Neo Lavender HE vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Neo Lavender HE and the Jwick Taro present intriguing options with distinct characteristics. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is renowned for its clean, low sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a quieter, more subtle typing experience. It pairs seamlessly with Wooting keyboards and is designed to stand out from traditional magnetic switches. In contrast, the Jwick Taro switches offer a delightful typing experience characterized by their snappy, medium-level tactility and acute, crisp clacks, appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. The Taro switches are celebrated for their buttery-smooth feel and stepped design, providing a cozy and comfortable typing experience. While the Lavender HE might attract those prioritizing a low-noise environment, the Taro appeals to those who delight in tactile sensations and sound. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Neo Lavender HE and the Jwick Taro switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, significantly influencing their sound profiles. The Lavender HE features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer, more absorbent properties of nylon. This material's sound absorption characteristics result in a rounder and less resonant audio output, creating a muted effect that many typists find satisfying. Conversely, the Taro employs a polycarbonate top housing that generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Being a stiffer material, polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the keystrokes, leading to a more pronounced audio experience. Aesthetically, the clear nature of polycarbonate also makes it a preferred choice for RGB lighting setups, allowing for vibrant illumination through the switch.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, it becomes evident that they share the same material—nylon. This consistency in material choice allows both the Lavender HE and the Taro to produce a similar acoustic signature in terms of bottom-out sound and feel. As with the top housing, the nylon bottom contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile; thus, while the top of the Taro provides a crisper sound when releasing the key, the bottom housing will reinforce the deeper qualities during the actuation. This dual-material approach creates an interesting dynamic, where the overall typing experience balances the contrasting top and bottom sounds.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both the Neo Lavender HE and the Jwick Taro switches creates distinct yet complementary experiences for users. While the Lavender HE's nylon top offers a classic, muted sound profile that many classify as warm and soothing, the Taro's polycarbonate top creates an exciting, bright auditory experience. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a level of consistency in bottoming out, anchoring their respective sound profiles. This thoughtful integration of materials means that while users can expect different auditory experiences overall, the tactile feedback during typing—the primary practical function—remains satisfying across both models.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, distinct differences in typing experience emerge. The Lavender HE features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, whether at work or during gaming. In contrast, the Jwick Taro does not specify an actuation force but has a bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy resistance that appeals to users who favor a more substantial push feel while typing. This combination of heavier bottoming out along with an unspecified actuation force suggests that the Taro switch may create a firmer interaction compared to the consistently lighter feel of the Lavender HE. Therefore, in this comparison, the Lavender HE stands out as the lighter option while the Jwick Taro is heavier, catering to different preferences in typing weight and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, the differences are subtle yet impactful. The Lavender HE features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, whereas the Taro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This indicates that those who opt for the Lavender HE will experience a marginally deeper press, which may provide a more reassuring tactile feedback for users who prefer a hearty depth. On the other hand, the Taro, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, as the reduced distance allows for quicker actuation and less effort when pressing down on a key. Thus, if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Taro would be the preferable choice, while those who appreciate a deeper key press might lean towards the Lavender HE.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 that sets it apart from many other switches, making it a delightful choice for users who prefer a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the Jwick Taro switch produces acute and crisp clacks, delivering a more pronounced auditory feedback. While both switches offer a satisfying sound profile, the Lavender HE leans towards a more subdued acoustic experience, while the Taro offers a more vibrant and energetic sound.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Lavender HE provides a smooth typing experience, likely contributing to its clean auditory profile. The Taro, on the other hand, delivers a unique tactile sensation described as snappy and medium-level in tactility, combining a buttery smooth stroke with a stepped feel. This means the Taro gives users a distinct sensation of two stages during the keystroke, enhancing feedback without overwhelming the typist as with hypertactile options.
In conclusion, both the Neo Lavender HE and the Jwick Taro switches present distinct characteristics that appeal to different typing preferences. The Lavender HE offers a quieter, clean sound with a smooth keystroke, while the Taro provides an engaging auditory experience with a snappy and tactile feel. Depending on what qualities are most important to you—be it sound or feel—you may appreciate the unique offerings of each switch while enjoying the similarities in a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, your choice should align with your typing preferences and the context in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a light and responsive feel during fast typing sessions or gaming, the Lavender HE would be an excellent option, especially with its clean and low sound profile, making it suitable for quieter environments. Its compatibility with Wooting keyboards further enhances its appeal for gamers looking for precision and speed. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more substantial typing experience with a noticeable tactile bump and a satisfying sound, the Taro is likely the better fit. Its medium-heavy actuation force and buttery-smooth keystrokes provide a cozy and comfortable typing experience, augmented by acute and crisp clacks that make each keypress feel elegant. Ultimately, your choice hinges on whether you prioritize lightness and whisper-quiet operation with the Lavender HE or a more tactile and pronounced response with the Taro.
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