Neo Lavender HE vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Neo Lavender HE and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie each offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences and styles. 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 prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing performance. This switch is particularly compatible with Wooting keyboards and sets itself apart from other magnetic switches due to its distinctive feel and reliability. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, a linear switch, provides a medium-weight response that balances both tactility and smoothness, featuring a thocky sound profile that many enthusiasts find satisfying. This switch employs high-quality all-POM materials to ensure durability and a pleasant typing experience, all while appealing to budget-conscious consumers. Each switch has its merits, making the Neo Lavender HE ideal for silent environments or competitive gaming, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie shines for those who prioritize smoothness and acoustics. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
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
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, we can observe notable differences in the types of plastics used for each switch. The Lavender HE features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is regarded as a classic choice in mechanical keyboard switches. Nylon's inherent softness allows it to absorb sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile that creates a more rounded acoustic experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie incorporates POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both the top and bottom housings. POM is known for its unique sound quality, providing a deeper tone that is somewhat muted but still clear, resulting in a distinctly pleasant auditory experience. So while both switches aim for a deeper sound signature, the materials lead to different sound characteristics.
The impact of the housing material can significantly influence the overall typing feel and sound profile of each switch. In the Lavender HE, the nylon reduces the harshness of the sound when typing, both in terms of the bottoming-out sound and the release tone. This is due to its ability to absorb vibrations effectively. On the other hand, the POM housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a different auditory experience; while it also delivers a muted sound, it possesses a smoother, more pleasing quality, making it appealing to users who enjoy a milder acoustic feedback. As a result, the Lavender HE tends to produce a warmer and more rounded sound, while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a clearer yet soft sound, catering to different user preferences for auditory feedback during typing sessions.
Despite these differences in materials, there is an intersection in the characteristics of these switches that leads to similar typing experiences. Both the Lavender HE and the Sea Salt Smoothie prioritize a deeper sound profile, making them suitable for users seeking a quieter typing experience. This is achieved through the combination of softer housing materials in both switches, which effectively dampen sound and vibrations. While the specific tonal qualities differ due to the unique properties of nylon and POM, users can expect an overall balance of pleasant auditory feedback and comfort in both switches. This unity of purpose in design results in a typing experience that can yield similar satisfaction, regardless of the material differences.
Weight
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of 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 suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a higher actuation force of 48 grams; however, its bottom out force remains unknown, which leaves some uncertainty regarding the overall typing experience. As a result, the Lavender HE is the lighter of the two switches, providing an advantage for those seeking effortless keystrokes, while the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a heavier feel, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Overall, if a minimal actuation force and a known bottom out force are what you're after, the Neo Lavender HE would be a more favorable choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, it's notable that the Lavender HE has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie measures slightly shorter at 3.7 mm. This difference indicates that the Lavender HE provides a more substantial key press with its longer travel, catering to users who prefer a deeper feel when typing. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers seeking quicker actuation for faster response times. Therefore, if you're looking for a more pronounced tactile experience, the Lavender HE would be the preferable choice, whereas if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Sea Salt Smoothie might be the way to go.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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
In terms of sound, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is characterized by a clean and low sound profile, making it a quiet option that may be preferable in shared or office environments. This contrasts with the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, which produces a thocky sound that gives a deeper acoustic response. While both switches provide a unique auditory experience, the overall sound will also be influenced by the keyboard's build quality, the materials used, and the keycaps chosen, so users can tailor their setup to achieve their desired acoustic profile.
When it comes to feel, the Neo Lavender HE provides a smooth and precise tactile experience, designed to be highly responsive thanks to its magnetic mechanism. This allows for a seamless key press that some users find appealing for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie delivers a medium-weight feel with a focus on exceptional smoothness, enhancing the typing experience while maintaining a satisfying resistance. Both switches aim to provide a pleasurable tactile sensation, yet each has its unique characteristics that may appeal to different preferences.
In summary, both the Neo Lavender HE and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences. While the Lavender HE features a quieter, cleaner sound and a smooth feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie boasts a deeper thocky sound and a medium resistance profile. Choosing between them will ultimately depend on individual preference and desired keyboard characteristics, but either switch can provide satisfying results based on how you customize your setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, your choice should be guided by your specific typing preferences and the intended use for your keyboard. If you favor a lighter touch and appreciate a clean, low sound profile, the Neo Lavender HE is an excellent option, especially if you're using a Wooting keyboard or enjoy the innovative characteristics of magnetic switches. These switches offer a unique typing experience, making them ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing where precision is paramount. Conversely, if you prefer a more robust feel with a thocky sound and exceptional smoothness, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may be more to your liking. Its medium-weight characteristics provide a satisfying tactile experience during extended use, making it suitable for daily typing and gaming alike. In essence, your choice should reflect not only your tactile and auditory preferences but also the nature of your keyboard usage, whether it be casual or competitive.
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