Neo Lavender HE vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, comparing options like the Neo Lavender HE and the Jwick Splash Brothers can help you find a tactile experience tailored to your preferences. The Neo Lavender HE is notable for its clean, low sound and its compatibility with Wooting keyboards, employing a hall effect mechanism that provides a unique feel and responsiveness. This switch is ideal for gamers and typists looking for a quiet yet effective typing experience. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers offer a linear switch design that mimics the synergy of the famous basketball duo, Steph and Klay. With a shorter activation point and a long pole stem, these switches deliver a quick yet smooth typing experience paired with a creamy sound signature, making them appealing for those who prioritize speed and fluidity. Each switch has distinctive qualities that cater to different typing styles; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Neo Lavender HE and Jwick Splash Brothers switches exhibit distinct yet complementary characteristics, primarily due to the differing materials used in their top housings. The Lavender HE employs a nylon top housing, known for its softer, more absorbent properties, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This nylon composition dulls the sound, creating a satisfying but subdued auditory experience. In contrast, the Splash Brothers features a polycarbonate top housing, which brings a sharper and more resonant sound. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature lends itself to a clearer, crisper result that may appeal to those seeking a brighter auditory feedback. The aesthetic qualities also differ, as the translucent polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, enhancing visual customization when paired with illuminated keyboards.
Despite their differences in top housing material, both the Lavender HE and the Splash Brothers utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This commonality ensures that both switches achieve a similar auditory depth and resonance when fully depressed, as the nylon absorption properties create a duller sound profile that is characteristic of softer materials. The underlying nylon in both models contributes significantly to the overall typing experience, offering a deeper bottom-out sound that leaves a pleasing imprint on users who appreciate a rich auditory feedback. Therefore, when engaged in typing, users may feel a sense of familiarity regardless of the top housing material, as the bottom housing unifies the experience.
Ultimately, the combination of unique top housing materials and the shared nylon bottom housing results in two distinct yet comparably satisfying auditory outcomes. While the Lavender HE leans towards a warmth and fullness by virtue of its nylon top, offering a classic sound experience, the Splash Brothers' polycarbonate top adds crispness, making for a sharper auditory experience. Users can expect a nuanced typing experience that reflects individual preference for sound — either embracing a mellower tone with the Lavender HE or reveling in the clarity of the Splash Brothers, all while enjoying the rich and deep response from their nylon bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, we see some intriguing differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lavender HE features an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a light and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Splash Brothers has an actuation force that is unspecified but a bottom out force of 48 grams, which is also in the light category. Given that the bottom out force of the Jwick switch is slightly lower than that of the Lavender HE, it suggests that while both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, the Lavender HE does require a slightly greater force to fully bottom out. Consequently, the Lavender HE could be considered the heavier option due to its overall force specifications, while the Jwick Splash Brothers remains on the lighter side, especially since its actuation force is unknown. For users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Splash Brothers may be more appealing, but those who appreciate a firmer feel might lean towards the Lavender HE despite its slightly heavier push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, the Lavender HE has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Splash Brothers offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Lavender HE the longer option, providing a more pronounced feel when pressed, which some may prefer for the sense of depth it offers. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers, with its shorter travel distance, may cater more to gamers seeking rapid response times and quicker actuation. Thus, for those who enjoy a more responsive experience, the Splash Brothers could be the better choice, while those who appreciate a more substantial key press might lean towards the Lavender HE.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50, whereas the Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49.
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
The sound profile of the Neo Lavender HE switch is characterized by its clean and low sound, making it a subtle choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. It stands out among other magnetic switches due to its unique auditory qualities, ensuring a more refined sound that can blend well in various environments. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch produces a creamy sound signature, offering a neutral auditory experience that can accommodate both beginner and advanced users alike. While the overall sound can be influenced by the keyboard's design and the keycaps used, the Splash Brothers provide a moderate sound profile that aligns well with everyday typing tasks, making it versatile for different settings.
In terms of feel, the Lavender HE switch delivers a unique typing experience that remains largely undefined in detail, which makes it challenging to categorize its tactile feedback. The Jwick Splash Brothers, however, shine with multiple characteristics: they offer a mild feel that is approachable for most users, alongside snappiness that enhances responsiveness thanks to potentially longer or dual-staged springs. This makes the typing experience lively, underscored by a bouncy feedback that gives the sensation of rebound when keys are pressed. The Splash Brothers also exhibit subtle resistance, contributing to a gentle, refined feel that is particularly well-suited for shared workspaces. Additionally, they are polished, ensuring smooth key travel due to reduced friction.
Overall, both the Neo Lavender HE and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches exhibit unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Lavender HE excels in providing a clean and quiet auditory experience, while the Splash Brothers combine a creamy sound with responsive and polished tactile feedback. For users seeking a balance between sound and feel, the choice comes down to personal preference, as each switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit in distinctly different manners. Ultimately, both options stand out in the market, allowing newcomers to find a switch that aligns with their unique typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing environment. If you value a clean and low sound while seeking a smooth typing experience that’s particularly well-suited for Wooting keyboards, the Lavender HE, with its light bottom-out force of 50 grams, is an excellent choice. It shines in applications where sound dampening is critical, making it ideal for quieter settings or shared workspaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a more dynamic and engaging typing feel, the Splash Brothers, with its slightly lighter bottom-out force of 48 grams, presents a snappy and bouncy experience that's perfect for gaming or fast-paced typing. The creamy sound signature and the appealing tactile feedback from the Splash Brothers make it versatile enough for both casual and professional use. Overall, assess your needs between sound signature, typing feel, and the context in which you'll be using your keyboard to make the best switch selection for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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