Zuoce Lavender vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Zuoce Lavender linear switch to the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it is clear that each has its own unique appeal. The Lavender is praised for its exceptional smoothness and clacky sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Melodic from Gateron offers a buttery and resonant feel with an invigorating and crunchy sound profile, thanks to advancements like factory lubing and dual-railed stems. While the Lavender may be preferred for its easy-to-press nature and clacky feedback, the Melodic stands out for its smoothness along with the classic clicky sound and tactile feedback. 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
60g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Zuoce Lavender and the Gateron Melodic, we see that the Lavender utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housings, creating a deep and muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Melodic features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound with a higher pitch. While POM may provide a unique sound experience, polycarbonate offers a more resonant and clear sound, especially beneficial for those who enjoy RGB lighting due to its translucency. It is evident that the choice of housing material greatly impacts the overall sound and feel of a switch.
Where the Lavender and Melodic differ in their top housing materials, they both share a similarity in their bottom housing choices. The Lavender's POM bottom housing produces a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Melodic's nylon bottom housing offers a fuller and rounder sound experience. Nylon's softer composition allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller sound quality compared to the stiffer POM material. Despite their differences, both switch variants emphasize the importance of the bottom housing in influencing the bottom-out sound and overall typing feel.
Ultimately, the housing materials of a switch play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of typing on a keyboard. Whether it be POM or polycarbonate for the top housing, or POM and nylon for the bottom housing, each material brings its own unique characteristics to the overall typing experience. While the Lavender and Melodic may differ in their choice of housing materials, they both demonstrate the impact that these materials have on the sound and feel of a switch. It is essential for keyboard enthusiasts to consider the housing material of a switch when looking for a specific sound profile or typing experience.
Weight
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Melodic switch has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Lavender switch has a bottom out force of 53 grams. This makes the Lavender switch more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out. In contrast, the Melodic switch is better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer a medium-level actuation force, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel in that aspect. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lavender's shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers, while the Melodic's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for some users. Both switches offer different tactile experiences due to their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy a shorter travel distance for quick keypresses, the Lavender may be the better choice, but if you prefer a deeper press, the Melodic could be more suitable for you.
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 Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 crisp and clacky sound signature, delivering a satisfying and distinct auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch provides a resonant and crunchy sound profile, giving users a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Lavender focusing on a sharp and snappy sound, while the Melodic emphasizes a clean and sharp clicky sound.
Moving on to the feel, the Lavender switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances typing efficiency and comfort, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic switch is described as buttery and invigorating, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and moderate to firm actuation force. These qualities create a seamless and responsive typing sensation, making typing on the Melodic switch an immersive experience.
Considering all the available information, while the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics, both switches excel in providing a satisfying typing experience tailored to different preferences. Whether you prefer a crisp and clacky sound with easy-to-press switches like the Lavender, or a resonant and buttery feel with invigorating feedback like the Melodic, you can expect top-notch performance from either switch. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, you should consider your preference for smoothness and sound. If you value a smooth typing experience right out of the box with a crisp and clacky sound, the Lavender switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a classic clicky sound with smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems for added smoothness, the Melodic switch may be more suited to your tastes. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will come down to whether you prioritize smoothness and sound profile over each keystroke's tactile feedback and auditory experience.
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