Neo Lavender HE vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is renowned for its clean and low sound, making it an excellent choice for those who desire a quiet yet responsive typing experience. This switch stands out due to its compatibility with Wooting keyboards and its unique magnetic technology that offers a smooth actuation without the traditional tactile feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, categorized as a linear switch, is expertly designed for a whisper-quiet operation, reminiscent of gentle raindrops tapping against a window. With a balanced bottom-out force of 53g, the Silent Sakura caters to typists who appreciate a lighter keystroke coupled with a satisfying and fluid typing sensation. Each switch appeals to different user preferences; the Neo Lavender HE excels in a silent but responsive feel ideal for versatile use, while the Silent Sakura is perfect for those who prioritize a quiet, smooth experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
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 comparing the housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, we see that both switches utilize nylon for their top housing, which results in a similar auditory experience during typing. Nylon is recognized for its softer characteristics, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a classic choice in switch design, this material's ability to absorb sound leads to a more tempered acoustic experience, resulting in a duller, rounder sound signature. Consequently, users of both switches can expect a similar typing noise when pressing down on the keys, with each housing providing a rich auditory feedback that is pleasant to the ears.
However, the distinction becomes apparent with the bottom housing materials of each switch. The Neo Lavender HE employs a nylon bottom housing, which continues the softer sound profile established by its top housing. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which introduces a sharper and more resonant sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for increased clarity, enabling higher-pitched sounds that create a more vibrant acoustic profile. While the Lavender HE's all-nylon construction maintains a cohesive and warm sound throughout, the Silent Sakura benefits from this combination, where the polycarbonate bottom adds a layer of brightness to the typing experience.
Ultimately, the differences in bottom housing materials create different auditory experiences during use. The Lavender HE produces a unified, deep sound profile thanks to its nylon top and bottom housings, while the Silent Sakura - 53g's nylon top and polycarbonate bottom create a blend of rich depth and crisp clarity. This means that when users press down on the Silent Sakura - 53g, they will experience the crisper sounds characteristic of polycarbonate at the bottom-out point, while the nylon top still contributes to the overall resonance during actuation. Thus, while these switches share some similar traits due to their nylon tops, the contrasting materials result in distinct sound characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch to the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, we find notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Lavender HE requires a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the Silent Sakura necessitates a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This makes the Lavender HE easier to press, potentially benefiting users who prefer lighter switches for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. In terms of bottom out force, the Lavender HE reaches a bottom out force of 50 grams, in contrast to the Silent Sakura's heavier 53 grams. With these differences, users seeking a lighter feel will gravitate towards the Lavender HE, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Silent Sakura. Overall, the Lavender HE offers a lighter experience, whereas the Silent Sakura presents a more robust typing experience with its higher force requirements.
Travel distance
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that the Silent Sakura offers a more traditional feel, which some users may prefer for its deeper response when pressing keys. In contrast, the shorter 3.8 mm travel of the Lavender HE switch caters to those who desire a quicker and more responsive action, which can be beneficial in gaming scenarios. Ultimately, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Lavender HE may be the better choice for you, while those who appreciate a more substantial press might opt for the 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 - 53g 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
In terms of sound, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch produces a clean, low sound that is distinctive among magnetic switches. This subtle auditory characteristic makes it a great choice for those looking for an unobtrusive typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch is engineered for a whisper-quiet experience, reminiscent of gentle raindrops. Its intention is to create a soft auditory feedback that minimizes distractions, catering particularly to those in shared workspaces or quiet environments. Both switches showcase a focus on low noise levels, with the Lavender HE offering a unique depth while the Silent Sakura strives for an almost silent operation. However, keep in mind that the final sound profile will be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Neo Lavender HE provides a smooth actuation without any tactile bump, typical of many hall effect switches. This ensures a consistent keystroke that many typists appreciate for its fluidity. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g has a perfectly balanced actuation force of 53g, which is designed to offer a lightweight yet satisfying keystroke. Both switches deliver a linear experience, which means there's no tactile feedback, making for uninterrupted smoothness during use. The balance in weight of the Silent Sakura potentially lends it a slightly different sensation, which might be valued by those who prefer a more intentional keystroke pressure.
In conclusion, both the Neo Lavender HE and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches cater to users seeking low sound profiles with smooth, linear actuation. While the Lavender HE stands out for its clean, low sound and unique hall effect mechanism, the Silent Sakura excels in delivering a whisper-soft typing experience with its thoughtful design. The feel of both switches offers a seamless typing experience, though the Sakura’s specific weight could appeal more to those who prefer a defined actuation force. Ultimately, selecting either switch would yield a satisfying typing experience, albeit with subtle variances that may cater to individual preferences in sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch largely depends on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you favor a cleaner and more subtle acoustic profile, the Neo Lavender HE is your best bet, as it offers a low sound with a lightweight actuation that many gamers and typists appreciate. Its compatibility with Wooting keyboards also makes it an excellent choice for those interested in analog input and a snappier response time, enhancing your gaming performance or typing speed. On the other hand, if you prioritize a whisper-quiet experience that still provides a satisfying yet gentle keystroke, the Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch would be ideal. With its medium-light actuation force of 53 grams, it strikes a balance between comfort and feedback, making it perfect for prolonged typing sessions, especially in shared or quiet environments. In the end, consider whether you value weight and responsiveness over sound profile and typing comfort, as this will guide you to make the right selection for your keyboard setup.
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