Neo Lavender HE vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often narrows down to the feel, sound, and responsiveness that best suits your typing preferences. The Neo Lavender HE, a unique hall effect switch, is renowned for its clean, low sound profile and integration with Wooting keyboards, appealing to those who value a quiet yet precise typing experience. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch offers an innovative approach to silent typing, featuring ingeniously designed stem railings that minimize noise without the typical silicone dampeners found in other silent switches. This results in a typing experience that is not only tranquil but also highly responsive, striking a balance between a subdued sound and the tactile feedback many users crave. While both switches cater to different ergonomic and auditory preferences, they each provide distinct advantages depending on your keyboard usage—whether it's for gaming, office work, or general typing. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches are remarkably similar, both utilizing nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This commonality signifies that both switches are designed to deliver a distinct sound profile characteristic of nylon, which is known for its sound-absorbing properties. This results in a deeper and fuller auditory experience during typing, as the relatively softer nylon material dampens harsher sounds, providing a rounder and more pleasant acoustic output. Since both switches leverage the same material for their housings, users can expect a similar tactile and auditory performance when engaging with them.
The functional influence of the housing materials manifests distinctly in how users experience the switches. In both cases, the bottom housing's qualities predominantly dictate the bottom-out sound and the tactile feedback felt during key presses. Specifically, since both models employ nylon as their bottom housing material, it ensures a comparable feel when the switch is fully engaged. Meanwhile, the top housing also plays a crucial role in modulating the sound upon release. Given that both the Lavender HE and WS Silent Linear share nylon for their top housings as well, they will have akin characteristics during key release, further enhancing their consistency in user experience.
Overall, while the Neo Lavender HE and Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches might have subtle design variations beyond the material itself, the use of nylon in both their top and bottom housings fosters a unified sound profile and tactile feedback. This overlap in materials is crucial for users seeking a uniform typing experience, as they will achieve similar results in terms of acoustic output and feel whether they utilize one switch or the other. Users can confidently interchange these switches within their keyboard setups without notable discrepancies in performance, making them excellent companions in the realm of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lavender HE features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which makes it suitable for extended typing sessions, as it minimizes finger fatigue. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear has no specified actuation force but boasts a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a more substantial feel during use. This heavier bottom out can provide a tactile experience preferred by users looking for a stronger push feel. Overall, the Lavender HE is the lighter option, while the WS Silent Linear is the heavier choice, appealing to different user preferences. This means that if a user values a lighter switch for longer typing or gaming sessions, the Lavender HE would be the ideal pick, whereas those who enjoy a slightly more forceful keypress may lean towards the WS Silent Linear.
Travel distance
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Lavender HE provides a deeper actuation experience, which may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced feedback when pressing keys. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear's 3.5 mm travel distance caters to those who favor quicker response times typical of shorter switches, making it a potentially better choice for gamers seeking rapid actuation. Therefore, if you opt for the WS Silent Linear, you can expect a more immediate keystroke response, while the Neo Lavender HE offers a more deliberate keypress due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, your preference for a more responsive feel or a deeper actuation will guide your choice between these two switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear comes in at $4.20.
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
When it comes to sound, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is renowned for its clean and low sound profile, which makes it a great option for users who want to minimize the auditory distraction often associated with mechanical keyboards. This characteristic allows it to shine in environments where noise levels need to be kept in check. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch is designed with office environments in mind, offering a neutral, muted, and subdued sound signature. This switch excels in reducing the clicky and clacky noises typical of many mechanical switches, making it suitable for both work and home settings. Ultimately, both switches cater to users who seek a quieter typing experience, but the Lavender HE leans towards a distinct clarity, while the WS Silent Linear focuses on deeper sound dampening.
In terms of feel, the Neo Lavender HE switch does not have specific qualitative descriptions available, making it difficult to provide insights into its tactile or actuation feedback. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear switch is characterized by a mild feel, presenting a gentle typing experience that is approachable for both novice and seasoned typists. This switch strikes a balance, providing a pleasant feedback sensation without overwhelming the user with pronounced characteristics, leading to a comfortable typing experience across various scenarios. While the absence of feel descriptions for the Lavender HE leaves a gap in comparison, it can be inferred that the tactile feedback of both switches caters to users looking for a pleasant typing experience.
In summary, both the Neo Lavender HE and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches offer notable advantages in their respective categories. The Lavender HE showcases a clean, low sound profile, while the WS Silent Linear provides a muted and subdued auditory experience tailored for quieter settings. The WS Silent Linear has a mild feel, but the lack of detail for the Lavender HE’s tactile response makes it challenging to compare that aspect directly. Overall, both switches will deliver quieter, satisfying experiences, but your choice may ultimately depend on the importance you place on sound clarity versus noise reduction in your typing environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing needs. If you favor a lighter touch and are looking for a clean, low sound with an innovative design that works seamlessly with Wooting keyboards, the Lavender HE is an excellent option. Its 50-gram bottom-out force provides a more effortless typing experience, which can be particularly enjoyable during long work sessions or gaming marathons. However, if you find yourself in an office setting or shared space where noise could be a distraction, the WS Silent Linear may be the better choice for you. With a medium-heavy 63.5-gram bottom-out force, it delivers a satisfying tactile feedback while keeping noise to a minimum through its intelligently designed railings, resulting in a neutral and subdued sound profile. Both switches offer distinct advantages; thus, consider where and how you will be using your keyboard, as well as your personal typing preferences, to make the best choice for your needs.
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