I used no lye relaxers when I was a child-young teen and they didn't compare to when I switched to lye. My hair had a silkier texture, was more moisturized. It had body and movement.
Stick with lye. Lye doesn't make some people's hair as straight but that's why the hair isn't so stiff. It keeps some of the hair's natural texture and elasticity. Elasticity is what allows your hair not to break while it's being groomed.