Neo Lavender HE vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Neo Lavender HE and TTC Silent Red stand out as two compelling options, each catering to different preferences and environments. The Neo Lavender HE is celebrated for its clean, low sound, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize acoustic comfort while enjoying the unique benefits of magnetic sensing technology, found in Wooting keyboards. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red offers a smooth and seamless typing experience with its muted sound profile, ideal for office settings or shared living spaces where noise reduction is key. Renowned for its buttery, mild, and polished feel, the Silent Red ensures a comfortable bottom-out experience that enhances long typing sessions. While both switches provide distinct advantages—whether you favor the innovative, low-noise characteristics of the Neo Lavender HE or the soft, muted response of the Silent Red—each caters to a different audience. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the TTC Silent Red, there are notable differences in the materials used for the top housing that greatly affect their sound profiles. The Lavender HE features a nylon top housing, known for its softer and more acoustic-absorbing properties. This results in a deeper, fuller sound when typing as it dampens vibrations and produces a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Silent Red employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is inherently stiffer and facilitates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This distinction in materials means that while both switches might offer enjoyable typing experiences, the way they express sound differs markedly due to the material characteristics of their respective top housings.
On the other hand, the bottom housing for both switches is made from nylon, providing a degree of consistency in sound profile at the lower part of the key. The nylon bottom housing contributes similarly to a more profound and richer sound experience, absorbing vibrations to enhance the depth of the auditory feedback during typing. Thus, while the top housing materials lead to contrasting sound profiles in terms of clarity and resonance, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a unified lower sound quality. This mutual aspect allows users to expect a similar auditory feel when bottoming out the keys, regardless of the differences found in the top housing materials.
Ultimately, the impact of the differing materials on the overall typing experience is nuanced by their interactions. Since the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, the polycarbonate top of the Silent Red will create a distinctly clearer sound at that moment, while the nylon top of the Lavender HE will yield a softer sound. However, because both switches share nylon in the bottom housing, users will still experience a cohesive, deeper sound when bottoming out. Thus, even though they use different materials for the top housing, their shared characteristics in the bottom housing allow for a closer alignment in overall performance, showcasing the intricacies of switch design.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, we find distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lavender HE switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom-out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a gentler touch for extended periods of typing or gaming. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. This means that while both switches offer different tactile experiences, the Neo Lavender HE is the lighter option, ideal for long use, while the TTC Silent Red is better for users who appreciate a firmer keystroke. Ultimately, a user’s choice will depend on their preferences for switch weight—light versus medium-heavy.
Travel distance
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that users who opt for the Lavender HE will experience a more pronounced keypress compared to the Silent Red, providing a fuller sensation as they press down. The shorter travel distance of the Silent Red, on the other hand, may appeal to those who prioritize quick response times, especially gamers who prefer rapid keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to individual preference: if you enjoy a more substantial depth, the Lavender HE is the better option, whereas the Silent Red caters to those seeking a snappier feel in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 noted for producing a clean, low sound. This makes it distinct among magnetic switches, allowing it to stand out in quieter environments. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is characterized by its muted sound profile. It is designed to minimize the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, making it ideal for office settings or shared living spaces where a quieter typing experience is preferred. Both switches tend to offer a sound profile that minimizes distractions, but while the Lavender HE provides a low clean tone, the Silent Red focuses on being muted.
When discussing feel, the Lavender HE switch’s tactile qualities remain unspecified, but it can be inferred that it likely provides a smooth experience consistent with many magnetic switches. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red is known for its buttery smoothness; it delivers a seamless, fluid keystroke experience that users find pleasant. It is categorized as mild, providing a gentler typing experience that appeals to a broad range of users. Additionally, the polished nature of the Silent Red suggests a refined keystroke, indicating reduced friction and a sleek typing experience. If the Lavender HE has similar qualities, it could also provide a cushioned and comfortable typing experience; however, this remains unknown without specific details.
In conclusion, while the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch stands out with its clean, low sound characteristic, the TTC Silent Red linear switch focuses on a muted sound profile, catering to quieter environments. The feel of the Silent Red is well-defined, with buttery, mild, and polished attributes enhancing the typing experience; however, details on the Lavender HE's tactile feedback are lacking. Should the Lavender HE share similar tactile characteristics with the Silent Red, users might enjoy a comparable typing experience in terms of feel. Ultimately, each switch has its unique appeal, tailored to different user preferences and environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and specific use cases. If you prefer a lighter keystroke with a clean, low sound profile, the Neo Lavender HE is your go-to option. It's particularly suited for dynamic typing and gaming scenarios, especially if you are using a Wooting keyboard, where the unique magnetic technology can provide a distinct advantage. On the other hand, if you favor a more traditional typing experience with a medium-heavy tactile feel, the TTC Silent Red switch is an excellent choice. Its muted sound profile and buttery smoothness make it ideal for office environments or shared spaces, ensuring that you can type away without disturbing those around you. In essence, if noise reduction and a polished typing experience are your top priorities, the Silent Red will serve you well. But if you lean towards innovative designs and lighter actuations, the Neo Lavender HE should be at the forefront of your selections. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you value a quieter, cushioned typing experience or the unique characteristics and responsiveness of hall effect technology.
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