Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Zuoce Lavender
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Zuoce Lavender switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Zuoce Lavender mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Ink Yellow is known for its shorter travel distance, providing a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. Its smoothness and clackiness make it a popular choice among users looking for a polished typing feel. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender stands out for its exceptional smoothness thanks to its proprietary Ly blend. This switch offers a crisp and clacky sound signature, adding a satisfying touch to each keystroke. While both switches have their own strengths, it's important to delve deeper into their specific characteristics to determine the best choice for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing and the Zuoce Lavender's POM top housing both have unique sound profiles, with the Ink Yellow producing a higher-pitched, clacky sound and the Lavender creating a deeper, more muted sound. This difference in sound can greatly impact the typing experience for users who prefer a specific sound profile. While both materials offer a satisfying typing experience, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for sound.
In terms of the bottom housings, the Gateron Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend and the Zuoce Lavender's POM material both contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. The differences in material between the two switches can result in a varying typing experience, with the Ink Yellow potentially providing a sharper bottom-out sound compared to the Lavender's more muted bottom-out sound.
However, if the top and bottom housings are different for a switch, the qualities of each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. This means that while the bottom housing may have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Gateron Ink Yellow and Zuoce Lavender offer a high-quality typing experience with unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom-out force of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, it is evident that the Ink Yellow is heavier than the Lavender. The Gateron Ink Yellow has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom-out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Zuoce Lavender has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom-out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. Individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Lavender more suitable, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Ink Yellow due to its heavier actuation and bottom-out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing feel and force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow 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, which are favored by gamers for quicker response times. The difference between the two switches may not be very noticeable in terms of travel distance, as both offer a relatively quick actuation. If you prefer a switch with a slightly deeper feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow may be the better option due to its slightly longer travel distance. However, if you enjoy a more abrupt and responsive feel, the Zuoce Lavender could be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference and the specific feel you are looking for in a keyboard switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch provides a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The clacky sound produced by this switch adds a satisfying sharpness to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch also offers a clacky sound signature that enhances the typing experience with its crisp and bright tones. Both switches are likely to provide similar results in terms of sound quality, depending on other factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. The mild feel of this switch provides a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users, while the polished finish contributes to smooth key travel and reduced friction. In comparison, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This feature enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during extended use and providing a responsive and low-impact feel.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Yellow and Zuoce Lavender linear switches have their own unique qualities when it comes to sound and feel. While the Ink Yellow switch offers a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished typing experience, the Lavender switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness and easy-to-press feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Both switches are excellent options for those looking for a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, typing experience, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, the Gateron Ink Yellow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a smooth, clacky typing experience right out of the box, the Zuoce Lavender switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force.
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