TTC Gold Red vs. Zuoce Lavender
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Zuoce Lavender switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Red and Zuoce Lavender mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer a smooth typing experience but with some distinct differences. The Gold Red switch provides a buttery smooth feel with a light-medium resistance, accompanied by a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality to your typing. On the other hand, the Lavender switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness right out of the box, thanks to its proprietary blend. It offers a crisp and clacky sound signature that enhances the overall typing experience. While the Gold Red switch is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Silky', 'Subtle', and 'Polished', the Lavender switch is described as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky'. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your preferred typing experience, but 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
43g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Zuoce Lavender, one key difference is in their top housing materials. The Gold Red uses polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Lavender utilizes POM, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users, with the Gold Red providing a crisper sound and the Lavender offering a more rounded sound.
On the other hand, both switches feature a bottom housing made of nylon, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This similarity in bottom housing materials means that both the Gold Red and the Lavender will have a similar impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. The absorption of sound by the nylon material creates a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience for users of both switches.
While the top and bottom housing materials differ between the TTC Gold Red and the Zuoce Lavender, the impact of each housing material on the typing experience is clear. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Red creates a distinct sound when pressing down on a key, while the POM top housing of the Lavender offers a unique sound profile when releasing a key. Despite these differences, the nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, ensuring that users will enjoy a satisfying typing experience regardless of the switch they choose.
Weight
The actuation force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch is 43 grams, while the actuation force of the Zuoce Lavender linear switch is 48 grams. Both switches have a relatively light actuation force, which is suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gold Red requires 50 grams of force while the Lavender requires 53 grams. This means that the Gold Red is lighter in terms of bottom out force compared to the Lavender. For individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and prefer a slightly heavier touch, the Zuoce Lavender may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Gold Red the longer option compared to the Lavender. The Gold Red's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a deeper feel when pressing down on the key, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Lavender's 3.4 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it a popular choice among gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and whether you prioritize a deeper keypress feel or a quicker response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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
In terms of sound, the Gold Red linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, creating a deep and rich typing experience. The neutral sound profile of the Gold Red switch makes it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch produces a clacky sound, characterized by sharp and snappy keystrokes. This adds a crisp and bright touch to each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycap material used.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Red linear switch provides a mild and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and refined feel while typing. The subtle resistance of the Gold Red switch ensures a light and approachable typing experience suitable for a wide range of users. Additionally, the polished finish of the Gold Red switch reduces friction and enhances key travel, resulting in a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch is known for being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate the keys. This gentle resistance makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
Overall, both the TTC Gold Red and Zuoce Lavender linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gold Red switch provides a buttery smooth typing experience with a thocky sound profile, while the Lavender switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness and clacky sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on the individual's preferences for sound and feel during typing. If you enjoy a smooth and refined typing experience with a deep sound profile, the Gold Red switch may be the ideal choice. Conversely, if you prefer a snappy and clacky typing feel with minimal resistance, the Zuoce Lavender switch could be more suitable for you.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Red linear switch or the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences. If you are looking for a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a snappy sound profile, the Gold Red may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize exceptional smoothness right out of the box, along with a crisp and clacky sound signature, the Lavender switch may be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different needs and preferences, so take into account what factors matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
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