Neo Lavender HE vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to the feel, sound, and overall typing experience each switch provides. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its clean and low sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a quieter typing experience. Its compatibility with Wooting keyboards and unique magnetic operation further set it apart from traditional switches, appealing to gamers and typists who value precision and minimal noise. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 is a linear switch that strikes a remarkable balance between comfort and performance, featuring a neutral sound signature and a medium-light weight that many users find ideal for long typing sessions. Its subdued characteristics cater to a broad audience, making it a popular option among both enthusiasts and professionals alike. While the Lavenders offer a specialized, quiet experience, the Sky V3 provides versatility and comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
40g
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
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Neo Lavender HE and the Dareu Sky V3 exhibit significant differences in their top housing materials, impacting their overall sound profiles. The Lavender HE utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. This characteristic arises from nylon's softer nature, allowing it to absorb more sound and resulting in a muted and rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Sky V3 features a polycarbonate top housing that generates a crisper, higher-pitched sound. Polycarbonate's stiffer composition enhances resonance, making it ideal for those who appreciate a clearer sound. Consequently, typing on these switches will evoke contrasting auditory sensations due to the variances in material properties.
When examining the bottom housings of these switches, we find that both the Lavender HE and Sky V3 employ nylon. This standardization means that when pressed, both switches will deliver a deeper and more resonant sound, as nylon also possesses characteristics that effectively absorb sound. This commonality ensures that the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches remain consistent, which can be an appealing aspect for users who prioritize a fuller typing experience. Thus, while the top housings may differ significantly in contributing to the auditory output, the bottom housings align in their material choice, providing a rich and inviting sound profile during actuation.
Overall, the combined effect of these materials leads to unique typing experiences with the Neo Lavender HE and the Dareu Sky V3. The distinct top housing materials create a divergence in sound characteristics upon key release, while the matching nylon bottom housings anchor both switches in a similar auditory foundation. For users seeking a more robust and rounded sound, the Lavender HE’s nylon tops will provide that depth, whereas those preferring clarity and brightness will find satisfaction in the polycarbonate tops of the Sky V3. Regardless of the differences in the top housing, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing ultimately leads to a cohesive baseline experience in terms of sound depth when the switches are bottomed out.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, both switches exhibit the same actuation force of 40 grams, meaning they require the same light pressure to trigger a keystroke, making them both suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, the Lavender HE has a discernible bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it offers a slightly firmer feel when pressing the switch all the way down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Sky V3 is unknown, leaving a gap in its tactile feedback measurement. This lack of information makes it difficult to provide a full comparison on the typing experience when bottoming out. Overall, while both switches have the same actuation force, the Neo Lavender HE is the heavier option due to its bottom out force, which may appeal to those who appreciate a bit more resistance while typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, the Lavender HE measures 3.8 mm, while the Sky V3 has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that, in terms of travel distance, the Lavender HE offers a shorter travel compared to the Sky V3. For gamers seeking faster response times, the 3.8 mm of the Lavender HE may be more appealing due to its quicker actuation. However, for users who prefer a more substantial tactile sensation when pressing a key, the Sky V3’s longer 4 mm travel distance might feel more satisfying. Ultimately, while both switches can cater to different preferences, if you want a more responsive feel, the Neo Lavender HE would be the better choice, but if you favor deeper key presses, the Dareu Sky V3 is ideal.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Sky V3 has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky V3 for $4.76.
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
When it comes to sound, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch delivers a clean and low auditory experience, making it particularly suitable for those who prefer a more unobtrusive typing environment. Its sound profile stands out in the realm of magnetic switches, offering a unique characteristic that many users find appealing. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch presents a neutral sound signature that embodies a versatile approach. The moderate actuation force results in a balanced auditory feedback, while its subdued qualities lead to a somewhat dampened sound when pressed, creating a less intrusive experience. Both switches provide a pleasant auditory landscape without being overwhelmingly loud, making them fitting choices for both home and office settings.
In terms of feel, the Neo Lavender HE's tactile characteristics are less explicitly described, leaving some aspects open to interpretation. However, the Dareu Sky V3 is noted for its mild feel. This switch offers a gentle typing experience, emphasizing a comfortable interaction without the harsher sensations often associated with other switches. The mildness of the Sky V3 allows for extended typing sessions with minimal fatigue, making it accessible to a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or seasoned typists. While the exact feel of the Lavender HE remains unspecified, it can be inferred that both switches are likely designed for comfort, each catering to different typing preferences.
In conclusion, both the Neo Lavender HE and the Dareu Sky V3 switches exhibit qualities that are attractive to newcomers to the mechanical keyboard scene. The Lavender HE's clean, low sound profile stands out among magnetic switches, while the Sky V3 offers a neutral and subdued auditory experience, which is versatile enough for varied environments. Though the feel of the Lavender HE remains less defined, the Sky V3's mild design provides a comfortable typing experience, appealing to a broad audience. Overall, users can expect to derive similarly satisfying results from both switches, depending on personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate a lighter keypress with a clean, low sound and are using a Wooting keyboard that supports magnetic switches, the Neo Lavender HE might be your ideal choice. Its unique design and sound characteristics make it appealing for gamers or those who enjoy a softer actuation. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more versatile and balanced typing experience, the Dareu Sky V3 would serve you well. Known for its neutral sound and mild feel, it strikes a harmonious balance that caters to both typing and gaming, making it suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or work. Therefore, consider what aspect of typing you value more: the lightness and unique sound of the Lavender HE or the well-rounded comfort and precision of the Sky V3.
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