Zuoce Lavender vs. TTC Light Cloud V2
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the TTC Light Cloud V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Zuoce Lavender and the TTC Light Cloud V2, both of which are linear switches. The Zuoce Lavender stands out for its exceptional smoothness, thanks to its unique Ly blend, offering a satisfyingly crisp and clacky sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Light Cloud V2 is favored for its silent operation and refined typing feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a more delicate and nuanced typing experience. While the Lavender is known for being easy-to-press and clacky, the Light Cloud V2 is described as mild, muted, neutral, easy-to-press, and feathery. 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
48g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Zuoce Lavender and TTC Light Cloud V2 use different materials for their top and bottom housings, with the Lavender featuring POM for both top and bottom, while the Light Cloud V2 uses nylon for both. The POM top and bottom housings of the Lavender create a unique sound profile that is deep and relatively muted, providing a satisfying typing experience. In comparison, the nylon top and bottom housings of the Light Cloud V2 offer a fuller and deeper sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Zuoce Lavender and TTC Light Cloud V2 aim to create a pleasing typing experience with unique sound profiles. The POM top and bottom housings of the Lavender work together to produce a deep and muted sound, while the nylon top and bottom housings of the Light Cloud V2 focus on creating a fuller and deeper sound. While the specific characteristics of each material may vary, both switches ultimately prioritize providing a satisfying typing experience with their respective sound profiles.
When considering the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, it's important to note how the qualities of the top and bottom housings contribute to the switch's sound profile. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in material composition, both the Zuoce Lavender and TTC Light Cloud V2 deliver a unique typing experience that is tailored to the preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, it is clear that both switches are relatively lightweight options. The Lavender switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Light Cloud V2's 45 grams, making it slightly heavier. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Light Cloud V2 requires 58 grams compared to the Lavender's 53 grams, making it the heavier option in this aspect. Both switches offer a medium-light feel, with the Light Cloud V2 being slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, either switch would provide similar results due to their relatively low actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those seeking quicker response times, especially in gaming. However, the difference of 0.1 mm may not be significant enough to noticeably affect performance. Ultimately, choosing between the two based on travel distance alone may come down to personal preference and how the switch feels when typing or gaming. Both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, so the choice between the two may depend on other factors such as actuation force or sound.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The TTC Light Cloud V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Cloud V2 for $5.49.
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 Zuoce Lavender linear switch offers a clacky experience, producing a sharp and snappy sound with each press, giving a satisfyingly crisp and bright sound signature. On the other hand, the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch provides a more muted and quiet typing experience, making it a great choice for those looking for a more subtle sound profile. If you prefer a more neutral sound profile, the Light Cloud V2 may be the better option, suitable for a variety of environments such as home or work.
When it comes to feel, the Zuoce Lavender switch is described as easy-to-press, offering a gentle typing experience with minimal force required for activation. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. The TTC Light Cloud V2 switch, on the other hand, provides a mild and approachable typing experience, falling within a safe middle-ground zone in terms of feel. Additionally, the Light Cloud V2 is also easy-to-press and feathery, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions like gaming, school, or work.
In conclusion, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch stands out for its clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, providing a satisfyingly crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch offers a more muted sound profile and a mild, easy-to-press feel, making it a great choice for those seeking a quieter typing experience. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, so choosing between them ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel. However, if you enjoy a light actuation force and effortless typing experience, you can expect similar results from both switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the Zuoce Lavender linear switch versus the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, your choice will ultimately come down to your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize smoothness and a crisp, clacky sound signature, then the Lavender switch with its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a silent switch with a refined typing feel and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, then the Light Cloud V2 switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer their own unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it's important to consider what matters most to you when making your decision. Ultimately, your typing experience will be enhanced with either of these switches based on your individual preferences.