Neo Lavender HE vs. Gateron Smoothie

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Neo Lavender HE and the Gateron Smoothie represent two distinct options that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is renowned for its clean, low sound profile, making it a favorite among users who appreciate a quieter performance on their keyboards. These switches work seamlessly with Wooting keyboards and stand out with their advanced magnetic technology, offering a unique tactile response that can enhance gaming and typing experiences. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie switch is an all-POM linear switch celebrated for its buttery smoothness and thocky sound signature. With a remarkably lightweight touch, it delivers a satisfying typing experience that many enthusiasts find hard to resist, all while being budget-friendly without sacrificing quality. While both switches offer a distinct appeal—one focusing on low sound and advanced technology while the other emphasizes smoothness and value—let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can determine the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect

Gateron Smoothie Linear

$4.50 per 10

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the Neo Lavender HE and the Gateron Smoothie, notable differences in the housing materials reveal distinct characteristics in typing feel and sound profile. The Lavender HE utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is renowned for its ability to absorb sound effectively, creating a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This softer plastic nature contributes to a more muted, round sound when typing, fostering an echoing effect that enhances the switch's overall sound quality. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie employs POM plastic in its top and bottom housings, introducing a sound that is similarly deep but possesses a unique quality that resonates differently. Although both housing materials are designed to deliver a pleasing auditory experience, the material differences lead to contrasting tactile sensations.

The impact of material choice extends beyond sound into the tactile feedback felt during typing. The Lavender HE's nylon housing promotes a softer touch, allowing for a slightly more cushioned feel at the bottom of the key press. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and tactile experience, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a smooth and seamless keystroke. Conversely, the POM housing of the Smoothie might offer a firmer feel as it maintains its structural integrity better than nylon under pressure. This can influence the bottom-out sensation, making it perceivably crisper despite its muted characteristics in sound. As a result, users might find that the smoothness in feeling is more pronounced in the Lavender HE, while the Smoothie's crispness could be preferable for those desiring a definitive keystroke response.

Ultimately, both the Neo Lavender HE and the Gateron Smoothie achieve a satisfying typing experience, albeit through different engineering choices. With the Lavender HE's nylon housings, users can expect a well-rounded, deeper sound that envelops the user in a plush auditory package. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie's unique POM composition creates a sound that is equally pleasing but presents a distinct quality that some may find refreshing. Nevertheless, since both switch types employ inherently soft and pliable materials that enhance absorption, they can encourage similar sound profiles that excel in minimizing harshness and contributing to a muted typing experience. Thus, even with their differences, both the Lavender HE and the Smoothie hold potential for users seeking an engaging and satisfying keyboard experience.

Weight

When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, both exhibit the same actuation force of 40 grams, indicating they require a similar amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke. However, the Lavender HE has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which means it provides slightly more resistance when fully pressed down, contributing to a more substantial typing feel. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Smoothie is unknown, leaving its overall pressure feel undetermined. As a result, while both switches may offer a light typing experience, the Lavender HE provides a definitive bottom out resistance that could appeal to users who prefer a more tactile feedback. Ultimately, for those seeking a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Lavender HE is a solid choice, while the Smoothie's performance remains uncertain without additional information about its bottom out force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, the Lavender HE has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Smoothie features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Lavender HE offers a bit more depth in its key presses, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie, with its shorter travel distance, could be more appealing to gamers and those seeking quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference; users who favor responsiveness might gravitate towards the Smoothie, while those who appreciate a deeper key press might opt for the Lavender HE.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Neo Lavender HE switch is characterized by a clean and low sound profile, providing a subtle auditory experience when typing. This could be appealing to users who appreciate a quieter operation, especially in shared environments. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie switch produces a thocky sound signature that evokes a deep, rich, and satisfying auditory feedback during key presses. This particular sound is more bass-heavy, offering a low-pitched quality that can be very uplifting for users who enjoy a pronounced auditory response. Additionally, the Smoothie's sound can be described as subdued, providing a nice balance between presence and subtlety. It's important to note that the sound can also vary based on other factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap materials used.

When considering the feel of these switches, the Neo Lavender HE is noted for its precise and responsive keystroke, creating a unique experience that many users may find enjoyable, especially for gaming or typing tasks. While the exact description of its tactile sensation isn't detailed here, the emphasis on a clean feel likely indicates an overall lightweight and direct typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie offers a notably buttery and creamy feel, marked by a seamless and uniform typing experience that minimizes resistance. Users can expect a silky sensation, allowing their fingers to glide effortlessly over the keys. This makes the Smoothie extremely comfortable for extended typing sessions.

In conclusion, both the Neo Lavender HE and Gateron Smoothie switches present distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Lavender HE excels with its clean, low sound and responsive feel, making it suitable for those who value subtlety and precision. Conversely, the Smoothie stands out for its thocky sound and exceptionally smooth typing experience, appealing to users who delight in rich auditory feedback and effortless keystrokes. Depending on the user's priorities—whether focused on a quieter, precise operation or a more pronounced sound and an ultra-smooth typing feel—either switch could provide a satisfying experience, yet with varying overall characteristics.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a lightweight actuation with a clean, low sound and are looking for something that works seamlessly with Wooting keyboards, the Neo Lavender HE may be the best fit for you. Its unique hall effect technology provides a remarkable typing experience with minimal noise, ideal for those who prefer a serene environment, such as when working in shared spaces or during late-night sessions. On the other hand, if you're after a thocky sound profile and crave a buttery smooth keystroke, the Gateron Smoothie might be the right choice. Known for its rich acoustic signature and exceptional smoothness, it delivers an engaging tactile experience that can enhance your gaming or typing sessions, particularly if you enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback. Both switches have their unique offerings, so consider what aspects of sound and feel resonate most with you as you make your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect

$4.50 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn more