Neo Lavender HE vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing or gaming experience, the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Yellow Silver offer distinct advantages that cater to different preferences. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its clean and low sound profile, making it ideal for users who value a quieter working environment. Its compatibility with Wooting keyboards further enhances its appeal, especially for those seeking innovative technology in their setups. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver, known for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, shines in fast-paced scenarios, appealing to gamers and typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their keystrokes. While both switches have unique characteristics—one focusing on a quiet operation while the other emphasizes quick, crisp performance—your ultimate choice will depend on your individual typing style and environment. 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
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Neo Lavender HE and Outemu Yellow Silver switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings that significantly influence their auditory characteristics. The Lavender HE's top housing is crafted from nylon, a material known for its ability to produce a warmer, deeper sound profile. This is due to nylon's relatively soft composition, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a more subdued and rounded tonal quality when typing. In contrast, the Yellow Silver's top housing utilizes polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that contributes to a brighter, crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's rigidity allows for a clearer resonance, creating a sharper auditory experience, particularly appealing for users who prioritize clarity and precision in their keystrokes.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, it is noted that both the Lavender HE and the Yellow Silver feature nylon. This similarity means that regardless of the differing top housings, both switches share a common trait of producing a deeper, fuller sound profile during key presses. The nylon bottom housing absorbs sound similarly for both switches, which contributes to a rounder bottom-out experience. Thus, when a user presses down on either switch, the influence of the bottom housing remains consistent, leading to an enjoyable and cohesive feel, even if the auditory characteristics may differ.
Ultimately, the combined effects of the different top housing materials allow for distinct sound profiles, while the shared nylon bottom housing serves to align certain acoustic qualities between the switches. While the Neo Lavender HE offers a warmer, deeper tone due to its nylon housing, the Outemu Yellow Silver provides a sharper, more pronounced auditory experience from its polycarbonate top. This illustrates how the configuration of housing materials can yield unique experiences in typing while maintaining some shared auditory characteristics. Therefore, users can expect varying results in their typing sound and feel based on the switch chosen, driven by the interplay of both the top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch have different characteristics when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Lavender HE has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it easier to press and ideal for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Yellow Silver features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, offering a more substantial feel when typing. As a result, those who prefer a lighter switch may find the Lavender HE more suitable, while individuals who enjoy a firmer feedback will gravitate towards the Yellow Silver. Overall, if you're looking for a switch that won't tire your fingers over time, the Lavender HE is a better choice, while the Yellow Silver provides a richer, more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Lavender HE the shorter option, appealing to gamers who prefer a more responsive feel for quicker key presses. In contrast, the Yellow Silver offers the traditional travel distance of 4 mm, providing a more substantial tactile experience that some users may find preferable for typing or gaming. Ultimately, if you're looking for faster response times with a less abrupt action, the Neo Lavender HE is the better choice, while the Outemu Yellow Silver caters to those who appreciate a deeper keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50, whereas the Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40.
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 known for its clean, low sound, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. This quality sets it apart from many other mechanical switches, creating an unobtrusive auditory environment, especially useful in shared spaces. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch boasts a neutral sound profile, which means that it produces a moderate sound level that is versatile enough for both gaming and typing. While the Lavender HE has a distinctive low pitch due to its magnetic operation, the Yellow Silver offers a more universally acceptable sound that can cater to various user preferences.
When discussing feel, the Lavender HE provides a smooth experience that complements its audio profile, although the specific tactile characteristics are not detailed. The Yellow Silver, however, is recognized for its light actuation force, making it highly responsive and enjoyable for both gamers and typists who value speed. This combination of light resistance and smooth travel makes the Yellow Silver appealing for prolonged use, though the exact feel of the Lavender HE switch remains unspecified.
Overall, both switches cater to distinct user preferences: the Neo Lavender HE is ideal for those seeking a quiet operation with a unique auditory signature, while the Outemu Yellow Silver caters to users who prioritize responsiveness and a moderate sound level. Although the tactile feedback of the Lavender HE switch is not outlined, its magnetic functionality generally results in a smooth experience. Consequently, while each switch offers its own set of benefits, they both can provide a satisfying experience for typists and gamers alike, depending on individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and specific use cases. If you favor a lighter touch and appreciate a clean, low sound while typing or gaming, the Lavender HE switch is an excellent choice, especially if you're utilizing a Wooting keyboard, as its unique magnetic technology enhances its performance. Additionally, its 50 grams of bottom-out force makes it ideal for extended typing sessions or fast-paced gaming where you want to minimize finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light actuation force with a more neutral sound profile, the Yellow Silver switch would serve you well. This switch is particularly advantageous for gamers and typists seeking responsiveness and a swifter feel, combined with a sound frequency that won't disrupt your environment, making it a versatile option for both home and work settings. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing style, workspace, and the type of experience you seek, as both options cater to distinct needs in the realm of mechanical keyboards.
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