Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Zuoce Lavender
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Zuoce Lavender switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Zuoce Lavender mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes apparent that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Keygeek Raw stands out for its creamy yet lightweight feel, thanks to its Nylon and UMPE top housing combined with UMPE and Silicon bottom housing. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender impresses with its exceptional smoothness and crisp, clacky sound due to its proprietary Ly blend. While the Keygeek Raw is categorized as textured, mild, neutral, and subtle, the Lavender is described as easy-to-press and clacky. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preference and typing style; 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
N/A
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Keygeek Raw and the Zuoce Lavender both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile and feel. The Keygeek Raw utilizes a Nylon & UPE blend for its top housing, while the Lavender uses POM for the same component. Both materials are known for producing a pleasing sound, with the POM housing on the Lavender creating a deeper and more muted tone compared to the Keygeek Raw's Nylon & UPE blend. This difference in sound profile can greatly affect the overall typing experience for users.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Keygeek Raw features a UMPE & Si blend while the Zuoce Lavender utilizes a POM material. Just like with the top housing, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of the switch when pressed. The UMPE & Si blend on the Keygeek Raw may offer a slightly different tactile feedback compared to the POM bottom housing on the Lavender. These subtle differences in material composition can lead to variations in typing experience and overall preference for users.
While the housing materials of the Keygeek Raw and Zuoce Lavender differ, both switches aim to provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience. The top and bottom housing materials contribute to the distinct sound profiles of each switch, with the Keygeek Raw offering a blend of Nylon & UPE for the top housing and UMPE & Si for the bottom housing, and the Zuoce Lavender featuring POM for both components. Despite these differences, users can still expect a high-quality and satisfying typing experience from both switches, albeit with variations in sound and feel based on the housing materials used.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, it is evident that the Keygeek Raw is the heavier of the two with a bottom out force of 57.5 grams, while the Lavender is lighter with a bottom out force of 53 grams. The actuation force of the Lavender is 48 grams, whereas the Keygeek Raw's actuation force is unknown. Both switches provide a medium level of resistance when bottoming out. When considering weight, those who prefer lighter switches may opt for the Lavender for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Keygeek Raw. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, users will experience a similar amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance indicates that the typing experience with both switches will be consistent in terms of keypress depth. Whether using the Keygeek Raw or the Zuoce Lavender switch, users can expect a comparable level of tactile feedback and keypress depth, resulting in a consistent typing experience overall.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 Keygeek Raw linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various purposes, whether for beginners or advanced users, and for use at home or work. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch provides a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and described as crisp, bright, and percussive. The sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's board and keycaps used.
Turning to the feel, the Keygeek Raw switch provides a slightly textured typing experience with a mild and subtle resistance, offering a safe and approachable middle-ground feel. In contrast, the Zuoce Lavender switch is easy-to-press with gentle resistance, requiring minimal force for activation, making typing effortless and comfortable. Each switch caters to different preferences in terms of typing feel, with the Keygeek Raw offering a textured and mild experience, while the Zuoce Lavender provides an easy-to-press and low-impact feel.
Overall, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a slightly textured feel with a mild resistance, the Keygeek Raw linear switch would be a suitable choice for you. Alternatively, if you enjoy a clacky sound and an easy-to-press typing experience with low resistance, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch would be a great option. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users based on their individual preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch or the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you are looking for a switch with a slightly textured feel and moderate actuation force, the Keygeek Raw may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize exceptional smoothness and a clacky sound profile, the Lavender switch may be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a switch that is easy to press and offers minimal resistance, the Lavender switch would be the way to go. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it is important to consider what aspects are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Keygeek Raw and Zuoce Lavender switches will depend on your individual typing style and preferences, so choose the switch that best suits your needs for an optimal typing experience.
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