Neo Lavender HE vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly impact your typing experience, and two intriguing options are the Neo Lavender HE and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g. The Neo Lavender HE is celebrated for its clean, low sound profile and compatibility with Wooting keyboards, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who favor a tactile feel with minimal noise. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g is engineered for whisper-quiet operation, providing a serene typing experience that mimics the gentle patter of rain, making it ideal for those who wish to maintain a quiet workspace without sacrificing performance. While the Lavender HE offers a unique magnetic switch experience, the Silent Sakura caters to light typists with its ultra-light 43g actuation force. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, both switches utilize nylon for their top housings, resulting in a shared sound experience. The use of nylon as a classic switch housing material in both models contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributed to the soft, sound-absorbing properties of nylon. This similarity ensures that users of both switches will enjoy a muted acoustic experience, as the nylon composition effectively dampens sound, producing a warmer, rounder tone upon keystrokes. Consequently, those who prefer a softer typing sound and feedback will find consistent results across both switches with regard to the top housing material.
In contrast, a significant difference arises when comparing the bottom housings of these two switches. The Lavender HE features a nylon bottom housing, mirroring its top housing and promoting a cohesive sound profile that enhances the switch's overall depth and warmth. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which is known for its stiffness and unique tonal qualities. The polycarbonate bottom housing generates a sharper, higher-pitched sound that reverberates more crisply compared to the softer, muted qualities of nylon. This distinct difference means that while the two switches will produce a similar typing sound when the keys are released, the bottom-out sound will vary significantly—offering users a choice between a fuller and deeper sound versus a crisper and clearer acoustic experience.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housings of each switch reveals how these materials affect sound production. While the nylon top housing in both models creates a harmonious, softer sound, the differences in the bottom housings lead to diverging sound profiles at the moment of bottoming out. For those who appreciate a seamless sound transition between key presses and releases, the Lavender HE’s uniform nylon construction will likely appeal. In contrast, users of the Silent Sakura - 43g can expect a more dynamic auditory experience due to the combination of nylon and polycarbonate, resulting in distinct yet complementary auditory characteristics. Despite their differing bottom housing, the commonality in top housing material ensures users can achieve an overall pleasant typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which can influence user experience. The Lavender HE has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Silent Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the Silent Sakura switch is generally lighter overall, making it potentially more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to activate. In contrast, the Lavender HE, being slightly heavier at both the actuation and bottom out stages, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the key difference is in the actuation force, where the Silent Sakura provides an easier touch, while the Lavender HE gives a stronger push experience.
Travel distance
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Lavender HE is the shorter of the two, which could be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Silent Sakura offers a more traditional depth, which some users may find more satisfying for a hearty typing experience. Therefore, if you prefer a more responsive feel with a shorter travel distance, the Neo Lavender HE would be the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a more pronounced press might lean towards the HMX Silent Sakura.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50.
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 presents a clean, low sound profile that contributes to a smooth auditory experience. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch is engineered for a whisper-quiet typing experience, where the sound is likened to gentle raindrops tapping against a window. While both switches prioritize quiet operation, the key distinction lies in their auditory characteristics, making the Lavender HE slightly more pronounced on sound clarity compared to the ultra-subtle tones of the Silent Sakura.
In terms of feel, the Lavender HE offers a distinct tactile response typical of magnetic switches, which can provide a precise and consistent actuation sensation. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g switch is designed with a lighter actuation force at 43 grams, catering to typists who prefer a minimal feel and a less pronounced resistance during typing. This difference can cater to different typing styles, with the Lavender HE offering a more substantial tactile interaction compared to the delicateness of the Silent Sakura.
In summary, both the Neo Lavender HE and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g are designed for quiet environments, yet they deliver different auditory and tactile experiences. The Lavender HE excels in clarity and responsiveness, while the Silent Sakura focuses on a soft, gentle typing feel that is ideal for light typists. Together, these switches represent two distinct philosophies in keyboard design, allowing typists to select based on their personal preferences and typing habits.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switches and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switches ultimately boils down to your typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you desire a switch that offers a clean sound profile and a light activation force, the Lavender HE is an excellent option, especially if you're considering a Wooting keyboard, as it stands out among magnetic switches and provides a unique tactile experience. Conversely, if you prioritize a whisper-quiet atmosphere and prefer a softer typing experience, the Silent Sakura - 43g would be the better fit, particularly for light typists who want to maintain a serene environment, mimicking the soothing sound of raindrops. The Lavender HE can be more suitable for situations where you might enjoy a bit of feedback, while the Silent Sakura is tailored for those who wish to keep noise levels low without compromising on comfort. Ultimately, your choice should reflect not just your tactile preferences but also how the switch's characteristics align with your typing habits and the environment you’ll be in.
Mentioned in this article
