Neo Lavender HE vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Neo Lavender HE and TTC Yunhai offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its clean, low sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a quieter typing experience. This switch works seamlessly with Wooting keyboards, distinguishing itself with its magnetic actuation technology. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai, categorized as a linear switch, boasts a deep, rounded sound profile and incredibly light actuation force, ideal for those who enjoy a soft, effortless keystroke. The Yunhai offers a feathery touch that enhances comfort and efficiency during long typing sessions. Both switches have their unique merits: Lavender HE for its acoustic discretion and innovative mechanics, and Yunhai for its gentle, smooth feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Neo Lavender HE and the TTC Yunhai are both equipped with nylon switch housings, which includes both top and bottom components. This shared feature significantly contributes to their acoustic profiles, making them distinctively similar in sound quality. The use of nylon—a softer plastic—enables both switches to produce a deeper and fuller sound when typed on. This is a notable advantage of nylon, as it inherently absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a sound profile that is duller and rounder. Consequently, users can expect a satisfying auditory experience when using switches from either the Lavender HE or the Yunhai, with minimal discernible differences in sound depth and fullness.
In addition to their acoustic characteristics, the nylon bottom housings of both switches further enhance the typing experience. Since the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, having them crafted from the same material accentuates the cohesive sonic performance across both models. The Nylon bottom housing's properties will ensure that the feedback during key presses is to the satisfaction of users, as both designs are engineered to maintain a harmonious balance between sound and tactile response. Therefore, when comparing the bottom housings of the Lavender HE and Yunhai, users can anticipate a similarly engaging typing sensation.
While there may be variations in design or specific tuning for each model, the fundamental use of nylon in both the top and bottom housing means that users will experience a comparable performance when typing on these switches. If there are differences in the characteristics of each switch's top and bottom housings, those variations will still likely adhere to the general acoustic profile established by the nylon material itself. In summary, both the Neo Lavender HE and the TTC Yunhai are poised to deliver a muted yet comforting auditory sensation, ensuring that regardless of the model chosen, users can expect delightful typing outcomes rooted in their shared housing material.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, both switches exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for extended use. The Lavender HE features an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Yunhai has a slightly higher actuation force at 42 grams, although both have the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of bottoming out, but the Lavender HE offers a marginally lighter actuation force, which may appeal to those who prefer a less demanding keystroke during long typing or gaming sessions. Overall, the Lavender HE is the lighter option, while the Yunhai is slightly heavier in terms of actuation force, catering to users who might enjoy a more substantial push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the Lavender HE features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Yunhai has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Lavender HE provides a more pronounced keypress experience, which some users may prefer for its depth and tactile feedback. Conversely, the Yunhai's shorter travel distance could appeal to gamers and users looking for quicker response times, making it suitable for fast-paced scenarios. Ultimately, if you prioritize a more responsive feel, the TTC Yunhai is the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a more substantial keypress may prefer the Neo Lavender HE.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 hall effect switch is known for its clean, low sound profile, making it a great choice for users who prefer a subtle acoustic experience without distractions. This switch works particularly well with Wooting keyboards, lending itself to a more refined auditory environment. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch features a deep, rounded sound profile that provides a unique auditory experience. The differing sound characteristics can influence your overall typing experience, and it’s important to note that the final sound will also depend on the keyboard and keycaps used alongside these switches.
When evaluating the feel of these switches, the Lavender HE is recognized for its comfortable typing experience, though specifics on the tactile feedback are not provided. The TTC Yunhai switch, on the other hand, is characterized by its extremely light actuation force and feathery feel. This lightness greatly reduces finger fatigue, allowing for extended typing sessions without discomfort. For typists and gamers alike, the effortless actuation of the Yunhai ensures that every keystroke is achieved with minimal exertion, making it ideal for prolonged use.
Overall, while both switches offer distinct auditory and tactile characteristics, the Neo Lavender HE provides a cleaner sound compared to the deeper notes of the TTC Yunhai. The feel of the Lavender HE remains somewhat unspecified but promises a comfortable experience, whereas the Yunhai switch shines with its incredibly light and feathery touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel, as both can provide satisfying typing experiences but in different ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a clean, low sound profile with a unique technological edge, the Neo Lavender HE would be an excellent choice, especially if you're looking to utilize the capabilities of Wooting keyboards. This switch offers a smooth feel that allows for an engaging typing experience without much auditory distraction, making it great for both gaming and professional work environments. On the other hand, if you lean towards a deeper, more rounded sound and seek a feathery feel that minimizes finger fatigue, the TTC Yunhai is the way to go. Its light actuation force delivers effortless typing, perfect for long sessions of typing or gaming. Therefore, consider your personal typing style, sound preference, and ergonomics when making your final decision, as both switches cater to different experiences yet share a similar bottom-out force.
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