Neo Lavender HE vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Neo Lavender HE and the Jerrzi Violet provides distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its clean, low sound and compatibility with Wooting keyboards, making it an intriguing option for those seeking a quieter typing experience without compromising responsiveness. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet, categorized as a tactile switch, features a smooth actuation combined with a gentle tactile bump, offering a pleasingly poppy sensation with a neutral sound signature that's perfect for both typing and gaming. While the Lavender HE boasts durability and unique magnetic technology, the Violet switch focuses on delivering an enjoyable tactile feedback. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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 housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the Jerrzi Violet exhibit a contrast primarily in their top components, which significantly influences the acoustic characteristics of each switch. The Neo Lavender HE features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This characteristic allows the switch to absorb sound waves more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is inherently stiffer than nylon. This stiffness facilitates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making the keypress experience feel more resonant and articulate. Therefore, while the Lavender HE provides a rich, muted sound, the Violet's use of polycarbonate creates a clearer and more vibrant acoustic feedback.
Interestingly, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing materials, as both the Neo Lavender HE and the Jerrzi Violet employ nylon for this component. As a result, typing on either of these switches will produce similar sound profiles for key bottoming out, as the nylon bottom is responsible for a deeper and fuller sound. The softness of nylon ensures that the impact sound is more muted, contributing to a more pleasant tactile experience when the key is fully pressed down. Therefore, although the top housings differ in their sound characteristics, the bottom components unify the auditory experience by maintaining a consistent depth due to the material choice of nylon.
Overall, the main takeaway in comparing the Neo Lavender HE and the Jerrzi Violet is that while they differ in their top housing materials—nylon versus polycarbonate—their shared nylon bottom housing ensures that typing dynamics remain consistent between them. Users can expect a unique sound signature driven by the top housing differences, but the quintessential sound quality when bottoming out remains similar due to the nylon material's properties. This balance allows users to enjoy the deeper tones from the Lavender HE while also appreciating the sharper notes from the Violet, creating a diverse yet cohesive typing experience across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, one can observe key differences in their actuation forces, though the bottom out force for the Violet is unavailable. The Neo Lavender HE has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Jerrzi Violet's 45 grams. This means that the Lavender HE will require less effort to trigger a keystroke, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions often preferred by users who prioritize comfort, especially during extensive work or gaming. Conversely, the heavier actuation force of the Jerrzi Violet may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feeling when typing, offering a satisfying push-back that can enhance the tactile feedback. As for the bottom out forces, the Neo Lavender HE bottoms out at 50 grams, while the Jerrzi Violet's bottom out force remains unspecified, leaving a gap in comparison for that aspect. Ultimately, those seeking a lighter touch would gravitate towards the Lavender HE, while users desiring more resistance might consider the Jerrzi Violet if its bottom out characteristics align with their preferences when available.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, the Lavender HE measures 3.8 mm, while the Violet measures slightly shorter at 3.7 mm. Although the difference is minimal, it highlights a preference for shorter travel distances in certain applications, particularly for gamers seeking rapid response times. Those who favor the responsiveness of a quicker keypress may find the Violet's 3.7 mm travel distance to be more appealing. Conversely, for users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, the Lavender HE's 3.8 mm travel distance might offer a more satisfying experience. Ultimately, while both switches are relatively similar, the Lavender HE provides a slightly longer travel distance, making it an option for those who appreciate a more pronounced keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is known for its clean, low sound profile, which contributes to a quiet typing environment. This characteristic makes it an appealing option for those who prefer a less distracting auditory experience, especially in shared or professional spaces. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offers a neutral sound signature, meaning it produces a moderate sound level that strikes a balance suitable for various settings. While both switches are relatively subdued, the Violet's neutrality allows for versatility across different typing environments, whether at home or work. That said, the choice of keyboard and keycaps can also significantly impact how these sound characteristics manifest in practice.
In terms of feel, the Neo Lavender HE switch has not been explicitly detailed, but it is known for its smooth operation stemming from the magnetic actuation technology. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch features a stepped tactile feel, which provides a gentle tactile feedback characterized by a noticeable bump during actuation. This tactile differentiation means that while both switches aim for a comfortable typing experience, the Violet might be more engaging for those who appreciate a defined tactile response, whereas the Lavender may focus more on a seamless and smooth keystroke.
Ultimately, both the Neo Lavender HE and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch have distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Lavender's clean sound and smooth feel might appeal to those seeking a less intrusive typing experience, while the Violet’s balanced sound and tactile feedback could attract users who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke feel. Your decision should factor in these subjective qualities to align with your particular typing style and environment, ensuring that whichever switch you choose, it meets your personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and intended use case. If you value a lightweight feel and a clean, low sound profile, the Lavender HE might be more suited for you, especially if you're using a Wooting keyboard that fully utilizes its magnetic switch technology. This switch can offer a unique typing experience that's particularly appealing for fast-paced typing or gaming, where quick actuation is beneficial. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile response with a balanced sound signature for a versatile typing experience, the Jerrzi Violet is an excellent choice. Its gentle tactile feedback provides a satisfying feel during each keystroke without being overly harsh, making it ideal for both work and leisurely typing. In essence, choose the Lavender HE for speed and smoothness, while opting for the Violet for a rounded and enjoyable tactile experience. Ultimately, both have their strengths, and understanding your own typing style will lead you to the best choice.
Mentioned in this article
