Neo Lavender HE vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Neo Lavender HE and the Huano Strawberry Latte offer distinctly different experiences that cater to varying preferences. The Neo Lavender HE stands out as a Hall Effect switch, renowned for its clean, low sound profile and compatibility with Wooting keyboards, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists looking for a quiet yet responsive feel. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte is recognized for its smooth linear performance, utilizing the latest molds from Huano, which results in a balanced sound profile—crispy enough to provide feedback without overwhelming resonance. While the Lavender HE may appeal to those who prioritize quiet operation and precise actuation, the Strawberry Latte is likely to attract users who enjoy a silky keypress with a middle-of-the-road acoustic presence. 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
45g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the Huano Strawberry Latte, a distinct contrast emerges between their top housings. The Lavender HE employs a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its softer texture that absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. This material is known for creating a more muted and rounded sound profile due to its sound-absorbing properties. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte utilizes POK material for its top housing, which, while still providing a satisfying clacky sound, is designed to enhance the smoothness of keystrokes. The POK's slightly higher coefficient of friction (0.04 vs. Nylon's 0.03) contributes to a different typing feel, one that prioritizes durability and speed over the sound profile offered by the Lavender HE's nylon.
In terms of their bottom housings, however, both switches converge in their choice of nylon material for this component. Both the Lavender HE and Strawberry Latte capitalize on the acoustic advantages of nylon, leading to a deeper, fuller sound profile when keys are bottomed out. This consistency in bottom housing material means that similar auditory effects are produced in both switches, emphasizing the rounded sound that characterizes nylon. In practice, users pressing either switch will experience the profound sound signature that nylon provides, attributing a sense of familiarity and comfort through the tactile feedback.
Ultimately, the differences between the Neo Lavender HE and Huano Strawberry Latte's housing materials manifest primarily in the top housings. While the Lavender HE offers a softer, sound-absorbing nylon top housing, the Strawberry Latte opts for a more durable and smooth-feeling POK material. Both switches, thanks to their shared nylon bottom housing, yield comparable sound profiles when the keys are pressed down. Thus, despite their differences, both models deliver a satisfying typing experience that balances sound and tactile enjoyment, influenced by the materials in their construction.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, both options are relatively light, making them suitable for long typing sessions or gaming. The Lavender HE has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the Strawberry Latte features a slightly lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Huano Strawberry Latte is the lighter option, requiring less force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Lavender HE. While both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, those who prefer a more substantial feel may gravitate towards the slightly heavier Lavender HE. Ultimately, users seeking ease of use during extended periods may find both switches appealing, but the Strawberry Latte offers a marginally lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the Lavender HE has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Strawberry Latte measures slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This makes the Lavender HE the longer option, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial press and tactile depth in their key switches. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers or users who prioritize quicker response times and may find the minimal travel more conducive to rapid key presses. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding the switch depth and responsiveness, with the Lavender HE offering a deeper feel and the Strawberry Latte providing a more immediate tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 is characterized by a clean, low sound, providing a subtle auditory experience that helps minimize distractions. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch produces a balanced sound profile; while it isn't particularly quiet, it also does not have an overly resonant character, striking a middle ground that can suit a variety of typing environments. The choice of keyboard housing and keycaps can significantly influence the overall sound produced by either switch, but the distinct tonal qualities will generally hold true.
When it comes to feel, the Neo Lavender HE switches are noted for their smooth action, which makes typing comfortable and effortless. The Huano Strawberry Latte switches are also recognized for their super smooth operation, thanks to modern mold technology, enhancing the overall tactile experience. Both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users can enjoy a similar level of smoothness regardless of the specific switch chosen.
Overall, both the Neo Lavender HE and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches offer distinct sound signatures and smooth actuations, each catering to different preferences in auditory feedback and tactile sensation. While the Lavender HE emphasizes a clean auditory profile, the Strawberry Latte balances sound with a more pronounced quality. Ultimately, the choice between them will depend on individual preferences, but both options promise excellent performance in their own right.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you value a clean and low sound profile and are using a Wooting keyboard, the Lavender HE is a fantastic choice. Its slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams provides a satisfying tactile experience that may help prevent accidental key presses, which can be beneficial during intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prioritize an ultra-smooth keystroke and a balanced sound that is neither too quiet nor overly resonant, the Strawberry Latte may be more suitable for you. With its lighter actuation force of 45 grams, it offers a gentle touch ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming, where quick response times are critical. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you lean towards the unique characteristics of the Lavender HE or the refined smoothness of the Strawberry Latte, reflecting your personal typing or gaming style.
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