similar results in terms of sound quality when used in conjunction with the right keyboard setup. In switches where the top and bottom housings differ, the bottom housing typically influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a critical role in the sound experienced when releasing a key. Therefore, even with the nuances present in their respective materials, both the Lavender HE and the Sea Glass can provide a satisfying typing experience, catering to users who might appreciate a subtler or a brighter sound profile through a thoughtful combination of their housing designs.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, distinct differences emerge that cater to varying preferences among users. The Lavender HE features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, along with a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended use. In contrast, the Sea Glass has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, appealing to users who favor a more substantial push feel in their keystrokes. Consequently, the Neo Lavender HE is the lighter option overall, while the Durock Sea Glass is heavier, potentially offering a more pronounced tactile feedback for typists who prefer it. Overall, while both switches provide unique experiences, the choice between them ultimately hinges on personal preference regarding weight and resistance.
Travel distance
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.8 mm, meaning they share the same distance from the top to the bottom when a key is pressed. This similarity in travel distance suggests that users can expect comparable feedback and actuation feel when using either switch. Therefore, if you're considering either of these switches, you can anticipate similar results in terms of travel distance, enhancing compatibility and consistency in key feel across different setups using these switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 switches offer a clean and low sound profile, providing a pleasant auditory experience that is distinctive among magnetic switches. This makes them suitable for quiet environments and is often preferred by users seeking a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switches are characterized by a uniquely hollow sound signature that, while may initially seem airy and less substantial, is engaging in its own right. The sound produced by each switch will ultimately depend on additional factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps used, but a general expectation would be that the Lavender HE is quieter and more refined, while the Sea Glass has an airy but potentially less resonant quality.
Regarding the feel of the switches, the Neo Lavender HE switch description lacks specific detail, making it difficult to assess its tactile properties. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switches provide an exceedingly smooth and frictionless typing experience, ensuring effortless key presses with minimal resistance. This switch offers a mild sensation, described as approachable for users, balancing performance and comfort. Their feathery nature and easy-to-press characteristic minimize finger fatigue, making them ideal for extended use, whether for typing or gaming. In terms of feel, while the Lavender HE switches might be pleasant, the Sea Glass switches are explicitly engineered for a buttery smooth and light typing experience.
In conclusion, while both the Neo Lavender HE and Durock Sea Glass linear switches bring unique qualities to the table, the Lavender HE excels in sound profile by providing a clean and low auditory experience. The Sea Glass, conversely, shines in feel, offering a smooth and airy typing experience that prioritizes comfort and ease of use. Ultimately, choosing between them may come down to personal preference regarding sound versus feel, as their characteristics can create different typing experiences that cater to diverse user needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Neo Lavender HE and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you prioritize a light feel and enjoy a low, clean sound while typing, the Lavender HE switch, with its 50g bottom-out force, is an excellent option. It is particularly well-suited for gaming or extended typing sessions, where ease of pressing and reduced finger fatigue are significant advantages. In contrast, if you appreciate a medium force switch with a unique aesthetic and a captivating airiness, the Durock Sea Glass switch, weighing in at 62g, might be the better choice for you. The Sea Glass offers a frictionless typing experience that feels remarkably smooth and effortless while providing a distinct sound signature that enhances your overall typing enjoyment. Ultimately, choose the Lavender HE for a feather-light touch and quieter experience, or select the Sea Glass if you favor a slightly more pronounced resistance with an artistic twist in terms of color and texture.
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