Neo Lavender HE vs. Wuque Studio WS Red

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Neo Lavender HE and the Wuque Studio WS Red, each offering unique features tailored to different typing preferences. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its clean, low sound profile and compatibility with Wooting keyboards, making it an appealing choice for those who favor a quieter typing experience that doesn’t compromise on performance. In contrast, the WS Red switch, a linear option, boasts a bouncy and responsive feel courtesy of its 22mm double-stage spring, delivering a heavier actuation force that provides a gratifying pressure with every keystroke. While the Lavender HE leans towards a quieter operation, the WS Red offers a more pronounced tactile sensation, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect

Wuque Studio WS Red Linear

$4.50 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the Wuque Studio WS Red are both crafted from nylon, which is recognized as a classic switch housing material. This similarity means that both switches produce a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, due to nylon's inherent properties. As a relatively softer plastic, nylon effectively absorbs sound, leading to a rounder and more muted auditory experience compared to harder plastic materials. Consequently, users of either switch will likely enjoy a similar acoustic environment, characterized by a satisfying and less harsh sound every time a key is pressed.

In addition to the top housings, both the Lavender HE and WS Red also feature nylon as their bottom housing material. This consistency further reinforces the characteristics of the sound and feel experienced when typing on these switches. Just like the top housing, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a subdued sound profile while providing an enjoyable typing experience. Given that both models share this common material for their housings, users can expect analogous performance in terms of sound dampening, resulting in a comfortable and enjoyable feel regardless of which switch they opt for.

However, it is important to note that even with both switches using nylon for their housings, the overall typing experience may vary based on design nuances such as switch actuation force and travel distance. These factors can influence the feel and sound during a key press or release. The bottom housing predominantly affects the sound perceived at bottom-out, while the top housing is more significant for the sound released when a key is released. Despite these differences, the shared use of nylon in both switches establishes a foundation of sound quality and tactile sensation that makes them comparable in their acoustic profiles and user experience.

Weight

When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Neo Lavender HE boasts a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In contrast, the WS Red's actuation force remains unspecified with its bottom out force measured at 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This indicates that the WS Red requires a significantly greater force to engage the keystroke fully compared to the Lavender HE, which is much lighter and potentially more suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. For users who prefer a lighter touch, the Neo Lavender HE provides a more comfortable experience, while those who appreciate the feedback of a heavier switch may find the WS Red more satisfying despite its lack of an explicitly defined actuation force. Overall, these differences highlight the unique preferences of users regarding typing experience and comfort.

Travel distance

Both the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that when pressing either switch, users will experience the same distance from the top to the bottom, resulting in similar tactile feedback and overall performance in terms of keystroke distance. Since both switches share the same travel distance, users can expect consistent results in their typing or gaming experiences, regardless of which switch they choose to use.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch produces a clean, low sound, distinguishing itself within the realm of magnetic switches, particularly when paired with Wooting keyboards. Its sound profile is designed to be less intrusive, allowing for a more peaceful typing environment. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red switch features a familiar sound signature bolstered by its classic material blend, which strikes a balance between a satisfying auditory experience and the typical characteristics found in linear switches. While both carry unique sound traits, the Lavender HE tends to lean toward a more subdued output compared to the more classic and potentially amplified tones of the WS Red.

When considering the feel, the Neo Lavender HE provides an experience that is not explicitly noted but is likely to be smooth given its magnetic design. In contrast, the WS Red is equipped with a 22mm double-stage spring that contributes to a bouncy and responsive typing experience. This design choice means that typists can expect a heavier actuation force, giving each keystroke a sense of weight that reinforces the actuation feedback. While the tactile nuance of the Lavender HE can be inferred as refined due to its magnetic mechanism, the WS Red stands out with a more deliberate and substantial tactile presence.

In conclusion, both the Neo Lavender HE and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Lavender HE is ideal for those seeking a quieter and cleaner sound, while the WS Red provides a more energizing feel and familiar auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize sound dampening or a heavier, more dynamic typing sensation, as each switch presents its unique advantages.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the kind of experience you seek. If you prefer a lighter keystroke with a softer sound profile and a smooth, clean feel, the Lavender HE is an excellent choice. It’s particularly beneficial for those who enjoy a bouncy, responsive typing experience while minimizing noise, making it ideal for both gaming and typing tasks in quieter environments. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more tactile experience with a heftier actuation force, the WS Red is more suitable for you. Its medium-heavy resistance coupled with a bouncy feel delivers a satisfying, substantial typing experience, allowing you to feel each keystroke with confidence. The classic sound signature of the WS Reds can also provide a pleasant auditory feedback that many users find gratifying. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches should align with your personal preferences regarding weight, sound, and typing feel for the best overall experience.

Mentioned in this article

Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect

$4.50 per 10

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Wuque Studio WS Red Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more