Zuoce Lavender vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Zuoce Lavender linear switch to the Durock Medium Tactile switch, it is apparent that both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Lavender switch is renowned for its exceptional smoothness right out of the box, providing a satisfying typing experience with a crisp and clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch from Durock boasts a pronounced yet balanced tactility, coupled with a jelly-like sound profile. While the Lavender switch is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', the Medium Tactile switch is classified as 'Accented', 'Stepped', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. Each switch offers distinct features that may appeal to different users based on their preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Zuoce Lavender and the Durock Medium Tactile, a clear distinction can be seen in their respective top housings. The Lavender's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, providing a unique auditory experience. In contrast, the Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound with enhanced clarity due to the stiffness of the material. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, users may find the POM housing of the Lavender more soothing, whereas the polycarbonate housing of the Medium Tactile offers a crisper sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing of the switches, the Lavender's POM bottom housing mirrors its top housing, resulting in a consistent and pleasing sound profile. Conversely, the Medium Tactile's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to the softer nature of the material which absorbs more sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials presents users with a choice between a more muted and deeper sound from the POM housing of the Lavender or a fuller and rounder sound from the nylon housing of the Medium Tactile.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Zuoce Lavender and the Durock Medium Tactile leads to a unique typing experience for users. While the top housing material influences the sound when pressing down on a key or releasing it, the bottom housing material impacts the bottom-out sound and feel. Despite their differences, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Whether seeking a deeper and more muted sound from the POM housing of the Lavender or a sharper and crisper sound from the polycarbonate housing of the Medium Tactile, users have the opportunity to choose a switch that best suits their typing style and auditory preferences.
Weight
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch have notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Lavender switch has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it medium-light in comparison to the Medium Tactile switch, which has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. The actuation force for the Medium Tactile switch is unknown, but it is clear that it requires more force to fully press down compared to the Lavender switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Lavender switch might be the better option, while those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile feel may prefer the Medium Tactile switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Zuoce Lavender linear switch is 3.4 mm, while the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lavender switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Medium Tactile switch. The shorter travel distance of the Lavender switch may appeal to those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch with its longer travel distance might be preferred by individuals seeking a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to personal preference, with one offering a quicker, more abrupt press and the other providing a deeper, more deliberate keystroke.
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 Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 is known for its clacky and percussive sound profile, providing a satisfying and crisp auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offers a jelly-like sound signature, which adds a unique tactile feedback to typing sessions. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Lavender emphasizing sharpness and the Medium Tactile providing a softer, more cushioned sound.
Moving on to feel, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses that minimizes finger fatigue and enhances typing comfort. Conversely, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch features an accented and stepped tactile feedback, providing a balanced tactile feel that is not too overwhelming nor too subtle. Additionally, the Medium Tactile switch is described as mild and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience that reduces friction and ensures a sleek key travel.
Overall, both the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Lavender excels in providing a clacky sound profile and easy-to-press feel, the Medium Tactile offers a jelly-like sound signature and a balanced tactile feedback. Depending on individual preferences for sound and tactile feel, newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboard switches can experiment with these options to find the perfect match for their typing style. Despite their differences, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience that is sure to enhance any keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, consider your personal preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize smoothness and a clacky sound with a lighter actuation force, the Lavender switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a balance of pronounced tactility with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a jelly-like sound signature, the Medium Tactile switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the Lavender switch offers an easy-to-press feel, while the Medium Tactile switch provides an accented, stepped, mild, and polished tactile sensation. Choose wisely based on your desired typing experience.
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