Neo Lavender HE vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly impact your typing experience, and two notable options are the Neo Lavender HE and the Gateron Smoothie Silver. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its clean, low sound and compatibility with Wooting keyboards, making it a standout choice for those looking for a unique auditory experience. This switch offers durability and precision thanks to its magnetic technology, appealing to gamers and typists who favor a quieter performance. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is a linear switch designed with an all-POM construction that delivers a short travel distance for rapid actuation. Known for its thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, this switch caters to users who prefer a feather-light touch and rapid keystrokes, ideal for fast-paced gaming or typing sessions. Each switch brings distinct advantages to the table, enticing different types of users based on their preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, it is essential to consider that these two switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Lavender HE utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material recognized for its softer characteristics. This softness contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is adept at absorbing sound waves compared to harder plastics. Therefore, users can expect a rounded auditory experience when typing on this switch, characterized by heightened acoustics that minimize sharpness and emphasize a more muted thump.
On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver features POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its top and bottom housings. Though different from nylon, POM also promotes a unique auditory experience that leans towards a muted and deep sound profile. Like nylon, POM is known for its relatively softer quality, which allows it to cushion sound better than harder materials, albeit with its distinct tonal characteristics. As a result, while the two switches have different housing materials, both can produce a similarly pleasing auditory experience. The Smoothie Silver may offer a different texture and response feel due to the POM's specific properties, yet it still falls within a comparable sound profile realm as the Lavender HE.
Overall, the distinctions between nylon and POM come into play in how each housing contributes to the overall typing experience. The Lavender HE, with its consistent use of nylon, may provide a unified auditory experience that resonates equally throughout the keystroke, while the Smoothie Silver, with its POM composition, could yield a slightly varied sensation between the top and bottom housing. Ultimately, users might find that both switches deliver satisfying sound and feel, allowing for a cohesive musical experience with nuanced differences, depending on their material choices. If one prefers a deeper, softer sound, they would likely enjoy either option, while those seeking specific tactile feedback might lean toward one switch over the other based on personal preference.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, we see some intriguing differences in their actuation forces. The Lavender HE features a relatively light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions or gaming, providing a more comfortable experience. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, though its bottom out force remains unspecified. This suggests that users might experience a different tactile feedback when bottoming out, with the Smoothie Silver likely providing a more substantial push feel due to its higher actuation force. As it stands, the Neo Lavender HE can be considered the lighter option between the two, ideal for those who favor ease of use over weighty resistance, while the Smoothie Silver caters to individuals looking for a more forceful typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Lavender HE has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Smoothie Silver measures 3.4 mm. This makes the Smoothie Silver the shorter option, appealing to gamers and users who prefer quicker response times due to the reduced distance they need to press the key. In contrast, the Lavender HE offers a longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial and satisfying tactile feedback for users who enjoy deeper keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value responsiveness or a more hearty depth in key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 produces a clean, low sound that offers a distinct auditory profile, setting it apart from traditional mechanical switches. This sound quality makes it particularly appealing for those who prefer a more refined acoustic experience while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch delivers a thocky sound, characterized by its unique auditory timbre that provides a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. While both switches can offer enjoyable sound qualities, the Lavender HE leans towards a more subdued profile, while the Smoothie Silver emphasizes a punchy, resonant sound.
When it comes to feel, the Neo Lavender HE offers an excellent tactile experience, particularly for those who appreciate the lightweight yet responsive nature of hall effect switches. This can lead to a very precise and comfortable typing experience, making it suitable for extended use. Meanwhile, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is noted for its unparalleled smoothness and feather-light touch, allowing for rapid and effortless actuation. This design is ideal for gamers or typists who prioritize speed and ease, providing a different yet equally enjoyable tactile sensation when compared to the Lavender HE.
Overall, both the Neo Lavender HE and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics suited to different preferences. The Lavender HE's low, clean sound and precise tactile feedback may appeal to users looking for a more refined experience, while the Smoothie Silver's thocky sound and smooth actuation cater to those who prefer speed and responsiveness. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on individual taste, as they both provide an exceptional experience in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, when considering whether to choose the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch or the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use cases. If you favor a light touch and a clean, low sound that pairs well with Wooting keyboards, the Neo Lavender HE is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force allows for a gentle and comfortable typing experience, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming where precision is key. On the other hand, if you prefer an incredibly fast actuation with a thocky sound profile and unmatched smoothness, then the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch will probably suit your needs better. Its short travel distance and feather-light touch are optimal for rapid keystrokes, making it a fantastic option for competitive gaming or typing at high speeds. Ultimately, your choice between these two will boil down to whether you prioritize a weighted typing feel with a clean sound or a super quick response with a satisfying thocky sound.
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