Neo Lavender HE vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Neo Lavender HE and the Wuque Studio WS Dash stand out as exceptional options, each with its own unique characteristics and appeal. The Neo Lavender HE is celebrated for its clean, low sound profile, making it a great choice for users who prioritize a quieter typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness. This switch is particularly compatible with Wooting keyboards, differentiating itself from other magnetic options in the market. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Dash offers a striking re-color of the beloved Magnetic Jade switch, delivering a bright and clacky sound signature that appeals to those seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback during their keystrokes. Known for their silky smooth operation, these Hall Effect switches ensure a tactile experience that many gamers and typists crave. Both options cater to different preferences—whether you lean towards the subtlety of the Neo Lavender HE or the dynamic flair of the WS Dash. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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 Wuque Studio WS Dash differ significantly in their top housing materials, which fundamentally affects the sound profiles they produce when typing. The Lavender HE employs a nylon top housing, known for its ability to generate a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This softness enables the material to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a more muted and rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the WS Dash features a polycarbonate top housing, a material recognized for its rigidity and the sharper, higher-pitched sound it imparts. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a more defined resonance, making for a clearer and crisper typing experience. Consequently, while both switches may aim to provide an engaging typing experience, the contrasting sound profiles arise from the core material differences in their top housings.
Examining the bottom housings, both the Neo Lavender HE and Wuque Studio WS Dash utilize nylon as their material. This shared choice of nylon means that both switches will elicit a deeper and more pronounced fuller sound when bottoms out, as nylon absorbs sound more effectively than alternatives. The result is that while the top housings set contrasting tones—one muted and rounded, the other sharp and resonant—the bottom housings harmonize them by delivering a dense auditory feedback. Consequently, the bottom-out characteristics predominantly depend on the nylon material, ensuring a level of uniformity in feel and sound between the two switches despite their differences.
Overall, the interplay of the different top housings and their identical bottom materials leads to a distinctive user experience for both the Neo Lavender HE and Wuque Studio WS Dash. When pressing the keys, the nylon bottom housings contribute to a deep and soft sound, ensuring both switches maintain a similarity in the feel and auditory feedback at the base. Nevertheless, the overall experience during key release will diverge significantly due to the contrasting top housing materials. Ultimately, this combination allows users to appreciate a range of sound profiles while retaining a familiar bottom-out experience across both switch models, making each choice appealing in its own right depending on the user's sound preference and tactile needs.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch with the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force emerge. The Lavender HE features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for prolonged use without fatigue. In contrast, the WS Dash has a slightly lighter actuation force of 30 grams but a heavier bottom out force at 55 grams. As a result, while the Lavender HE offers a more balanced typing experience with a softer feel when bottoming out, the WS Dash may provide a more substantial sensation during key presses due to its heavier bottom out. Ultimately, for typists seeking a lighter touch, the WS Dash is preferable for actuation, while those desiring a firmer typing experience might lean towards the Lavender HE for its reduced bottom out force. In this comparison, the WS Dash is lighter in terms of actuation, and the Lavender HE is heavier at the bottom out level, catering to different typing preferences depending on the user's comfort and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, a noticeable difference emerges: the Lavender HE has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the WS Dash features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the WS Dash the more responsive choice, ideal for gamers seeking quicker actuation and faster response times. On the other hand, the Lavender HE, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more robust tactile experience for users who appreciate a deeper key press. Ultimately, if you value a quicker response, the WS Dash is the better option, whereas the Lavender HE might be preferable for those who enjoy more pronounced feedback in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Wuque Studio WS Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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 switch is known for its clean and low sound profile, setting it apart from many traditional mechanical switches. This subtler acoustic signature allows for a less intrusive typing experience, making it suitable for quiet environments or prolonged use. In contrast, the WS Dash switch delivers a bright and clacky sound signature, reminiscent of the Magnetic Jade, which can be more engaging and satisfying for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback with their keystrokes. The distinction between these two switches suggests that while the Lavender HE leans towards a muted experience, the WS Dash embraces a livelier sound that may appeal to those who enjoy the classic clack of traditional switches.
Regarding feel, the Neo Lavender HE is noted for its smooth operation, which ensures a pleasant typing experience with a consistent resistance throughout the keystroke. This smoothness can be particularly appealing for those who enjoy long typing sessions. On the other hand, the WS Dash also offers a silky smooth keystroke, combining this fluidity with the engaging sound profile. The tactile experience of both switches is likely to be satisfying, yet while the Neo Lavender focuses on a seamless feel, the WS Dash’s refinement in sound coupled with its smooth action can enhance the overall engagement of typing, appealing to those who enjoy both auditory and tactile satisfaction.
In conclusion, both the Neo Lavender HE and the WS Dash Hall Effect switches provide unique auditory and tactile experiences. The Neo Lavender HE excels in delivering a clean and low sound with a smoothly consistent feel, ideal for users prioritizing minimal noise and comfort during extended use. Conversely, the WS Dash offers a bright and clacky sound, alongside a silky smooth keystroke that could attract users looking for a more dynamic and engaging typing experience. Depending on your preferences, both switches can lead to satisfying results, whether you lean towards a subtle and refined experience or a more vibrant and clacky interface.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Neo Lavender HE and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switches, your choice will largely depend on the typing experience you seek. If you prefer a lighter keystroke with a clean and low sound signature, the Lavender HE would be your best option. It’s ideal for long typing sessions or gaming, as its 50-gram bottom-out force allows for a more effortless keypress. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly firmer feel with a bit more character in terms of sound, the WS Dash, with its 55-gram bottom-out force, provides a bright and clacky auditory experience. This switch complements those who appreciate a refined touch combined with a smooth keystroke. In essence, go for the Neo Lavender HE if you value subtlety and cushiness, but choose the WS Dash when you want a bit more tactile feedback and vibrant sound while typing.
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