Gateron CM vs. Zuoce Lavender
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Zuoce Lavender switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CM and Zuoce Lavender both offer unique features and qualities to consider. The CM switch sets itself apart with its full nylon housing, providing a richer, deeper sound signature and a smooth typing experience thanks to impeccable factory lubrication. With a lengthened, dual-staged spring, this switch offers a bouncy and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness right out of the box, attributed to its proprietary Ly blend. It delivers a crisp and clacky sound with each keystroke, offering a distinctly satisfying typing experience. Each switch has its own unique qualities and characteristics that may appeal to different preferences and needs. 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
55g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron CM and the Zuoce Lavender switches both play a significant role in the sound profile produced. The CM features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Lavender's POM top housing also produces a pleasing and unique sound with a deeper tone and a more muted quality. While both materials offer a deep sound profile, the nylon may provide a rounder sound compared to the POM.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Gateron CM and the Zuoce Lavender switches utilize nylon and POM respectively. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. Similarly, POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile. Both materials bring qualities to the switch that impact the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, enhancing the overall typing experience. However, the specific characteristics of each material may lead to subtle differences in sound and feel between the two switches.
While there are differences in the specific housing materials used for the Gateron CM and Zuoce Lavender switches, both switches offer a rich and deep sound profile. The nylon and POM materials each contribute to a unique typing experience, with the softer nylon providing a fuller sound and the POM delivering a more muted tone. The split between top and bottom housing in these switches ensures that users can feel the impact of each material during typing, resulting in a satisfying and distinctive sound experience with every key press. Ultimately, while the materials may vary, the overall sound profiles of these switches may offer similar results in terms of depth and richness.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, the main difference lies in the weight of the forces. The Gateron CM has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender offers a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light option. The lighter weight of the Zuoce Lavender may be preferred by those who value extended typing comfort, while the heavier weight of the Gateron CM may appeal to individuals seeking a more substantial and tactile typing sensation. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on personal preferences, with the Gateron CM being heavier and the Zuoce Lavender being lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, the CM has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lavender has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Lavender switch has a slightly shorter distance to travel compared to the CM switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. Choosing between the two would come down to personal preference - those who prefer a quicker, more responsive keypress may lean towards the Lavender switch, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their keypress may prefer the CM switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience due to their comparable travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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.
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 Gateron CM linear switch offers a bassy and thocky sound profile with low-pitched tones, providing a deep and rich auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch produces a crisp and clacky sound, delivering a sharp and percussive noise with each keystroke. Depending on personal preference, the CM switch may be preferred for users who enjoy a deeper and more resonant sound, while the Lavender switch may appeal to those who prefer a sharper and more defined sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CM linear switch is described as buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with reduced friction and seamless key travel. In contrast, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch is noted for being easy-to-press, providing gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate, ultimately enhancing typing comfort and reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Depending on individual typing preferences, the CM switch may be favored for its buttery and frictionless feel, while the Lavender switch may be preferred for its low-impact and responsive typing experience.
Overall, both the Gateron CM linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the CM switch provides a deeper and bouncier typing experience with a rich sound profile, the Lavender switch offers exceptional smoothness and a crisp, clacky sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, both switches promise a high-quality and satisfying typing journey, ensuring that users will achieve similar levels of performance and comfort regardless of their selection.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron CM linear switch or the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a bouncy typing experience with a deeper and richer sound profile, then the CM switch would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with exceptional smoothness right out of the box and a crisp and clacky sound signature, then the Lavender switch would be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize the unique features offered by the CM switch or the Lavender switch that align with your typing preferences and experience.
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