Neo Lavender HE vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the HMX Twilight 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 HMX Twilight present two appealing options, each with distinct advantages that cater to different typing preferences. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its clean and muted sound profile while offering durability and precision that stands out among magnetic switches. This makes it an excellent choice for users seeking a quieter typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness, particularly suited for gamers using Wooting keyboards. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight, a linear switch, boasts an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, resulting in a slightly quieter yet still satisfying "clacky" feedback. Its smooth actuation is perfect for typists who enjoy the familiar linear feel, making it a reliable option for both gaming and intensive typing tasks. While both switches have their own unique charms, they target different needs based on sound preferences and performance characteristics. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.85 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
Nylon
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
The Neo Lavender HE and HMX Twilight switches exhibit striking similarities in their housing materials, as both utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings. Nylon, a well-regarded material in the mechanical keyboard industry, provides a signature sound profile that is characterized by a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This is inherently due to nylon's softer composition compared to harder plastics, allowing it to absorb sound waves more efficiently. As both switches share this common material for their housing, users can expect a similar sound quality; when typing, both provide that satisfying and rounded sound that enthusiasts often seek in their mechanical keyboards.
On a more technical note, while the top and bottom housings of the Lavender HE and Twilight are made from identical nylon material, the impact of these components can lead to slightly different typing experiences. Each housing plays a distinct role in sound and feel; the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback when the key is fully pressed down, while the top housing is more critical to the sound produced upon releasing the key. Therefore, even though both switches utilize nylon, the interaction between these housings with the keystrokes can yield unique nuances in sound and user experience, despite their shared material.
In summary, users of both the Neo Lavender HE and HMX Twilight can expect a largely similar acoustic profile due to the all-nylon composition of both switches. However, it's essential to recognize that the overall feel and auditory feedback can still differ in subtle ways depending on which housing is engaged during the keypress and release phases. Consequently, while the foundational materials remain the same, the experiences derived from each switch can vary, offering enthusiasts a nuanced selection that caters to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, we observe both similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lavender HE features an actuation force of 40 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Twilight's 42 grams. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that they offer similar feedback when fully pressed down. In terms of weight, the Lavender HE is the lighter option, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience. Conversely, the Twilight offers a marginally heavier actuation force, which might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial push feel in their switching experience. Ultimately, while users can expect a somewhat similar bottom out experience with both switches, the Neo Lavender HE provides a lighter touch, while the HMX Twilight leans slightly towards a heftier feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, the Lavender HE features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Twilight has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This means that if you opt for the Lavender HE, you'll experience a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance, which is often preferred in gaming for quicker activation. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for users who enjoy a deeper key press. Ultimately, if you favor responsiveness, the Lavender HE would be the ideal choice, whereas if you prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Twilight would be more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight 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 recognized for its clean, low sound profile, which distinguishes it from other magnetic switches. This makes it a pleasant option for environments where noise levels are a consideration, particularly when paired with Wooting keyboards. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch boasts an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which contributes to a slightly quieter sound. However, it retains the signature clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches, blending some acoustic richness with a subdued tone. It's important to remember that the overall sound experience can vary depending on the keyboard and keycap combination used.
When it comes to feel, the Neo Lavender HE is known for its smooth operation, providing a satisfying tactile experience that many users appreciate. It excels in precision and responsiveness, making it a solid choice for gaming and typing alike. Conversely, the HMX Twilight linear switch also provides a smooth feel, complemented by its longer travel distance which can enhance the sense of depth and feedback during use. This extended travel may appeal to those who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience, even as it maintains linear characteristics that avoid tactile bumps.
In conclusion, both the Neo Lavender HE and HMX Twilight switches offer unique qualities that can cater to different preferences. While the Lavender HE provides a clean and low sound with a satisfying smooth feel, the HMX Twilight strikes a balance between a quieter ambiance and a tactile experience enhanced by its longer travel distance. Users will find that both switches can satisfy various typing and gaming needs, depending on whether they prefer a slightly different acoustic signature or tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch should be guided by your specific preferences and typing or gaming needs. If you enjoy a cleaner, low sound and prefer a smoother keystroke that seamlessly interacts with Wooting keyboards, the Neo Lavender HE may be the ideal option for you. This switch's responsiveness and light actuation can enhance your typing experience, particularly if you type frequently or prefer a less tactile feel. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a more pronounced key travel and slightly clackier sound profile, the HMX Twilight linear switch would likely be more suitable. Its extended 3.85mm travel distance allows for a unique tactile experience while still remaining quiet enough for office or shared environments. Both switches come with a bottom-out force of 50 grams, making them relatively light, but the overall feel and sound will differ significantly based on your preferences. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your usage patterns, and you’ll find the one that best fits your mechanical keyboard experience.
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