Zuoce Lavender vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Zuoce Lavender and the Haimu Neo White mechanical keyboard switches, it's evident that both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Zuoce Lavender switch is praised for its exceptional smoothness and crisp, clacky sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White switch stands out for its medium weight and smooth actuation, offering a distinctive typing feel with slightly reduced total travel. While the Lavender is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', the Neo White is categorized as 'Mild' and 'Neutral'. Each switch has its own strengths and advantages, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
48g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Zuoce Lavender and the Haimu Neo White, it is evident that they differ in their top housing materials. The Lavender utilizes a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Neo White features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound. The use of POM in the Lavender results in a unique sound that may be preferred by some users for its distinct qualities, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Neo White offers a different sound experience that may appeal to a different set of preferences.
On the other hand, both switches share a similarity in their bottom housing materials. The Lavender and the Neo White both use different materials for their bottom housing - POM for the Lavender and nylon for the Neo White. POM creates a deeper sound profile, while nylon provides a fuller and rounder sound. These differences in bottom housing materials contribute to the overall sound profile of each switch, enhancing the typing experience for users who may prefer a specific type of sound and feel when typing.
It is important to note that the impact of the bottom and top housing materials on the overall sound and feel of a switch is significant. The bottom housing material has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material plays a key role in the sound when letting go of a key. Therefore, the choice of housing materials in a switch can greatly affect the typing experience and the preferences of users who value specific sound profiles and tactile feedback. Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Zuoce Lavender and the Haimu Neo White offer users a variety of options to tailor their typing experience to their individual preferences.
Weight
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Haimu Neo White linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Lavender also has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Neo White has a bottom out force of 58 grams. This makes the Lavender switch a better option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out keys. On the other hand, the Neo White switch is better suited for individuals who prefer a bit more resistance and a more substantial typing feel. Both switches fall into the medium-light category in terms of actuation force, but the Neo White is slightly heavier when it comes to bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required for key presses.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, there is a slight difference in their lengths. The Lavender has a travel distance of 3.4 mm while the Neo White has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. While the Lavender switch is slightly shorter in its travel distance, the Neo White switch offers a slightly longer distance for a more pronounced key press feel. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for users looking for a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference - whether you prefer a slightly shorter travel distance for faster response times or a slightly longer distance for a more deliberate key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
The Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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 Zuoce Lavender switch offers a clacky and sharp noise, providing a satisfyingly crisp and bright sound to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White switch has a more neutral sound profile, suitable for various environments and skill levels. Both switches can provide a pleasant auditory experience, with the Lavender being more distinct and percussive while the Neo White is more versatile and adaptable.
Moving on to the feel, the Zuoce Lavender switch is known for being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a responsive and low-impact typing experience. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White switch offers a mild typing feel, providing a comfortable and gentle typing experience without any extreme characteristics. Both switches aim to provide a smooth and satisfying typing experience, with the Lavender being on the lighter side in terms of actuation force and the Neo White falling in a safe middle-ground zone.
In conclusion, the Zuoce Lavender and Haimu Neo White switches each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. Depending on personal preferences, the Lavender switch may be preferred for its clacky sound signature and easy-to-press feel, while the Neo White switch may be favored for its neutral sound profile and mild typing experience. Ultimately, both switches can deliver a smooth and satisfying typing experience, with users likely to achieve similar results in terms of overall performance and enjoyment.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize smoothness and a crisp, clacky sound, the Lavender switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium weight switch with a slightly reduced total travel and a smooth actuation, the Neo White switch could be the better option. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the specific typing feel you are looking to achieve. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so make sure to test them out and see which one aligns best with your typing style.
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