TTC Gold Silver vs. Zuoce Lavender
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Zuoce Lavender switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Silver and Zuoce Lavender both offer unique qualities worth considering. The Gold Silver is renowned for its rapid responsiveness, providing a swift and decisive bottom-out with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Lavender stands out for its exceptional smoothness and satisfying clacky sound signature. While the Gold Silver offers a polished and low-pitched typing experience, the Lavender is easy-to-press and emits a crisp sound. 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
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender utilizes a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate of the Gold Silver is more resonant due to its stiffness, while the POM of the Lavender produces a softer and rounder sound. Despite their differences, both materials are transparent, making them ideal for switches with RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Gold Silver uses nylon, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Lavender employs a POM bottom housing, which also contributes to a deep and muted sound profile. Both housing materials offer a pleasing and unique sound experience, with the nylon of the Gold Silver providing a slightly different sound profile compared to the POM of the Lavender.
Overall, the choice of housing materials significantly impacts the sound profile of a switch. While the Gold Silver's polycarbonate top housing creates a clear and resonant sound, the Lavender's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Gold Silver offers a fuller sound experience, while the POM bottom housing of the Lavender contributes to a deep and muted sound profile. Ultimately, both switches provide unique and pleasing sound profiles based on the materials used in their housing construction.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Silver requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Lavender's 48 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Gold Silver is unknown, while the Lavender has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is considered medium-light. The difference in actuation force may result in a slightly lighter typing experience with the Gold Silver, appealing to users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Lavender's higher actuation force may provide a more substantial feel for those who enjoy a firmer keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, preferred by gamers for faster response times. In this case, the Gold Silver offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lavender. For those who prefer a more responsive feel, the Lavender may be the better option, while the Gold Silver may provide a more substantial key press for those who prefer a greater depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Silver for $2.90.
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 TTC Gold Silver switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched profile, offering a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. This switch also has a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound that adds a crisp and bright element to each keystroke. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Gold Silver leaning towards a deeper tone while the Lavender provides a more percussive sound.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch is renowned for its polished, silky, mild, and subtle characteristics, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with minimal friction and gentle key travel. The Zuoce Lavender switch, on the other hand, boasts an easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. While the Gold Silver switch focuses on smoothness and refined key travel, the Lavender switch prioritizes effortless typing and low-impact key presses.
Overall, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch stands out for its rapid responsiveness, precise bottom-out, and smooth keystrokes, coupled with a thocky and low-pitched sound profile. In comparison, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch impresses with its exceptional smoothness, crisp and clacky sound signature, and easy-to-press feel. Depending on personal preference and typing style, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to individual preferences in sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness, a smooth keypress journey, and a tactile feedback with a resonant sound, the TTC Gold Silver switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value exceptional smoothness, a crisp and clacky sound, and easy-to-press keys, the Zuoce Lavender switch would better suit your typing style. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so make your decision based on what aspect of typing experience matters most to you. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your typist preferences and enhances your overall typing enjoyment.
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