Zuoce Lavender vs. KTT Miaowu
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the KTT Miaowu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Zuoce Lavender and KTT Miaowu stand out as two compelling options to consider. The Lavender switch is praised for its exceptional smoothness right out of the box, thanks to its proprietary Ly blend, offering an easy-to-press feel and a satisfyingly clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Miaowu leverages advanced molds for enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action, utilizing innovative POK in its stem for a bouncy yet clacky typing experience. While these general descriptions provide a glimpse into the key characteristics of each switch, diving deeper into their unique features and performance will help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Stem material
POK
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
Housing materials
The Zuoce Lavender and KTT Miaowu both offer unique housing materials for their switches, with the Lavender featuring POM top and bottom housings, while the Miaowu utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The POM top and bottom housings of the Lavender create a deep and relatively muted sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Miaowu produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The nylon bottom housing of the Miaowu offers a deeper and fuller sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Lavender which is softer and absorbs more sound.
While the top housings of the Zuoce Lavender and KTT Miaowu differ in material, they both aim to influence the sound profile of the switches. The POM top housing of the Lavender creates a unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Miaowu produces a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate material in the Miaowu's top housing allows for RGB lighting effects, adding an aesthetic element to the switch that the Lavender may not have. Despite these differences, both switches prioritize sound quality and aim to provide a satisfying typing experience for users.
When comparing the bottom housings of the Zuoce Lavender and KTT Miaowu, it is evident that the choice of material significantly impacts the sound profile of the switches. The nylon bottom housing of the Miaowu offers a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the POM bottom housing of the Lavender creates a more muted sound profile. The split between the top and bottom housings of a switch allows for a unique typing experience, as the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound as keys are released. Overall, the choice of housing materials in both switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and overall typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, it is evident that the Miaowu is the lighter option with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Lavender is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. The Miaowu provides a lighter touch, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. On the other hand, the Lavender offers a slightly more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches provide a smooth linear feel, but the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding the desired level of force for typing or gaming activities.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, there is a slight difference between the two. The Lavender has a travel distance of 3.4mm, while the Miaowu has a travel distance of 3.5mm. While the difference may seem minimal, it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Lavender for quicker response times, while those who enjoy a more robust feel may opt for the Miaowu with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, offering similar results in terms of key feel and performance.
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 KTT Miaowu has an MSRP of $4.32 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Miaowu for $3.71.
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
The Zuoce Lavender switch is known for its crisp and clacky sound signature, providing a distinctly satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu switch also offers a clacky sound profile, creating a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. While both switches share a similar sound profile, the Lavender may have a slightly brighter and more percussive tone compared to the Miaowu.
When it comes to feel, the Zuoce Lavender switch is praised for its easy-to-press quality, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This results in a comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the contrary, the KTT Miaowu switch provides a bouncy sensation, giving keys a spring-like or elastic feedback when pressed. This lively feel can add a sense of rebound to each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Zuoce Lavender and KTT Miaowu switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Lavender excels in providing a smooth and clacky sound experience along with easy-to-press key feel, the Miaowu stands out for its enhanced stem stability and bouncy key feedback. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, as both options offer a high-quality typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, consider the slight differences in bottom out force, sound signature, and feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and crave a smooth keystroke experience with a crisp and clacky sound, the Lavender switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter bottom out force and prioritize stem stability and a bouncy, spring-like feel, then the Miaowu switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and what characteristics you prioritize most in your typing experience.
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