Neo Lavender HE vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the Neo Lavender HE and the TTC Venus present unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its clean, low sound and compatibility with Wooting keyboards, offering a distinct tactile experience that stands out in the realm of magnetic switches. In contrast, the TTC Venus, categorized as a linear switch, boasts a clever internal design that delivers a smooth, frictionless glide coupled with a delightfully springy "Q-texture" reminiscent of enjoying chewy mochi. This switch provides a lightweight actuation for rapid typing, paired with a muted sound signature that ensures a quiet typing atmosphere. Choosing the Neo Lavender HE may appeal to those seeking a more pronounced tactile feedback and specialized functionality, while the TTC Venus would be an excellent fit for users who prioritize smoothness and subtlety. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Neo Lavender HE and the TTC Venus demonstrate different characteristics due to the varying materials used in their switch housings. The Lavender HE utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material known for its softer composition which enhances the sound profile. The use of nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound that tends to be duller and rounder, effectively absorbing sound waves for a more muted typing experience. As a result, the switch offers a rich auditory feedback that is ideal for users seeking a more mellow sound while typing, creating an overall sensation that many find pleasing.
In contrast, the TTC Venus presents a mix of materials, using POM for its top housing and polycarbonate for the bottom housing. While the POM material shares some acoustic characteristics with nylon, it still produces a unique sound that leans towards a deeper tone, albeit with a distinctly muted nuance. The bottom housing, made of polycarbonate, introduces a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Since polycarbonate is a harder plastic, it accentuates the clarity and resonance of the sound when a key is bottomed out, contrasting with the dullness of the Lavender's nylon bottom housing. This combination of materials in the Venus allows for a diverse sound experience that may appeal to those who enjoy a blend of rich depth and high-pitched clarity.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile, as both offer unique qualities shaped by their housing materials. If one seeks an experience close to the Lavender HE with a more muted richness, the TTC Venus's POM top housing could deliver a similarly deep sound. However, the polycarbonate bottom housing would introduce a sharper clarity that the Lavender HE does not provide. Therefore, switching between these two could offer users a chance to explore different auditory experiences while typing, with the materials influencing how each switch sounds and feels during both the keystroke and the release.
Weight
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the TTC Venus linear switch exhibit some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, ultimately catering to different user preferences. The Lavender HE has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option, ideal for long typing sessions or extended gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the TTC Venus features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This extra weight in the Venus switch provides a more substantial feel, appealing to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. While both switches are relatively low in force requirements, the Neo Lavender HE is clearly the lighter choice overall, offering a smoother and less strenuous experience compared to the slightly heavier TTC Venus.
Travel distance
Both the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the TTC Venus linear switch have a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which means that when you press down on either key, you will experience the same amount of travel. This similarity in travel distance indicates that users can expect similar tactile experiences in terms of how far the switch moves when actuated. Therefore, if you're transitioning from one switch type to the other, the feel of pressing the key down will be identical, providing a consistent performance for tasks requiring precise keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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 renowned for its clean, low sound profile, making it a quieter option compared to many mechanical switches. This subdued acoustic signature allows for an unobtrusive typing experience, ideal for environments where noise could be distracting. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch is characterized by a muted and low-pitched sound, which also minimizes auditory disturbances. Its overall sound can be described as thocky, providing a satisfying yet non-intrusive auditory feedback. Both switches offer a level of sound that will be agreeable to users looking for a more subtle typing environment, ensuring that neither will dominate the soundscape of your workspace.
When it comes to feel, the Neo Lavender HE switch offers a typing experience that is smooth and fluid, although specific descriptors of its tactile qualities are lacking. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch is designed for a buttery smooth keystroke with added features like a gummy sensation when bottoming out, reminiscent of a trampoline or a soft gummy bear. The Venus also emphasizes its frictionless glide, making typing effortless with a refined, polished sensation. Therefore, while both switches aim to provide a smooth experience, the Venus switch offers a more defined tactile quality with its unique texture and feedback compared to the more ambiguous feel of the Lavender HE.
In conclusion, both the Neo Lavender HE and the TTC Venus linear switch present themselves as excellent options for those seeking a quieter mechanical keyboard. While the Lavender HE is characterized by its clean, low sound and general smoothness in feel, the TTC Venus stands out with its muted, thocky sound and distinctly unique tactile qualities. Choosing between the two may ultimately come down to personal preference regarding the specific feel of each switch, especially with the Venus's pronounced traits setting it apart. Regardless of your choice, you can expect a subtly satisfying typing experience from either switch that is conducive to a focused and enjoyable workflow.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the TTC Venus linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing experience. If you value a lightweight feel with a clean and low sound profile, the Lavender HE is an excellent choice, especially if you're using a Wooting keyboard or prefer a unique magnetic switch feel. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it ideal for those who appreciate rapid keystrokes without a heavy push, making it suitable for extensive typing sessions or fast-paced gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a balance of smoothness and a more substantial tactile experience, the TTC Venus will serve you well. With its slightly higher bottom-out force of 52 grams and a delightful tactile feedback akin to biting chewy mochi, this switch caters to those who appreciate a relaxed yet responsive typing experience. Its muted sound profile also makes it a great option for shared workspaces or quiet environments. In essence, whether you lean towards the innovative, light-touch of the Lavender HE or the delightful, robust experience of the Venus, both switches can enhance your typing to suit your personal style and needs.
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