Neo Lavender HE vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, preferences can vary significantly based on the typing experience one seeks. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its clean, low sound profile and compatibility with Wooting keyboards, offering a unique tactile experience that sets it apart from traditional magnetic switches. This makes it an appealing choice for those who prioritize a quieter, more efficient keystroke. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), a linear switch featuring Ly stems, is known for its super smooth typing experience and resonant sound profile, making it ideal for users who favor uninterrupted keystrokes and a satisfying auditory response. While both switches cater to distinct typing preferences—whether you're looking for quiet precision with the Lavender HE or a smooth and responsive feel with the Tomcat (Heavy)—there are specific attributes that can greatly influence your decision. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
64g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.95 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
Ly
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 spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Neo Lavender HE and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) highlight distinct acoustic properties that influence the overall sound profile and user experience of these switches. The Lavender HE features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. This material's ability to absorb sound leads to a rounded acoustic experience, making typing on the Lavender HE feel warmer and more subdued. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) employs a polycarbonate top housing that contributes a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of each keystroke, resulting in a more pronounced auditory experience.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Lavender HE and Tomcat (Heavy) utilize nylon for their respective designs. This consistency means that while the top housings create different sound signatures, the bottom housings will impart similar characteristics. The nylon bottom housing in both switches generates a deeper and fuller sound profile that is consistent, allowing users to experience a rounder acoustic response when bottoming out the keys. This shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that despite the varying top materials, there can be a harmonizing effect in the acoustic experience, especially when the switches are pressed down.
Together, the interplay of the top and bottom housings shapes the overall typing experience. In the case of the Lavender HE, the nylon top and bottom design work synergistically to create a more muted sound profile, ideal for users who prefer a softer touch. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy) provides a combination of a clear, bright top end from the polycarbonate while maintaining the plush depth of a nylon bottom. The distinct acoustic qualities from both switches exemplify how variations in materials can cater to different auditory preferences, giving potential users the opportunity to choose based on their sound profile aims while still sharing common ground with the nylon bottoms.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Neo Lavender HE boasts a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who favor a less strenuous typing experience, particularly during extended periods of use or gaming. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 64 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel that appeals to users who prefer a firmer resistance. As a result, the Lavender HE is the lighter option, while the Tomcat (Heavy) is categorized as medium-heavy. This difference in weight and resistance fundamentally influences overall user experience, with lighter switches facilitating quicker keystrokes and heavier switches delivering a more satisfying tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, the Lavender HE has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) comes in slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This makes the Tomcat (Heavy) the more responsive option, appealing especially to gamers who favor shorter distances for quicker actuation. Conversely, the Lavender HE provides a more substantial depth with its longer travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying to use. Therefore, if you lean towards a preference for speed and quick response times, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) would be the better choice. However, if you appreciate a deeper keystroke, the Neo Lavender HE would be more suitable for your typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50, whereas the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) comes in at $2.99.
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 known for its clean, low sound profile, which sets it apart from many traditional switches. This low acoustic signature allows for a more discreet typing experience, ideal for quiet environments or office settings. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch produces a resonant sound when activated. This richer acoustic characteristic can add a unique auditory layer to your typing experience, making it more enjoyable for those who appreciate a fuller sound. However, keep in mind that the overall sound profile can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When assessing the feel of each switch, the Neo Lavender HE offers a smooth typing sensation, a quality that is often sought after in mechanical keyboards. It is designed to provide a satisfying experience without any distracting tactile bump. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) is known for its super smooth typing experience due to its Ly stems, which contribute to a seamless keypress. Both switches excel in providing a fluid feel, making them suitable for users who prioritize smoothness in their typing experience.
In summary, while both the Neo Lavender HE and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics, they cater to slightly different preferences. The Lavender HE distinguishes itself with its clean, low sound, while the Tomcat (Heavy) provides a more resonant acoustic experience. Both switches excel in delivering a smooth typing feel, ensuring that users can enjoy a satisfying typing experience regardless of their choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preferences for sound and the intended use case.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, your choice will largely depend on your typing preferences and the type of tactile experience you're seeking. If you prefer a lighter touch with a clean, low sound profile, the Lavender HE would be an excellent option, particularly if you're using a Wooting keyboard or are drawn to the unique characteristics of magnetic switches. Its bottom-out force of 50 grams offers a quick and responsive feel, making it ideal for extensive typing or gaming sessions that favor fast inputs. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial actuation with a medium-heavy resistance and a resounding acoustic feedback, the Tomcat (Heavy) will likely resonate more with your style. The heavier bottom-out force of 64 grams suits those who prefer a more deliberate typing experience and crave the smoothness brought by the Ly stems. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your ergonomics and sound preferences, as each switch offers a distinctly different tactile experience that can significantly enhance your overall keyboard enjoyment.
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